The Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Highlanders was established in 1921 and is the oldest continuous pipe and drum corps in the United States.

The band, at full compliment, consists of 20 bagpipers and 10 drummers from various walks of professional life.  We are self-supporting, with a loyal civic clientele providing a reliable source of the band income.  In addition to parades and commercial events, the band often has played an annual event in the Cantigny Park (Wheaton, Illinois) summer series.

The Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Highlanders compete in the Midwest Pipe Band Association competition circuit, as Grade IV and Grade V, and perform for parades and other functions.  The summer of 2000, the entire band performed in Edinburgh, Scotland, and competed in the the highland games of Bridge of Allan, Scotland, and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

The band meets every Thursday from 7 PM to 10 PM, with 7 PM to 7:30 PM dedicated to student instruction for both pipes and drums.  In the tradition of pipe bands across the world, and to pass on the craft to future generations, lessons are free to all interested and conscientious persons.  The rest of the time is dedicated to band practice, either in individual groups or as a single unit.

Our practices are open to the public, please stop in!

The Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Highlanders have a long and distinguished history.  One of the first 33 bands formed in the United States; the Chicago Highlanders first played in the 1880’s and began again in 1921; and is now the oldest continuous established bagpipe band in the United States.  

The Band incorporated in 1931 with the State of Illinois (certificate # 17617), for the objective of “Good Fellowship”.  The purpose, from the 1921 bylaws is: “1) To equip and maintain a pipe band in the best of Scottish traditions, 2) To further interest in the appreciation and understanding of the music of the Great Highland Pipes, and 3) To support organizations, Scottish and otherwise, whose purposes are not out of harmony with the purposes of this Band.” 

The Highlanders lost a good friend this year. Charles Dickerman was a dedicated band member for 24 years, performing in countless parades and competitions. We are fortunate to have known Charles and will remember him always.

The band enjoys professional piping instruction by Adrian Melvin and professional drum instruction by Jim Sim. Adrian is Pipe Sergeant and Jim is Drum Sergeant of the Grade 2 Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band.