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FREE PIPING & DRUMMING LESSONS! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION. COME JOIN THE FUN!
OLD ORCHARD BEACH SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
June 7th, 2025 - Despite the light rain and the heavy fog, we had a great time performing at the Scottish Festival in Old Orchard Beach today!
We helped open up the festival by playing our Scotland the Brave Set and marching on the street by the stage at the 10 A.M. opening ceremony.
Throughout the day we gave live pipe and drum performances in various locations throughout the festival venue. We started by welcoming travelers at the Amtrak train stop, then moved on to the gazebo, and ended the day with a few performances in the beer tent, to the delight of all within earshot.
CONCERT & WORKSHOP @ ECCMS
May 29, 2025 - The Dunlap Highland Band, using the facilities at the Elm City Community Music School in Waterville, played over an hour's worth of bagpipe tunes and then gave several, one on one, mini workshops for those in attendance to the event. For having only a week to get the word out, there were a surprising number of guests in the audience!
As people started arriving the band tuned and warmed up their bagpipes. The drummers set up their drums and the lobby was set up with band props: the band's banner, business cards, examples of instructional tutors, a practice drum pad, and a couple of practice chanters.
The format was open and started with a few tune sets: the 4/4, 2/4, Highland Cathedral, Black Bear, Skye Boat, Itchy Fingers, and others. Then Tom, Chuck, Becky, and Eli went through the crowd to answer questions and to give demonstrations on how to play the bagpipes. Tom also showed off his smallpipes.
Jimmy gave several demonstrations on playing the bass drum and also went over the use of a Drum Major's mace.
The event ended on time, at 8:00 PM, with hopefully a few more interested in learning a new instrument and a story to tell their friends and family.
OLD ORCHARD BEACH MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
May 26, 2025 - The Dunlap Highland Band celebrated Memorial Day at Old Orchard Beach by marching in the mile long parade. The weather was sunny and warm; perfect weather for marching and playing the pipes!
After playing several sets of tunes (the 4/4, the 3/4, God Bless America, the 2/4), and finishing the parade strong, we marched down the road to the local VFW chapter and enjoyed a Memorial Day meal with our Maine veterans.
While we were on our way to the VFW we met a couple and their small child playing in their side yard, enjoying the beautiful day. The child was keenly interested in our bagpipes and the family asked if we could play them a tune. So we obliged by playing 'Highland Cathedral' for them. The child was delighted with the bagpipes; perhaps a future pipe band member in the making?
While at the VFW we honored our Veterans and played several tunes, starting with our Military Set to honor the veterans of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, and even the newer military branch, the Space Force. We also played them a fast paced 'Black Bear' and ended with the solemn tune, 'Amazing Grace.'
FREMONT MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
May 25, 2025 – The band traveled to the town of Fremont, New Hampshire, to take part in the town’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies. The event has served as Dunlap’s southernmost performance for several seasons, and the enthusiasm and kindness of the locals continue to draw the band back year after year.
The band gathered at Fremont Town Hall, a building with strong ties to music. The 1960s rock band The Shaggs—made up of sisters from Fremont—performed there numerous times. Recordings from this same building later inspired musicians such as Frank Zappa, Kurt Cobain, and even some Dunlap members, who were excited to take a look inside the historic structure.
The rolling hills along the parade route made for a more challenging march through town, but views of the Spaulding & Frost Cooperage tower, the historic John Brown gunsmith shop, and the Poplin Meeting House served as a beautiful backdrop for the event. It was in front of the meetinghouse that the band participated in a local ceremony at Fremont Village Cemetery, which saw a strong turnout from the community.
The band then gathered at the Fremont Fire Station for a quick meal, some socializing with the locals, and ice cream before heading out to prepare for the following day’s parade in Old Orchard.
FREE CONCERT & WORKSHOP
Come join the Dunlap Highland Band for a free concert and workshop!
If you, or someone you know, has an interest in learning bagpipes or drums (snare, tenor, or bass), join us at the Elm City Community Music School at 17 Railroad Square in Waterville, ME. The event runs from 6pm to 8pm.
We'll answer any questions you may have about these instruments, provide information on how to get started with pipes or drums, and how to join the band.
Several bagpipes, practice chanters and drums will be on hand to try out while you're there.
Come join us!
KENNEBUNK MAY DAY PARADE
May 3rd, 2025 - May Day is a celebration of the Spring, with ancient roots in the Celtic traditions of Beltane, as well as in the modern labor movement, and known internationally as Worker's Day.
The Dunlap Highland Band helped celebrate the day by leading the May Day Parade through downtown Kennebunk, Maine. We played three tune sets as we made our way through this charming northeastern town, followed by a myriad of other area celebrants.
After the parade, the band met up at Bentley's Saloon to give an impromptu concert. We played several sets and our youngest member, Eli, played a solo tune for the crowd, as well as our second youngest, Raed. These fine young lads have been diligently working at their musical craft and it showed through their performances. The audience loved the performances and gave robust applause.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
March 16th, 2025 - The Dunlap Highland Band gathered together to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Portland, Maine St. Patrick's Day Parade. We were one of two bands present for the parade. We played several tunes, both Irish and Scottish, and received several compliments from the spectators both during and after the parade.
When the parade was finished, we moved on to the Commercial Street Pub and got some free drinks in exchange for playing a few tunes. We took requests from the customers and also played through a few tune Sets.
After the pub, we worked our way to the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Along the way we played a few tunes and received compliments, applause, and gave some unique Celtic content to several amateur smart-phone videographers.
Once at the Maine Irish Heritage Center we worked our way to the center stage area while playing the Irish set. The crowd there loved it and gave us several rounds of applause. Once on stage the band played several tunes and Sets. Once we were all done we marched out of the hall playing 'Minstrel Boy'.
RABBIE BURNS SUPPER
January 25th, 2025 - Last night we celebrated Rabbie Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) , national bard of Scotland, with a traditional supper and, in between all the other great entertainment of the evening, the Dunlap Highland Band played a few tunes and did a fantastic job, especially considering all the newer members who have been training with the band for less than 2 years.
Tom Martineau piped in the haggis and led a procession around the room to where George Pulkkinen took over and recited the 'Address to a Haggis'.
At the end of the evening a few of the band members played 'Auld Lang Syne', and a few other tunes to conclude the supper.
RABBIE BURNS SUPPER
Come join us in celebration of Rabbie Burns on January 25th, 2025 at the Lemont in Brunswick, ME. There will be great food, entertainment, and general merriment. Dunlap will be present, as well as several other talented musicians. Of course, you can't miss the haggis!
Tickets are available through the St. Andrew's Society of Maine at: https://www.mainehighlandgames.org/robert-burns-dinner
DUNLAP HOLIDAY PARTY 2024
December 19th, 2024 - The Band gathered together for a potluck feast and had a merry time. First drinks were on the house and several members brought tasty entrees, such as Tom's venison stew and a venison chili Steve brought, Steve's authentic haggis made from a deer he harvested himself, Sally's delicious fudge, several dessert items, and much more making for a successful potluck dinner.
Once everyone was served, the band President, Chuck, gave a heartwarming speech of appreciation and celebrated the successes of each band member present at the gathering. Many new members have joined the band this past year and have made great progress in their musical development.
After feasting we entertained each other by playing some holiday and mixed repertoire music on the bagpipes with the bass drums keeping the beat. Later, Eli played us a few songs on a set of Walsh shuttle pipes while PM Tom and Sally provided support and backup on a few of the tunes.
The evening potluck dinner was a great success and we're looking forward to the new year!
CURLING & PIPING
October, 2024 - Who knew that bagpipes and the Scottish sport of curling were so intertwined, at least in the USA? New band members spent a training day with senior band member, Sally Jones, running through the process of leading a group of curling enthusiasts at the Belfast Curling Club onto the ice while playing the bagpipes.
After running through the steps of leading a procession, one brave soul, Raedweald Frazier, stepped onto the ice with Sally and led the curling group with the melody of the pipes.
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