I am a member of the Superior Pipes and Drums, the first ever bagpipe band in Michigan's
Upper Peninsula, based out of Marquette County (Ishpeming/ Marquette). Many thanks to the Grand
Traverse Pipes and Drums (Traverse City, Michigan) for taking us under their wing and helping us
get started. The two bands have combined to march at Mackinac Island for Lilac Festival, Mackinac City
for the celebration of the Mackinac Bridge 50th anniversary, Traverse City for Cherry Festival, as well
as several U.P. events at Curtis, Manistique, Marquette, and Ishpeming. You can visit Superior Pipes
and Drums at WWW.SUPERIORPIPES.ORG.
My son, Chad is 12 years old in this photo. He has been a piping student for 2 years at the
MacGregor School of Pipes and Dance in Negaunee, Michigan. Chad marched his first parade this summer
at the Negaunee Pioneer Days parade, July 2007. I am proud of Chad as he continues to improve with
his piping.
My daughter, Leah is 10 years old in this photo and is a 2nd-year Highland Dancer. Leah has
been a student for 2 years at the MacGregor School of Pipes and Dance in Negaunee, Michigan.
She has performed in public for 2 years and continues to dance for our band. Superior Pipes and Drums is the first pipe
band that uses a lead-in of Highland Dancers at every parade. The public is enjoying this fresh
and entertaining change.
I play the bass drum for the Superior Pipes and Drums. The bass drummer is very important in a pipe
band and holds the band together; keeping a steady beat for the pipers and the drummers. Often, the bass
drummer has been referred to as the lead drummer in the band. The bass drum is the focal point of the
band during the performances and therefore displays our logo.
Here, our dancers perform in front as the mass-bands play a familiar tune for the crowd, Scotland The Brave.
This photo was taken on the lawn in front of the fort on Mackinac Island during the Lilac Festival
on June 17, 2007. The three pipes bands which make up the mass-band in this performance is Grand
Traverse Pipes and Drums, Superior Pipes and Drums, and Glen Erin Pipes and Drums, all pipe bands
from Michigan. Click here to watch our performance via YouTube