The Highlander Diaries
- Being a Highlander
This band has had many, many, members over the years, but what, more than anything else, makes someone a real - Marching While Wearin’ the Green
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, for the Chicago Highlanders it means that the 2024 season has officially - Punctuated Equilibrium?
I was recently listening to a podcast and they were discussing the theory of “Punctuated Equilibrium” as it relates to - Media Madness!!
If you’re in a bagpipe band, video and photos are likely something somewhat important to you. Maybe you’re interested in - YouTube and Copyright claims!The Highlanders have maintained a YouTube channel for quite a few years now, we think it’s an excellent way to
- Being a Highlander!A long time ago, when I was just 17 years old, one of my dreams came true. I Became a
- It’s Hard!
Running and growing a pipe band is hard work! This topic has been brewing in my mind for a few - “Some kids play hockey.”That’s what I said out loud to a stranger in a school parking lot as I helped my son into
- Wait, a scholarship for bagpiping? Yep!
The past few years have been very good years for the Chicago Highlanders, we have bolstered our ranks with some - So what have I learned in a year?
It feels like Spring is making its flirtatious move on Chicago. The only evidence that we were buried in snow a - “It Takes a Village”
As I was contemplating a new blog topic over the past few days, this phrase popped into my head and - Show up with humility!
Learning to play the bagpipes or drums in a pipe band is a lot of work. If you’re already in - Are top pipers like athletes?Most pipers would likely nod in agreement that by the end of a long rehearsal, a 6 minute Medley or
- What do you miss?
I recently played a funeral with several other pipers and after we were done, we were talking about how good - Spousal perks? pt. IIBenefits of Being Married to a Bagpiper [Part 2 of 2] HI! I’m Julie Ostrow Schreiber. My husband is Joe
- Spousal perks? pt. IBenefits of Being Married to a Bagpiper [Part 1 of 2] HI! I’m Julie Ostrow Schreiber. My husband is Joe
- Once a roadie, always a roadie?HI! I’m Julie Ostrow Schreiber. My husband is Joe Schreiber, who is a bagpiper and the band’s Quartermaster. What is
- PreferencesMy refurbishing project is in its final stages and now after close to two years, I am back to fully
- Oddities
Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to refurbish several sets of pipes. I’m not talking about refinishing - Bagpipe anatomy and maintenance tips for the beginner.
If you hang around bagpipers in a band long enough and pay attention, you’ll eventually learn all these things. CuriousContinue readingBagpipe anatomy and maintenance tips for the beginner.
- A bagpipe’s journey…
I’ve recently been making some progress on a long term project. My R.G. Hardie pipes came to me via my
Thoroughly enjoyed my years with the Highlanders. Great intro into the Chicagoland Scottish culture and community. Wonderful people, it was an honor to play for them. Paul McHugh