Too Long in "That" condition!!

On the Rise:

In late 1993, a number of coincidences occurred that allowed for the re-vitalization of the band and a tremendous effort was made by a number of people to see that the band would again be a public fixture. After a first stage performance in Allegan, the band participated in "The March Into the 21^st Century" in Lansing. It was the first time in 19 years that the band had been on parade. Since that time, the band has appeared in many parades, festivals and other outings.

In 1995, the band was honored to be invited by Senator Mike Rogers' office to participate in the first Memorial Day Services at the Michigan State Senate in Lansing. This is a photo of that first outing showing a few members of the band with Senator Mike Rogers, the organizer, at the right side of the back row. Also shown are Senators Dale Shugars (left rear) and Dick Posthumus (center rear).

The band was asked back to participate in this event every year since and was given a "special tribute" in 1999.

Public Appearances:

Probably the most visible appearance by the band was the band welcoming the supersonic transport Concord into Battle Creek's W.K. Kellog Airport. The band was asked to perform this greeting by Western Michigan University. An estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people watched the landing and welcoming ceremony. The picture below was taken at that event. The picture and video tape was shown on news programs in Great Britain.

Up to the Line:

The "gold standard" in piping is to prove your abilities in front of knowledgeable authorities. 1995 also saw the band's return to the competition field after an absence of over 20 years. At the Detroit St. Andrew's Highland Games, the band took 4^th place in Grade V. This was a thrilling event because it meant that the band was on the right track and was working in the right direction.

In 1996, the band again went to the Detroit Highland Games. This time not only did the band face a much more experienced field than the year before (2 additional bands from "feeder" programs), but the competition group was to include learners that were taught entirely under the revitalized program. The band did very well and took third place. This is a photo of the band on the banks of Lake St. Clair at the Edsel Ford Estate.

In 1997 and 1998, the drum corps was very weak due to a need to change personnel. While we did compete, we did not do well as we were not well balanced. 1999 was a rebuilding year. Dave Montcalm is now leading our drum corps and it is doing very well. We changed the medley to take advantage of this ability, but didn't quite have time to get the set refined.

In 2000 the band returned to Detroit. We'd worked on every aspect of the performance in a very focused fashion throughout the year. In the circle, we included people with experience ranging from just over a year up through Grade II. We took second place overall in Grade V including a first place in percussion, a second place in ensemble and one first and one second place in piping.

About the band:

Through the assistance of a number of people, the band wears red kilts - the majority of which are MacLean of Duart, which is Dr. Beaton's family tartan, and Royal Stewart - and, on formal occasions, matching black vests.  We have been extremely responsible in the financial domain and have never had any debt.  The band plays Naill band chanters and Premier drums (i.e., HTS-200, tenors and bass). This past year the band has purchased black hair-faced sporrans.

The group encourages participation in those of all ages, backgrounds, sex and color. Knowledge of piping or drumming and proven playing or teaching ability are important to the group.

This lack of formalism and an open style have lead to a great deal of camaraderie and a general appreciation for each others abilities and efforts.

The Band has become an incorporated, 501c(3) registered organization to preserve this aspect of the traditional Scottish performing arts. There is are board level offices for deciding issues regarding the maintainance of the organization. The annual general meeting is usually held in September. Voting status of members depends upon active participation.

The direction of the teaching and performance programs are established by an elected Pipe Major and all performance-related decisions are reached by consensus. There are no other titles in the band.

The repertoire:

Our repertoire varies from season to season as we focus on different capabilities within the band.  Some of our tunes include:

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