Celtic music has never been so much fun!

We believe everyone can learn to play the snare, bass, or tenor drums. With patient, fun, and understanding instruction, the Midland Highlanders have forged an outstanding drum line.  Starting with simple settings, the student learns how to play many different styles of music and rhythms.

Pipe band Drumming is based on a largely rudimental style. Our drum line features some settings which may  have been heard in the  late 18th century. Steeped in the Fife and Drum corps traditions, pipe band drumming  evolved into it's own style as it adapted to the unique Scottish rhythms found in bagpipe music.

The thundering resonance of our drum corps isn't to be missed! The rope tension drums enhance the low frequencies of the bagpipes enriching the sound of the bagpipes, while the bagpipe in turn resonates within the drum creating overtones and harmonics not normally associated with drums. 

We use a traditionally styled drum, the rope tension snare, and these are reproductions from the late 18th century.   The drum heads are tightened by pulling the ropes very tightly.  By moving the leather tabs (ears) down the drum rope, it increases the tension of the drum head. At some point the rope will stretch enough you won't be able to tighten the drum enough.  In this case you must re-tension the drum.  This process is referred to as "Tugging the Drum" (you pull or "tug" the rope tight).

 Click here to see how to tension or Tug a drum.

These drums are painted bright red on the hoops as they often were during that time. The drummers were often the "show men" of the band.  They would have the most brightly colored uniforms and instruments, to make the band more exciting to the locals. We have followed this same tradition with our drums, helping to make the Midland Highlanders a visual treat as well a treat for the ears.