Draft:Chicago Highlanders Pipes & Drums

The Chicago Highlanders are a Scottish themed bagpipe and drum corps currently located in Palatine, IL. The Highlanders perform at weddings, funerals, and other Chicago area venues and can be seen in many local parades.

The band is also a member of the Midwest Pipe Band Association where they compete at various Highland Games.

The Chicago Highlanders is a 501(c)(3) organization which volunteers for many charity events and offers free lessons to individuals interested in joining the band.

History
The band was formed in 1921 by Scottish immigrant brothers Robert and James Sim, Jim was a drummer and Bob was the band's first Pipe Major. The band experienced a split after a sponsorship by the Curtiss Candy Company ended with a portion of the band becoming the Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band and others resuming use of the Chicago Highlanders name. The two bands celebrated their 100 year anniversary in 2021 and played Amazing Grace together after a competition on September 4 at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI.

Band
As of 2023, the band is made up of 15 active pipers, 5 drummers, and a Drum Major. The members are men and women from various professions, students and retirees, and range in age from 13 to 61.

The Chicago Highlanders wears the Royal Stewart tartan.

Pipe Majors

 * Anita Jannes (2017 - current)
 * Don Larson (2017)
 * Mary Thrasher (2014 - 2017)
 * Anita Jannes ( - 2014)
 * George Gray
 * Warren Askew
 * Sue Cox
 * Jim Crombie
 * Dan Currie
 * Chris (Kit) Jensen
 * Charlie Johnson
 * Steve Johnson
 * Maggie Cast
 * Paul McHugh
 * Patrick Rooney
 * Ian Swinton
 * John Wilson