I also won another Solo Drumming medal at this time. At that period of time, The Powell River Company had an ad in the Scottish Pipe Band magazine which said they were looking for competition snare drummers and that they would provide a job in the paper mill to any suitable applicants. I then offered my services to the Highland Laddie Pipe Band in Powell River where my family made friendships, which have lasted ever since that time. As the Laddies grew older the name of the band was changed to the Clansmen and I stayed on with them for a long time before moving on to teach and play with the Sechelt Pipe Band. The following is copied with permission from the Powell River News, by Terry Kruger Sept. 15, 1999.
Bag pipes help teen travel, build link to family past.
For many teens, the bag pipes are an instrument for doddery old men of Scottish heritage. Not Gord Menzies. The 17 year old Brookes Grade 12 student has used his talent to take him throughout Western Canada and to develop a link to his family heritage. And he does it because he loves to play the instrument. Menzies is a member of the Powell River Army Cadets and for the past two summers has used his talent and training to travel to Vernon Army Cadet Camp where he has been a member of the summer camp's band program.