The 4 Wing volunteer Pipes & Drums originally formed as the RCAF station Cold Lake Highland Appreciation Club in 1962. After years of listening to and appreciation highland music, the notion of learning to play and perform this music was born in the formation of the RCAF Cold Lake Pipes & Drums in 1966. The appointment of a regular force musician Pipe Major would come years later in 1985. However, a fine group of dedicated gentlemen performed the role of acting Pipe Major from 1966 to 1985. First there was A/Pipe Major, F/Sgt Simpson from '62 to '64, followed by A/Pipe Major Cpl Len 'Jock' McCabe from '64 to '67, who served as both P/Major and drum instructor. Then came the legendary A/Pipe Major Pat Struparyk, once from '67 until '80 and again in '81 to '84. During 1980 to 1981 A/Pipe Major Sgt Poszwajol led the band. A/Pipe Major Keith Stewart who still played with the band until just recently today held the appointment from 1984 to 1985.

After years of trying to get a position for a regular force Pipe Major to run the band, it finally happened in 1985 with posting of Pipe Major Dave Hjalmarson. Three individuals were instrumental in creating this band and keeping it running throughout the years, they were Capt Fred Aldsworth, Maj Charlie King, who were both band officers, and the only member who has been there right from the start, the exuberant Mike Jukosky. After Pipe Major Hjalmarson departed in 1989, he was replaced by Pipe Major Ian Ferguson. Pipe Major Ferguson?s tenure was from 1989 to 1993. Pipe Major Jim MacIntyre followed Ian from 1993 to 1996.

The Pipe Band became the CFB Cold Lake Pipes & Drums in 1968 and carried on it?s active career playing at parades throughout the Lakeland area as well as many military parades, tattoos, and Change of Commands. In 1993 CFB Cold Lake became 4 Wing as part of the ever-changing Air Force.

4 Wing Pipes & Drums continue the Highland tradition of gathering once a week at the band office for weekly instruction and rehearsals. Many hours of dedicated rehearsal time is spent preparing the band for upcoming events, Freedom of the City Parades, and mini concerts we perform along with our 4 Wing Brass & Reed Band.

Due to no lack of effort on the bands part, 4 Wing Pipes & Drums have never had a regular force Drum Instructor position Slightly contrary to the CF Music survey 1998 which stated that pipe bands have a cadre of 2 (musician Pipe Major & Drum Instructor)). In the past, the band has relied upon the competent players posted to 4 Wing as Acting Drum Instructors. Some of the more notable acting DI's were Joe Grenier, Phil Duncan, Sgt Pete Gauthier, Cpl Mark Davies, Cpl Mike Chapman, and Chris Linford. In 1994, MCpl Jim Bush was posted to 4 Wing having just completed his Drum Instructors course at CFMus Borden. His leadership brought the drum corps to a new level. MCpl Bush was posted to CFB Petawawa in Dec of 1996. Upon his departure, Cpl Dean Mortensen of 1 AMS, has took up the responsibilities as acting instructor. The Drum Instructorsposition here at 4 Wing has not yet been resolved and currently remains unfulfilled.

Some of the more prestigious performances the band has performed have been the Nova Scotia International Tattoos for 1989- present. In 1986, the Pipe Band had the honour of performing in the Danish Tattoo in Denmark, and performing for Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in Yellowknife in 1994. Select members of the band are chosen to perform at the Annual PeaceKeeper Challenge held in San Antonio, Texas each year. 1999 brought us to the 75^th Anniversary of the RCAF, and with that many opportunities for the band to perform all over Alberta, and across Canada celebrating the Air Force in true fashion.

The pipe band competed in the summer of 1996, finishing 4 ^th and 5^th respectively out of 8 Grade IV. However, the Drum corps placed 1^st and 2^nd and also won 1^st in the Drum Fanfare competition in Ellerslie Highland Games, Alberta.

In Nov 1996, Pipe Major Christopher Yeo was posted from NDHQ to take the reigns. Under his tutelage the band remained active and engaged. PM Yeo was seconded to the Recruit School in St Jean during the summer of 2006 and subsequently posted to Gagetown as the Piper Major.

The Band continued on under the auspices of 4 Wing BandMaster (Sgt Jeff Gaye) and Acting Pipe Majors (Capt) Matt Werely and (Maj) Ed Clapp until the end of March 2007 when the Band was, regrettably, put on inactive status by the Wing due to failing participation.