clan donald pipes and drums

Clan Donald Pipes and Drums was founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization. The band is dedicated to the promotion, development and perpetuation of Scottish bagpipe music, and Scottish lore, games, and customs. Members live throughout northeastern Wisconsin and meet weekly for practice in Appleton.

The band performs in parades and other events throughout the year. Members support each other in developing their musical talents and are dedicated, amateur musicians. The band has competed in highland games held in the Midwest, and individual members compete in solo piping and drumming events.

The band wears the MacDonald of Glengary tartan with the permission of the High Chief of Clan Donald.

Clan Donald Pipes and Drums is available for outdoor performances and parades in Wisconsin late spring through early fall, and indoor performances during the winter.

Events in 2022 included parades in Baileys Harbor, Eden, Green Lake, and Sister Bay Fall Fest. and performances at the Hmong Labor Day Festival.

Individual members of Clan Donald Pipes and Drums, located in northeastern Wisconsin, will play for special events such as weddings, funerals, birthdays, etc. If you would like to hire a piper for your event, please contact

We welcome new members! Our pipers and drummers hail from all over northeastern Wisconsin and meet in Appleton every Wednesday night (7-9:00 p.m.) for practice. If you just moved to the area, want to get back into playing, or would like to learn to play, call our pipe major (Bruce Danielson, 920-921-5796) or band president (Scott Prentice, 920216-5579) to connect and get more information.

New to piping/drumming? The band will provide free lessons in beginning piping and lessons in Scottish drumming (drummers should have already learned basic drumming skills) with the understanding that students will eventually play with the band and audition for membership. Please contact the pipe major (Bruce Danielson, 920-921-5796) for more information.

Buying bagpipes: Piping instruction starts with learning the fingering, notation and embellishments on a practice chanter (something like a recorder). It is not recommended that the student purchase a set of pipes right away. Bruce can provide information about selecting pipes and reputable dealers.