…BAGPIPES, BECAUSE EUROPE WASN’T LIBERATED BY FRENCH HORNS…
You may have come for the stage shows; you may have come for the athletics or the dancing; or you may have come out to meet friends, shop the vendors, or have some fun. Regardless of your reason, from the moment you approach the entrance gate, you will hear the haunting, soulful sound of the Great Highland bagpipes.
at its best
The solo piping competitions at Scotfest 2024 featured 65 skilled competitors, highlighting the tradition and artistry of this iconic Scottish craft. Pipers of all levels delivered captivating performances, celebrating Scotland’s rich musical heritage and fostering a thriving community of musicians dedicated to preserving this timeless art.
excellence
The solo drumming competitions at Scotfest 2024 showcased the precision, power, and artistry of this dynamic Scottish tradition. With drummers from across the region demonstrating exceptional skill and rhythm, the event brought the heartbeat of Highland music to life. Each performance celebrated the rich heritage of Scottish drumming while inspiring a new generation of percussionists.
Building Legends, One Band at a Time…
Midwest Pipe Band Association (MWPBA)
The Midwest Pipe Band Association (MWPBA) serves as the official sanctioning body for pipe band and solo piping and drumming competitions across the central United States. Dedicated to promoting Scottish music and culture, the MWPBA establishes competition standards, oversees grading, and ensures fair and consistent adjudication. With a mission to foster excellence and preserve tradition, the MWPBA supports a thriving community of musicians and enthusiasts, providing opportunities for education, competition, and cultural celebration.
Pipe and Drum Competitions at Scotfest Sanctioned by the Midwest PipeBand Association as a SUPREME Points Competition for both Bands and Soloists, it is THE culmination of the year for Grade 5 and Novice Soloists with;
1st Place Prize money of $750! Prize money thru 4th place.
MWPBA Champion Supreme Points Event (Bands & Solo).
Full Amateur Solo Piping event will also be held.
REGISTER via MWPBA from here.
The Saturday Noonday Ceremony at Scotfest is a breathtaking spectacle, where all participating pipe bands unite for a massed pipe band performance. As the stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums fill the air, the bands march in perfect harmony, creating a powerful display of unity and tradition. This iconic moment is a highlight of the festival, captivating audiences with its sheer scale and the evocative melodies that celebrate Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. The performance serves as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the pipe band community and leaves an indelible mark on all who witness it.
The judges at Scotfest represent the pinnacle of expertise in piping, drumming, and pipe band adjudication, bringing years of professional experience and international recognition to the competition. These esteemed individuals are carefully selected for their deep understanding of Scottish music and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of performance and tradition. Their presence ensures fair, consistent, and insightful evaluations, offering competitors a unique opportunity to be assessed by some of the most respected figures in the world of piping and drumming.
ANDREW LEWIS
Andrew Lewis, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a respected piper and adjudicator within the Midwest Pipe Band Association (MWPBA). His dedication to the art of piping is evident through his active participation in competitions and his role in upholding the standards of Scottish music traditions. In 2016, Lewis won the inaugural MWPBA Professional Solo Piping Contest, demonstrating his exceptional skill and commitment to excellence.
brian donaldson
Brian Donaldson, from Cardenden, Fife, Scotland, is a distinguished piper and MWPBA judge. Taught by his father, Pipe Major Andrew Donaldson, he began piping young, apprenticed as a bagpipe maker at Inveran House, and competed with the renowned Dysart & Dundonald Pipe Band, earning Grade 1 championships.
JIM SIM
Jim Sim is a distinguished drumming adjudicator and the current president of the Midwest Pipe Band Association (MWPBA). Beginning his drumming journey at the age of eight under his father's guidance, Sim advanced to become the Lead Drummer of the Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band. He has been an active adjudicator for over two decades and previously chaired the MWPBA's Music Board.
Elected as MWPBA president in 2010, Sim has been instrumental in implementing progressive measures, such as introducing audio adjudication to enhance the judging process. His leadership has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the pipes|drums Association Leader of the Year award in 2023 and 2024.
ROSS NAISMITH
Ross Naismith is a respected piping adjudicator affiliated with the Western United States Pipe Band Association (WUSPBA). His expertise contributes significantly to competitions, such as the Grade 2 band contest judged by an 8-judge panel, including Naismith, at a recent WUSPBA Northern Branch event.
In addition to his adjudication roles, Naismith has been involved in public service, running for election to the San Diego City Council to represent District 9 in California in 2020.
His dual commitment to the piping community and public service underscores his dedication to fostering cultural and civic engagement.