Out of all my extra-curricular activities, my membership in the Sir James McDonald Bagpipe Band was the most unique and rewarding experience of my life.  It was my biggest commitment for over six years, involving weekly practices in the fall and winter of at least five hours, and up to two practices a week into the competition season of spring and summer.  Being a non-profit organization, the band often performs for social and entertainment events to afford the expense of instruments, equipment, and full Scottish military-based uniforms. 

    The band contains over thirty highly skilled musicians of 18 years of age or younger.  Though a youth band, we’re often found as a tough competitor to other bands (which was recognized this last competition season when the band upgraded to the next competition level).  We regularly compete in the Northwest region of Oregon, Seattle, and B.C. Canada, but have also traveled to California and Alaska.  The band has made three trips to the World  Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, the latest being the summer of 2006.  I participated as a senior snare drummer when the band placed 5th in our Medley competition. 

     The summer after I graduated from high school, I also graduated from the pipe band.  It was an exciting and challenging last year because I was provided the opportunity to display my leadership skills by being co-lead snare drummer.  I’m was responsible for leading the snare section in events, competitions, and take part in leading snare section practices.  I’m proud to contribute back to the band for all it has provided by offering my developed snare skills to be a instructor for younger students. 

 

To find more information, please visit the band’s website