BIOGRAPHY

Southwest Skye Pipes & Drums has called Williams, Arizona – the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” – its home since 2008, with members throughout Northern Arizona and reaching as far south as Phoenix. A traditional bagpipe and drum band at heart, Southwest Skye has built a reputation of having fun and delighting audiences with both traditional and contemporary selections at performances throughout its 16-year history.

Averaging 18-20 active performing members, the band provides a widely-varied repertoire for crowds at Highland Games in Arizona (Prescott, Flagstaff, and Tucson), New Mexico (Albuquerque and Aztec), and Utah (Moab), even getting to play with the popular and high-energy Wicked Tinkers on a set or two. Additionally, the band has hosted its own annual concert at the Prescott Public Library for several years, performs yearly at the Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Williams 4th of July Parade, and honors those who have served by performing on 9/11 and Veterans Day.

Among these performances, the most notable performance in Southwest Skye’s history occurred in 2012 in Flagstaff when the band had the supreme honor to host and perform alongside the Pipes & Sticks on Route 66 crew, consisting of 5 of the world’s premier bagpipers and drummers as they toured the Mother Road.

Aside from performing, the other goal for the band is to educate audiences and continue the tradition of bagpipes and drums with future generations. While the band loves to entertain with their varied repertoire, they also provide education on the uniform, instrument, and military background of the bagpipe band. Additionally, they provide lessons for interested individuals in the region to continue the legacy and share the interest in the instrument.

Southwest Skye Pipes & Drums wears the Ancient Farquharson tartan to represent Arizona’s green mountains, blue skies, red Sedona rocks, and yellow sunsets. It has been led by Pipe Major Michael Donelson since the band first started in 2008, with Pipe Sergeant Russ Miller and Pipe Corporal Gery Allan assisting. Leading the drum corps is Drum Sergeant Betty McGinnis and Drum Corporal Patty Williams. The band has been an official 501c3 non-profit organization since 2009 and appreciates donations to continue spreading its educational and entertaining performances throughout the southwest.