42nd Highlanders Regimental Pipes & Drums

About the Band

Does the 42nd Highlanders Regimental Pipes & Drums welcome new members?
Absolutely! We are a friendly, fun-loving, family-oriented band. Experienced pipers and drummers are welcome to become full-fledged members of the band.

What if I have no experience but want to learn the pipes or drums?
Beginning pipers and drummers are welcome to begin their piping experience by association with the piping school operated by our Pipe Major: the Saint Andrews School of Piping.

Where does the band practice?
The band holds practice at the stately Queen Mary, in Long Beach, California. Visit the Queen Mary's web site to learn about our beautiful meeting spot. (Park in the employees' parking lot and check in at the guard shack. The guard will tell you how to find us in the aft hold of the Queen Mary.)

When are weekly band sessions held?
On Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM. We usually go home around 9:30-10:00 PM.

Are there age limits?
Yes. Pipers and drummers are perpetually young at heart.

Why are members of the 42nd Highlanders Regimental Pipes & Drums, and other pipe bands, held in such awe by the general public, in all countries?
It's a reflection. It has to do with the respect people have for Scotland and her tenacious people, harsh land, and mystical music. It has to do with the wearing of the kilt, and the self-assurance of those men who wear it. It has to do with the haunting sound of pipes and drums skirling relentlessly through the mist as generations of kilted warriors march to the sound of battle. It has to do with honor.

What kind of performances does the band give?
The band is invited to march and play in numerous civic festivities and Highland Games, Celtic Festivals and Clan Gatherings around California. And, individual members or small groups of members are often asked to play at private parties, weddings, and funerals. In addition, band members are often seen at various parks, mall parking lots and beaches, practicing their tunes, to the delight of residents and passersby. See the Events page for a calendar featuring the band's public performance schedule, or contact Pipe Major George Hall at pipemajor@42ndhighlandersband.org if you're interested in engaging the band or a solo piper for an event.

What is the band's military connection?
Some of the band members are veterans of military services. The band is dedicated to the honor of military veterans of all services, of all nations. One of our band uniforms consists of khaki over Black Watch kilt: veterans may wear the decorations they have earned and the marks of their rank. Prior military service is not a requirement, by any means, for membership in the band; respect for the service and sacrifices of veterans is, indeed.

Do I have to pay dues to be in the band?
Yes, but the dues are paid directly to yourself. Practice. Dedication. Honor. Hard work. Participation. Fellowship.

Are women welcome?
Completely.

Does the 42nd compete?
Band members are encouraged to advance their piping skills and are welcome to compete individually; however, the 42nd Highlanders is not a competition band. The band is about camaraderie, celebration of our Scottish heritage and culture (whether or not you happen to be blessed with Scottish birth), and the enjoyment of good music.

Does the band do anything else besides make music?
The band gathers from time to time for social events unrelated to piping, but sooner or later someone starts tapping a spoon, and then someone warms up his pipes... Alcohol is not a fundamental ingredient of our fun.

What should I wear under my kilt?
Ah, now Laddie, and you ken we can't be sayin' it for the world to hear, but you can be certain there's nae but good and proper 'neath a kilt...

How can I find out more about the band?
Visit the other pages of our website, or give our Pipe Major, George Hall, a call on the telephone, or e-mail us, or best of all, come by one of our practice sessions and check us out!