OUR STORY

The earliest known reference to a Milwaukee pipe band is from a newspaper article about the 1905 Milwaukee Highland Games, which mentions the "Milwaukee Caledonian Pipe Band". Little more occurs until some time after World War II, when a band known as the "Canadian Legion" was organized. This group played until the 1950's, when it evolved into the "Milwaukee Highlanders". A fledgling band (the "Black Swan") merged with the Highlanders in 1969. Not long thereafter, in 1971, the "Pipes and Drums, the Billy Mitchell Scottish", was organized by members of these two bands with assistance from the St Andrew’s Society of Milwaukee.

The Billy Mitchell Scottish is Wisconsin’s oldest pipe band. The Band can trace its links back for over 70 years.

The Band wears the Ancient Mitchell tartan, which is also the Ancient Galbraith, the Ancient Hunter, and the Ancient Rose. This tartan is unique in being the only one claimed by four families. “Ancient” refers to a reproduction of the muted vegetable based dies used in the past. The Ancient Mitchell tartan was proclaimed the "Official Tartan" of Milwaukee County by County Executive William O' Donnell, and was accepted as such in the Tartan Registry in Scotland.

The Band’s existence since 1971 is worthy of note. Few pipe bands last this long. It is a testament to the foresight and planning of those who formed the original Band, and to the effort and dedication of the over 160 members who have played with us through the years, that we enjoy the outstanding reputation and the many friendships that we have today.

SEE US

While the Band’s appearances change often, below are some of the annual public events where we (and the Caledonians) are usually seen.

  • St. Andrew's Society Robert Burns Dinner - late January (the Scottish community’s premier event, open to the public).

  • St. Patrick's Day Parades in Milwaukee - mid March.

  • Memorial Day Parade in Elm Grove - late May.

  • Milwaukee Highland Games - the first Saturday in June.

  • Chicago Highland Games - mid June.

  • Fun Before the Fourth Parade in Mequon/Theinsville - late June.

  • July 4th Parades in Brookfield, Whitefish Bay, and Butler.

  • Milwaukee Irishfest - the third weekend in August (the world’s largest Celtic music festival, on the Summerfest grounds).

  • Wisconsin Highland Games - Labor Day weekend.

  • International Institute’s Holiday Folk Fair - the weekend before Thanksgiving (at State Fair Park).

For further information or if you have any questions, please email us from the Home page..