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About the Band The High Desert Pipes and Drums celebrated its nineteenth anniversary in 2012. Pipe Major and Founder Bill Horn maintains his original goals – to promote Scottish Bagpipe music in New Mexico – striving for authenticity and excellence. COMPETITIONS: In 1997, HDP&D became one of the first bands in the Western United States to travel to Scotland to compete. Although we placed very close to the bottom on that trip, we learned – and two years later became the first US band to win Grade IV at the World Pipe Band Championships. The magnitude of that win grows with each passing year, as we remain the ONLY US band to have won that grade in the more than 50 year history of the competition. In 2001, on the third trip, HDP&D won Best Bass Section and Marching and Deportment at the Worlds. In 2007, the members of HDP&D completed a fourth trip to Scotland to compete, and although we did not bring any silver home to New Mexico from the three competitions (North Berwick, Bridge of Allen, and the World Pipe Band Championships), the trip was still a great success and proved that we are still on track. NAME DROPPING: Instrumental in the success of the High Desert has been the ability of Bill Horn, the founder and Pipe Major, to obtain direction from some of the best Scottish musicians in the World. From its inception, HDP&D has focused on quality instruction, hosting seminars with Terry Lee, Jack Lee, Reid Maxwell, Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl, Adam Quinn, Alan Bevin, Duncan Miller, and Alastair Gillies. Band members have received instruction at the Piping Centre in Glasgow, and attended schools in the United States. Obtaining the best instruction is a primary focus in the band's annual budget. OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS: Our thanks to businesses such as Argyle Welding Supply, O’Niell’s Pub, Two Fools Tavern, Uptown Sports Bar, Forgemaster Iron, CTSI and individuals too numerous to mention, as well as organizations such as the St. Andrew’s Society for providing financial support and performance opportunities. The support of the community has been a vital element in our growth and longevity. OUR ALUMNI: Just as you never forget your first job, you also do not forget your first pipe band. HDP&D students have played in bands from Washington, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas in Grade 4 to Grade 1 bands. Even though HDP&D is a Grade 4 band, it has produced a number of Grade 1 and Grade 2 pipers and drummers. HDP&D is proud of the diversity its members – people of different ages, backgrounds, musical abilities, brought together by an interest in this unique music. Doctors, lawyers, students, scientists, business people, teenagers, kids all united by an ancient instrument. Many of our members are family; Fathers and sons, Fathers and daughters, sisters, brothers, mothers. Remember the Maestas Clan, the Primozics, Kent and daughter Amanda, Jim and son Dan, Shawnee and Joseph, Paul and daughter Patsy,the Broadhead family, Reardon family, the Drennans, McBride, and the Fasulos. LESSONS: Practice — Practice — Practice - Lessons every Thursday from 6:30-7:30 at 3815 Hawkins St. NE, Albuquerque. THE FUTURE: It has been exciting to watch the band kids, such as Joel Bristol, Daniel Appel, Mason Parsons, Katy Houska, Tim Borgman, Stuart Clements, Amanda Argubright and others grow up. We look forward to the next generation. Whether you are 7 or 70, the High Desert Pipes and Drums, as one of Albuquerque's Best, encourage you to “Indulge Your Inner Celt”.
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