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Members of the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes and Drums take pride in demonstrating their philanthropic spirit by donating time and talent to various
community efforts.
Based in Abingdon Virginia, the Appalachian Highlanders Pipes & Drums bring together individuals from all over southwest Virginia and northeast
Tennessee and West Virginia, who share a common interest in our Scots-Irish heritage and the thrilling music of the bagpipes. Ranging in ages from 12 to 70,
our members come from a variety of backgrounds, including: fire fighters, letter carriers, doctors, teachers, engineers and students. Disproving the old
adage about old dogs and new tricks, most of our members took up the pipes later in life. Membership is open to anyone (young or old) interested in the music
of the Highlands.
In the past few years, we have had the honor and privilege of sharing our love for the pipes by performing throughout the region at events such as:
Plum Alley Days and the Highlands Festival Celtic Music Weekend in Abingdon, Virginia; The Kaleidoscope Holiday Parade and the Hungry Mother Arts
and Crafts Fair in Marion, Virginia; several fall festivals in the region including War, West Virginia; the Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville,
North Carolina; The Radford Highland Games in Radford, Virginia; The Roanoke St. Patrick’s day parade and Celtic Festival in Roanoke, Virginia
and at the famous Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia. In addition, some of our members have given of their time to provide programs for school groups
and music clubs about our cultural heritage and the music of the bagpipes. Shortly after the events of September 11, two of our members took time away
from their jobs to participate in a memorial service for the lost New York firefighters with the Bristol, Virginia and Tennessee Fire Departments.
Since so many of the original settlers in our southern Appalachians were Scots-Irish Highlanders, we are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate
that heritage by participating these local events.
Membership is FREE and is open to anyone, male or female, regardless of age, that has an interest in playing bagpipes or drums. We are a non-competition
street band. Our main purpose is for fun but we are also serious about our music.
Piping and Drumming instruction is provided. Previous musical experience is desirable but not necessary.
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