Upland Highland Pipe Band
Upland, California
Description
This initiative offers a free, comprehensive music program for Upland Unified School District students in grades 6-12, providing instruction in chanter, bagpipe, snare drum, tenor drum, and bass drum by experienced instructors. No prior experience is needed, and instruments are provided. Students perform at various events, including holiday and veterans’ events, local parades, and school concerts, wearing traditional Scottish dress. The program fosters a community where alumni often return as mentors. It supports economically disadvantaged students through its budget and fundraising efforts, ensuring access to musical education and performance opportunities for all.
Objectives
- Develop, maintain, and sustain one of only two competitive high school pipe bands in the State of California
- Enrich music and arts education for public middle and high school students
- Provide robust and consistent music instruction for emerging musicians
- Showcase student achievement in a variety of concert, celebratory, and competitive settings
- Create access pathways to formal music instruction and achievement for underserved students and families
Target Audience
These goals allow us to maintain a strong and healthy program, provide excellent instruction and educational opportunities for our students, and maintain our presence in the community. Traveling to Scotland and competing allows our students an exceptional and life-affirming opportunity to share their gifts and learn from others in a compelling setting rich in creativity and excellence. For many of our students, this will be the first time they have traveled by air, out of state, or witnessed live music on this scale. We are eager to help them experience this kind of education and creative collaboration.
Timeline
Historically, decades of educator, parent/caregiver, and community engagement have shepherded the existence of this program. In recent years, we have been dedicated in rebuilding the program, including:
- Outreach to new students curious about the instruments and music
- Outreach to local elementary schools
- Information nights for parents/caregivers
- Repairing and replacing tartan kilts, instruments, and other materials
- Competing more widely and more frequently
Currently, we are focused on preparing the students to compete in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2025. This international trip will allow the students to showcase their talents, learn from peers from around the world, witness and experience a wide variety of music and arts excellence, and experience travel and different cultures. The director of the program and key volunteers spend a combined 40+ hours per week facilitating aspects of the program (including instruction, supervising students, administration, and community outreach), not including multiple hours of instruction and performance each week for the instructors.
Broader operational goals include:
- Recruiting, training, and paying for excellent instructors
- Providing instruction, coaching, and mentoring for students
- Providing snacks, water, and first aid for students
- Outreach and education for families and caregivers
- Coordinating the schedule of performances, competitions, and community events
- Fundraising and oversight of our budget, with reporting to key stakeholders and families
Overview of Planning and Execution
Director: Oversees entire program, liaises with other band/guard directors and board, mentors and supervises instructors, connects local program with wider music community (competitions, parades, peer learning events for students, additional programs) collaborates with volunteers, supports students (commitment ongoing throughout the year, up to 30 hours per week)
Key volunteers (1-2): Attend weekly and monthly meetings, provides community outreach, facilitates fundraising, supports parents/caregivers (commitment ongoing throughout the year, up to 15 hours per week)
Instructors (4-6): Provide instruction and mentoring multiple times per week for 12-18 students ranging in age and ability (commitment ongoing throughout the year, up to 12 hours per week per instructor)
Tools and Resources
Collaboration with the wider music education (marching band, guard, percussion, jazz, winds, etc.) community at Upland High School and their directors, boosters, and volunteers, including participation in their 501c3 nonprofit oversight and operating budget
Access to space, resources, and equipment at Upland High School, including performance space, storage space, and administrative support
Generous support and exposure from community members, including private donors and members of the Upland Unified School District Board and Upland city officials.
Social media and communication platforms for community outreach, fundraising, and communication with students, families, and key stakeholders
Marketing and Promotion
Consistent, positive engagement with students, families, school officials, boosters, and community members.
Clear, accurate, and positive communication about expenses, the state of the program, and program goals and achievements.
Leveraging the legacy of this program in Upland, including accessing the historical/institutional knowledge of alumni/ae and members of the community who have experienced pipe band music at key events throughout their lives (school events, parades, military events, weddings, funerals, and holiday events).
Empowering instructors and volunteers to grow their knowledge, experience, and plan creatively.
Welcoming a wide variety of students (including English language learners and students with disabilities) and investing in their musical gifts.
Using the funds we have wisely, being transparent about how they are used, repairing and reusing when possible, and welcoming the non-financial gifts of parents/caregivers (repairing uniforms or instruments, providing food or supplies, supervising students, providing transportation, helping write grants).
Costs
5 Snare drums – $15000
2 Sets of Bag pipes – $3200
10 Sheepskin bags – $3000
Reeds – $1,000
Water Traps – $1000
= $23,200
Challenges/Obstacles
Challenges include lack of awareness that this is a free program for all interested students, and the cost of traveling to and competing in Scotland for families who are experiencing poverty and/or food/housing insecurity. We are overcoming these challenges by participating in a consistent and sustained pattern of outreach at local elementary and middle schools, featuring the students’ work in local publications, at town hall and school board meetings, and championing their achievements throughout Upland, and communicating with parents (including parents and families for whom English is a second or third language). Many members of the Upland community feel a deep connection to the music and visual artistry of the bagpipe band and are happy to support the growth of the program.
Success/Effectiveness Measurement
In the past year, we have successfully repaired or replaced multiple uniforms, including new tartan from Scotland and bespoke tailoring.
In the past two years, we have grown the number of students in the program from 4-6 to 10-15.
In the past year, we have won a few thousand dollars in prize money at local competitions.
The number of performances in the community is increasing.
In the past six months, we have made multiple school visits to elementary and junior high schools.
In the past six months, we have increased social media and community engagement, including features in local publications.
Community Impact
The students in this program benefit from world-class music instruction that meets them where they are and builds their musical acumen, confidence, and knowledge about music and bagpipe/Scottish percussion culture. The school community benefits from having unique music, historically connected to their school culture, at football games, pep rallies, graduation, and other key events. The wider community, including veterans and senior citizens, benefits from live music events, including private celebrations, private funerals, and public memorial services for public servants and members of the armed forces.
Advice for others?
To replicate this project, use local traditions and wisdom, celebrate instructors and volunteers, and highlight students’ unique experiences. Manage finances carefully and transparently. Ensure music and arts education is accessible to all, recognizing talent and support from diverse backgrounds.





