A Tribute to SP&D by KB0p (2008)
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. In 2007, 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.
The photo to the left dates back to 2007, and was taken while my son and I marched in the Mackinac City parade.
Times have changed since then and both Chad and I have improved in our playing. The photo to the right was taken in September 2011, while
Chad and I marched in the annual Ontonagon, Michigan Labor Day Parade.
You can read more about "Superior Pipes and Drums" by visiting our website at WWW.SUPERIORPIPES.ORG.
My son, Chad is 12 years old in the left photo (2007). He has been piping since he was 9 years old, getting his start with the
"MacGregor School of Pipes and Dance" in Negaunee, Michigan (age 9 to 14). Chad marched his first parade the summer of July 2007, at the Negaunee Pioneer Days parade.
Chad has played in parades, private parties, weddings, funerals, and church events. Chad has also competed a couple of times in competition at the Alma, Michigan
Highland Festival and placed. The photo to the right is of Chad marching in the Marquette, Michigan 4th Of July Parade during the summer of 2010.
I am proud of Chad as he continues to improve with his piping.
My daughter, Leah is 10 years old in the left photo and was a 2nd-year Highland Dancer (2007). Leah has
been dancing since whe was 7 years old and got her start at the "MacGregor School of Pipes and Dance" in Negaunee, Michigan (age 7 to 11).
She has performed in public and private parties and has competed at the Alma, Michigan Highland Festival and placed. 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. Today, our band contiues to showcase the
highland dancers in every parade and performance. To the right, Leah is carrying the Scotish Flag in the Marquette, Michigan 4th Of July parade during the summer of 2010.
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 our band. The bass drum is the focal point of the
band during the performances and therefore displays our logo. I have been nicknamed the dancing bass drummer, even though I wasn't
aware of doing so; I concentrate on keeping the beat, and apparently it appears as if I am dancing. I have been a member of the band since 2005, and
I continue to improve to make things more interesting for the audience and myself; recently I taught myself to flourish (twirl) by mallets while playing.
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
Munising Parade 2010
