1.

I want a piper to play at my wedding. Who do I contact?
To hire a single piper or even the whole pipe band, contact Mark Donnelly, Band Manager at mdonnelly87@yahoo.com or 440-238-9564. For more information, please visit "Hire the Band".

2.

Where will the 87th be performing next?
Please visit the appropriate page for our "Performance Calendar" or "Events Calendar" for more information.

3.

Is it difficult to play the bagpipes?
Yes, the bagpipes are a rather difficult instrument to play, since they involve not only technique and musicianship, but also physical endurance and strength. For more information about the bagpipes in general, visit the Parts of the Bagpipe page. Of course, almost anyone can learn to be a successful piper, given the right amount of dedication paired with quality instruction (Speaking of quality instruction, we have plenty of that! Just go to the page on "Piping" to find out!)

4.

I'd like to get my son or daughter involved in the band. Is there an age limit?
No, there is no age limit to be a part of this organization. We currently have performing members as young as 6 years old, and as young as 80! One of the great things about this organization is the wide range of ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. We encourage parents to support an interested young child (because, as we know, children often learn better than as later in life, not to mention no lack of energy and enthusiasm!). To get your son or daughter involved, visit our "Join the Band" page.

5.

Is the pipe band just made up of bagpipers, or are there other instruments? I have been playing drums for a few years, but never in a pipe band. Can I still join?
Even though the most often noticed instrument in a pipe band is the bagpipe section, there is also a drum section. The main instrument in the drum section is the snare drum (there are usually four to eight snares per band). Additionally, there are tenor drums (there are usually between one and four tenors), and, of course, there is the bass drum. Many drummers from different backgrounds learn to play in the style of Highland Drumming. For more information on the drum section or for information on lessons, go to our "Drumming" page.

6.

Do I have to be an advanced musician to join the band?
No, many current members learned from "scratch", and we have several qualified teachers to help an aspiring piper, drummer or dancer achieve success at any level, from beginner to advanced. For information on lessons, please visit our "Join the Band" page.

7.

I want to be a Highland Dancer. Where do I start?
To begin lessons for Highland Dancing, please contact Kathleen Donnelly, or Highland Dancing Instructor at 440-238-9564 or cleve87th@aol.com. For more information, visit our "Highland Dancing" page.

8.

How long has the band been together? Who started it?
The 87th Cleveland Pipe Band, founded by John Crawley, Sr., was formed in 1987 (hence the name). After more than 15 years in existence, we are very proud of the incredible size and success of the band today. For more information, visit our "Band History" section.

9.

Does the pipe band travel?
Yes. In addition to performing at festivals, concerts, and other events in the Cleveland area, the band has traveled around the US, Canada, and even Scotland. Generally, the band travels throughout the summer to competitions in Ontario, Canada, parts of Ohio and surrounding states. In 1999, the band traveled to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. For more information, visit "About the Band" or "Competition Results".

10.

Where, when and how often does the band rehearse?
To achieve the challenging goals in competition that we set for ourselves, we must rehearse quite seriously. The band rehearses nearly year-round, in addition to personal practice and instruction.

Typically, each group will meet at least once per week with their section, as well as one to two times per week as a full ensemble. Currently, there are several rehearsals per week for both the pipe/drum section and full ensembles of each group (Grades 3, 4 and 5). For information and directions to rehearsals, please contact the appropriate leader in the "Band Members" section.

11.

What is involved in pipe band competition?
Generally, bands that choose to go the route of competing take on a serious commitment to success. Members must practice regularly, meet for weekly band rehearsals, raise money and travel to competitions. This is a year-round commitment.

In competition, bands compete against bands of similar ability levels and carefully perform required tunes. Competitions are held all around the world, and many bands travel great distances to compete. In North America, most competitions are held between May and September. Winners receive a trophy or award, in addition to a small amount of prize money (which is used to help offset costs). The World Pipe Band Championships are held in Glasgow, Scotland every August. For more information on competitions, go to "What is Competition", "About the Band", or go to "Competition Results" for our latest awards.

12.

I am not a musician or dancer, I would love to help the band out - but how?
There are numerous ways to support the 87th Cleveland, besides being a performer. It takes thousands of dollars and thousands of hours of work to field an organization of our size. We count on the support from individuals, corporations and other groups to compliment the contributions of our members and their families.

The organization needs your support in the way of time and effort, as well as monetary donations. The 87th is a Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) organization; all donations are considered a "charitable deduction". For more information, please go to "Support the Band".

13.

Do band members make money to play? Is the band non-profit?
No band members are paid for their talents; all fees paid go directly to fund the organization. It takes thousands of dollars and thousands of hours of work to field an organization of our size. In order to raise the money necessary, the band performs at events and holds several fundraisers throughout the year, and members and their families must contribute as well. Additionally, we count on support from individuals, corporations and other groups to compliment that of the members and their families.

The organization needs your support in the way of time and effort, as well as monetary donations. The 87th is a Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) organization; all donations are considered a "charitable deduction". For more information, please go to "Support the Band".

14.

Where can I buy 87th merchandise?
To get the latest 87th apparel, go to our "87th Merchandise" page. Why wear 87th Merchandise? Well, you'll be the most fashionable person on your block, it's a great way to show your support, and all proceeds go to help fund the band! And don't forget, the 87th Cleveland is a Non-Profit, 501-(c)(3) organization, so all purchases are charitable deductions!

15.

What do you wear under your kilt?
Though there are several comical answers to this age-old esoteric question, a true Scotsman…never tells.