Why we are here-
and what makes us unique.
We decided very early on that the typical pipe band look, style, and sound was not what we were after. After going to pipeband contests for years, the founders of the organization saw something they found disturbing - all the pipe bands sounded very much the same. As they played before the judges of the contest they sounded awesome, very together - the tuning was impeccable, technically brilliant, and looking like they walked straight out of a magazine.
The pipe band sound and style had evolved over the years to play for judges. Technically great, but they missed the point.
We look at it differently...
We feel the bagpipes, especially when paired with the drums, are a wild instrument, not to be tamed down. The marches made for them are made to have a rhythm so strong as to make it nigh impossible to stay seated. The type of tune called an air (a slow and sad song), should make you think of something either calming or sad, the jigs and reels should drive you to tap you toes and clap your hands. So we decided right there to take it back to a time before the British ruled Scotland and Ireland, when the Clan system still was strong in the culture, when the bagpipes were a part of the culture, not just a show piece on parade.
How we changed the pipeband...
We strive to find the music as played in the late 1700's and how they would interpret the music of their time, as well as the great compositions made since. While we always work towards being the best; the tightness of the the tuning and the togetherness of a talented band, we won't forget to be wild in our interpretations - our music has drive. Our drums were chosen for both historical reasons and because rope tension drums have a lower pitch and depth of sound which can't be matched by the high tension drums of modern pipe bands which have all the depth of "tin cans".
We looked at everything
We also looked at the pipeband as a whole - the dress and deportment. In the Clan system, all members of society had the right to shake the Clan chiefs hand - they considered themselves family. So do we. While marching in parades, when we're not playing we wave back to the crowd - to us, the audience is part of the band too, so we interact with them.
In the 1700's to early 1800's the kilt was common and usually worn as the Great Kilt. We decided to look the part of a typical Highlander of the late 18th century. If we were going to play the way they did, we would help bring across the music in their style by wearing what they did. Check out this page for more information on our uniform.
We're proud of who we are, different is GREAT!
If you would like to learn more about us the Midland Highlanders please drop us a line at webmaster@midlandhighlanders.org and we will get back with you promptly!
Find out about…
We are rebuilding the site and many links do not work, we should be up and running over the next few weeks, Thanks for your patience!!
The Midland Highlanders teach the pipes and drums for free!... Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions... Learn More
Our uniform... Learn More
