Highlanders
Pipe Band
Michael Donelson, competing in Grade III for the first time, took second place in Strathspey and Reel and third place in 6/8 March. In Grade IV, Nicki Keesee took first place in 2/4 March, second place in Slow Air, and second place in Piobaireachd; Martha Shideler took second place in 2/4 March and fifth in Piobaireachd; Ann Callan took fourth in Slow Air.
These four competed in a field of about 20 pipers, and their combined medals are an unprecedented success for Flagstaff's local bagpipe band.
"This is a real coup for us pipers from the Arizona Highlanders," said piper Martha Shideler. "Northern Arizona pipers are gaining respect throughout the West -- something the entire community of Flagstaff should be proud of!"
The piping competition is sanctioned by the Western United States Pipe Band Association, the organization that sets the standards for piping throughout the Western United States.
The Arizona Highlanders of Flagstaff, Arizona, began as a core of
students taking lessons with Mary Margaret White in January 1996. When
Mary left Flagstaff in December, four pipers established a weekly piping
practice and began offering lessons to beginners. In 1997 Mike McKee of
the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band began traveling to Flagstaff once a month to
give lessons, and the pipers travel to California every summer to attend
the College of Piping Summer School in Carlsbad. In 1998 the band added
drummers and began performing throughout Northern Arizona. Currently the
band consists of nine pipers and six drummers, ranging in age from 11 to
over 60. We wear the Drummond of Perth tartan and in the year 2000 became a Grade IV Competition band. Nancy McPherson serves as Pipe Major, Nicki
Keesee as Pipe Sergeant, and Geoff Pavey as Drum Sergeant
at the Rio Grande Games in Albuquerque!
out!). A Highland Tea with Diana Gabaldon will be February 8 from 2:00 to
4:00 p.m. in Flagstaff. This is a traditional afternoon tea including
sandwiches, scones, and sweets, followed by a reading by Diana Gabaldon.
And don't forget the Hat Contest--wear your best hat and you may win a
prize! Tickets are $25.00 each and are now available at Aradia Bookstore,
116 West Cottage in Flagstaff (928-779-3817).
AS IF THAT WEREN'T EXCITEMENT ENOUGH--A Robert Burns Supper will be held
February 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Flagstaff. This is an evening of
traditional food, entertainment, poetry, bagpiping, fiddling, dancing,
singing, and more! Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $15.00 for children, and
available at Aradia Bookstore, 116 West Cottage in Flagstaff (928-779-3817).
Tickets for the above events will be available until February 1 UNLESS THEY
SELL OUT (and they ALWAYS do!). Get your tickets early to avoid
disappointment.
CELTS WANTED FOR FABULOUS EVENT! On May 29, 2004 (Memorial day Weekend),
the World War II Memorial will be dedicated in Washington, D.C. Supporting
events are planned throughout the country, and Flagstaff will be one of the
centers of activity. A week (or more) of special events is being planned
to honor all veterans, especially those from World War II. Two of the
National Gaurd units will be returning from Iraq. Other featured honorees
will be Navajo and Hopi Code Talkers, various veterans organizations, and
special guests (to be announced). Events will include a parade, opening
ceremony, exhibits, demonstrations,historical reenactments, military bands,
concerts, code talker reunions, Native American Pow Wow and Gourd Dance,
memorial golf tournament, air show and demonstration,
interfaith/candlelight services, and much more (to be announced). Major
media (national and international) coverage is planned for the events. The
Arizona Highlanders have been asked to coordinate the Celtic presence at
this event. Bagpipers are needed for opening ceremonies, dedications, and
the parade (all pipers and drummers--not just the Arizona Highlanders--will
be welcome!). The Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society and the
Northern Arizona Irish Foundation are being asked to do exhibits,
demonstrations, historical reenactments, and anything else we can think of.
The Scottish American Military Society has been asked to participate. Two
local Celts have offered to demonstrate Jacobite sword fighting. These
opportunities will be discussed at the next Celtic Society and Irish
Foundation meetings, but if you would like to be a part of this event,
please reply to this email! We need volunteers to help put the Celtic
presence together. The Event organizing committee also needs volunteers on
the following committees: Sponsorships, Parade, Marketing, Concessions,
Ceremonies. Let us know if you'd like to help out on this level too. This
event will be a biggie. It has been suggested that 50,000 people could be
drawn to Flagstaff for the various events! Stay tuned for further updates.
Our prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery go with Bruce Brown as he
returns to Cleveland for additional critical surgery.
"I worry that the person who thought up Muzak may be thinking up
something else." Lily Tomlin
of AZ (Mesa)
Pipe Band
School of Piping
Military Society
Celtic Heritage Society
Martha @
[email protected]
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