About us

History

The band was formed after an incidental meeting between Tom Hye and Philippe Vervoort.

Tom Hye discovered that, by studying his genealogy, his family was related to the Scottish Clan Hay. To keep the story short, Tom Hye was accepted as a full member of Clan Hay. Then the idea arose to write a clan song for the Clan Gathering in 2005, because that did not exist yet.

To bring in more authenticity, Tom Hye wanted it to be accompanied by “real Scottish bagpipes” and that way he finally arrived at Philippe Vervoort.

This man accepted the challenge and together with Raf Gaublomme and a few other friends, the song “From a Hay to Delgatie Castle” was put on CD.

As Philippe and Raf already had plans to start their own pipeband and because the ideas of a Scottish Clan appealed to them, the question was asked to erect a band with the name “Clan Hay Pipe Band”. Tom Hye discussed this with the Chief and a consent was given.

And so the “Clan Hay Pipe Band” was started with two members. Soon however ( and much sooner than we ever could imagine ) the band growed. In the beginning we only got pipers as new members so that we were afraid of becoming a 'piper-only' band but also this obstacle was taken.

Meanwhile we became a healthy band that can cater for it's own education and that gets new students regularly. Raf Gaublomme was appointed president and Philippe Vervoort became the Pipe Major.

As tartan we took the 'Ancient Hay'. From the start we also chose resolutely for the “Full Dress”, the Scottish ancient military uniform for its presentation, well knowing that this would cost a lot to the band. Nevertheless we found it worth it because our public would not only enjoy musically, but also with the eye.

In the summer of 2009 we took part in “The Gathering” in Edinburgh. This was an event of “Homecoming Scotland” that tried to bring as much as possible all clan members from across the world to their roots. It was a huge gathering in which all Clans participated. It was an unforgettable experience for each band member that we were allowed to take part in this great event. During that weekend, a number of activities took place for which we are really proud:

• Tom Hye was appointed Convenor of Europe.
• Philippe Vervoort was appointed Personal Piper of the Chief.
• All active band members are automatically member of the Clan Hay.