SCPB hosts free community event

OMAHA, Neb., July 11, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band hosted its second annual Midlands Celtic Festival today. The Midlands Celtic Festival had plenty to offer - various types of vendors offering everything from kilts to honey, pottery and leather goods. Celtic Clans were abundant, Scottish and Irish dancing and a Heavy Scottish Athletics toss arena. The festival also sported a Beer Garden sponsored by Clancy's Pub! Last, but certainly not least, there was a Highland Dance competition and Bagpipe Band performance by none other than SCPB! Everyone had an excellent time!

SCPB and friends jam in Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, Neb., June 27, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band together with the Midlands Highland Dancers took to the stage to perform in Grand Island's annual Ethnic Festival. The Midlands Highland Dancer's were joined by two new students - performing the Highland Fling, Broadswords and the Lilt! The weather was excellent and not too hot, offering everyone a break from the heat and enabling them to really have a great time!

SCPB takes 2nd in MSR

CHICAGO, Ill., June 20, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band narrowly avoided several competition crippling events and managed to walk away with 2nd place in their MSR competition. Bad weather prohibited one SCPB band member from competing with the band - Alex Stewart was stuck in Cincinnati and her connecting flight to Chicago was ultimately cancelled due to bad weather. Piper Kevin Arnold hit the road at the last minute and drove all night long to take a spot in the competition circle, saving the day! "Before Kevin showed up, I thought we were going to have to scratch. He showed up in time and helped us place!" said Don Udhus, SCPB's Pipe Major. "Even with our thin numbers, we pulled it together in the 11th hour and managed 2nd place against a band twice as big; to us it is first place!"

SCPB performs for Memorial Day service.

MEAD, Neb., May 25, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, joined local Veterans in Mead, Nebraska for the Mead Memorial Day Service held on Monday, May 25, 2009. SCPB played for guests as they arrived, during the service and piped the closing of the ceremonies - adding a special touch to the Memorial Day Service. The ceremony was enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended.

SCPB and MHD bring foot tapping fun!

OMAHA, Neb., March 16, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers put on their jig shoes and really laid down a foot stoppin performance this evening with their friends at the Remington Heights Retirement Home! Forget sitting! The crowd was hardly sitting - all the while enjoying the dancing and the bagpipes! As one resident, who served in WWII and was stationed for a bit in Scotland, said "I haven't heard the bagpipes since 1944 and the show today was even better than back then! Thank you for bringing back some very fond memories!" SCPB and MHD, again, wish to thank everyone at the Remington Heights Home for inviting us to come perform for them again! We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day with you this year... and can't wait to do it again next year!

SCPB and MHD feel the Irish spirit!

OMAHA, Neb., March 15, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers spent this Sunday getting into the Irish spirit with their friends at the Waterford at Miracle Hills. A fun-filled afternoon of music and dance elated all who attended! Soft-serve ice cream was even on hand to help cool off the dancers and pipers! SCPB and MHD wish to thank everyone at the Waterford at Miracle Hills for inviting us to come perform! We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day with you this year!

SCPB and MHD celebrate St. Pat's with friends

OMAHA, Neb., March 14, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers spent time this Saturday with some very special folks at the Lakeside Village retirement community - bringing some unique flair to their St. Patrick's Day celebrations! Three different performances filled the afternoon and put huge smiles on all of the faces of those celebrating - a great time was certainly had by all! SCPB and MHD wish to thank everyone at Lakeside Village for inviting us to come perform! We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day with you this year!

SCPB and MHD do a jig for a special crowd!

OMAHA, Neb., March 13, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, joined the Midlands Highland Dancers for a fun-filled evening performing for the wonderful folks at the Skyline Retirement Home. SCPB showcased their new medley and continued the fun by playing for the Midlands Highland Dancers - a great time was certainly had by all! SCPB and MHD wish to thank everyone at Skyline Retirement Home for inviting us to come perform! We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day with you this year!

SCPB parties with close friends

OMAHA, Neb., February 6, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band hosted their second annual Band Mess (formal dinner) for 60 of their close friends, Students and Band Members. Their special guest, the Midlands Highland Dancers, joined the band for a fun filled night held at the Renaissance Mansion. Different gourmet entrées were presented to dinning guests along with a plethora of other complimentary dishes. The gourmet meals were topped off by a delightful mountain of varied brownies! After dessert, the band struck up and played a few sets including their new 2009 Medley and MSR - the Midlands Highland Dancers joining in performing several Highland Dances! Awards were given out and a few group activities were enjoyed by all! It was a wonderful night full of great food, music and dance!

SCPB & MHD celebrate Burns' 250th Birthday

OMAHA, Neb., January 24, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers hosted their second annual Burns Night - a free public event for all to enjoy! The Burns Night feast consisted of pork roast, Scottish Sheppard's Pie and last, but surely not least... HAGGIS!! After the Haggis was piped in, a wonderful address to the Haggis was done by Denny Neff, a very talented presenter that gave a 'normal english' breakdown of the traditional scottish address so as the children (and adults too) in attendance could understand what dear old Robbie Burns was saying in his historic scottish rant to the Haggis! Highland dances were abundant as were piping tunes, but the night belonged to Prairie Plaide! In their final performance, Prairie Plaide played into the evening hosting many group dances, which all participants enjoyed! A fun-filled night was certainly enjoyed by all! We look forward to see you there next year!

SCPB joins La Vista FD for annual banquet

LA VISTA, Neb., January 17, 2009 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band joined the La Vista Fire & Rescue Department for their annual awards banquet at the La Vista Conference Center. Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band took part in their Four Five's ceremony honoring the 114 fallen Fire Fighters and Rescue Workers who perished in the line of duty during 2008. The evening was not somber, but one more of honoring and remembrance. Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band is very honored to have been a part of this very special event.

SCPB & the Midlands Highland Dancers perform under the tree.

OMAHA, Neb., December 5, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers performed for the community at the Durham Western Heritage Museum in this year's Ethnic Festival. The evening was filled with a variety of ethnic performances from many talented groups! SCPB and the Midlands Highland Dancers were on hand after their performance to man their booth and answer questions on Highland Dancing and Piping. SCPB and the Midlands Highland Dancers were honored to lead the closing ceremonies for this year's festival. We enjoyed being a part of this multi-cultural event! We can't wait to participate again next year! Check out our Gallery for some pictures from this event!

SCPB & the Midlands Highland Dancers kick start this year's Worldfest.

BELLEVUE, Neb., November 29, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers were this year's headliner for the Worldfest festival held in Bellevue, Nebraska. SCPB was honored to start this year's event off - leading the way for the tree lighting ceremony and piping in all the officials. SCPB was then joined by The Midlands Highland Dancers - showcasing Highland Dance with their exceptional talents! We enjoyed being a part of Worldfest - certainly a good time was had by all! We can't wait to participate again next year!

SCPB and Prairie Plaide perform at 1st annual Ren-Fest

GLENWOOD, Ia., October 18, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band joined Prairie Plaide for a full day of fun at the King's Crossing Renaissance Festival - the 1st annual Ren-Fest sponsored by King's Crossing Vineyard in Glenwood, Iowa. A good time was had by all, from sampling local delicacies to cheering on the favored knight. The festival featured many vendors and musicians from the surrounding area, children's activities and renaissance royalty. You can visit the King's Crossing vineyard website by clicking HERE.

SCPB joins Atlantic FD in parade

ATLANTIC, Ia., October 11, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band joined the Atlantic Fire Department for their annual Fire Fighter parade in Atlantic, Iowa. SCPB wasn't alone; several other Fire Departments from around the area (and some not so near) joined to remember fallen Fire Fighters. Fire Departments from Crescent, Griswold, Harlan and others participated in this event. The folks of Atlantic were thrilled to have so many groups from around the region. SCPB wishes to thank the Atlantic Fire Department for the invitation - it was an honor to play in your event!

SCPB plays at OktoBeerfest

LINCOLN, Neb., October 9, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, performed for the Nebraska State Stroke Association's 15th annual OktoBEERfest in Lincoln, NE. With over 150 different types of beers to sample, a good time was had by all! Read an article from the JournalStar.com HERE.

SCPB & the Midlands Highland Dancers take center stage

FREMONT, Neb., September 7th, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band joined the Midlands Highland Dancers today for the Fremont Festival in Fremont, NE. Even though the weather was a bit drizzly, both groups managed to put on an excellent performance - narrowly missing the full down pour which happened minutes after their performance! Needless to say, it was an outstanding performance for both groups and the people in attendance absolutely love it!

SCPB takes 1st in Medley in Davenport, IA

DAVENPORT, Ia., August 23, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band took to the competition field at the Quad Cities Highland Games and performed their Medley competition set - taking 1st place in the grade III class. SCPB saw some stiff competition from the Kansas City St. Andrew's grade III band, but they managed to come out on top. "We had some good tone right out of the box and we managed to keep it there; not too bad considering having a new band member in the circle and a new-to-the-competition circle member playing!" said Alex Stewart, an SCPB Piper. SCPB would like to congratulate all pipe bands in attendance for their hard work and excellent performances!

SCPB raises awareness of deadbeat customers

OMAHA, Neb., August 15, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band today launched a new feature of their website, their 'Hall of Shame', to raise awareness for other Pipers and Pipe Bands about deadbeat customers they have encountered. SCPB is aiming to increase information between Pipers and Pipe Bands not only in their local area, but also abroad regarding deadbeat customers. "Perhaps deadbeat customers who have their name and information posted for public display will think twice about defrauding anyone else. Pipers and Pipe bands spend a lot of time and money on their instrument and their profession. They, like any other professional, deserve to be paid for the services they render." said Don Udhus, President of SCPB, "It's really a shame we have to go to these lengths, but we would rather aid others in avoiding deadbeat customers like these who have cheated and stolen our time and energy!". SCPB invites anyone to Visit their Hall of Shame.

SCPB and MRC perform to help the Little Sioux Camp in Iowa

OMAHA, Neb., July 25, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band joined Matt's Rocket Collection for an evening packed full of great music - all the while raising money for the Boy Scouts and the Little Sioux Camp which was devastated by a tornado earlier this year. The Chrome Lounge was definitely the place to be! SCPB and MRC were joined by Song Remains The Same for a full, fun-filled evening of great rock 'n roll and good times! Checkout MRC's website for future shows! We'll see you there!

SCPB hosts free community event

OMAHA, Neb., July 12, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band hosted its first annual Midlands Celtic Festival today. The Midlands Celtic Festival had plenty to offer - various types of vendors offering everything from kilts to tea, pottery and honey; other festival features included various clan families, SCA sponsored re-enactments and falconry, several Scottish and Irish dancing and entertainment groups, foam fighting re-enactments and a Heavy Scottish Athletics toss arena. The festival also sported a Beer Garden sponsored by Clancy's Pub! Last, but certainly not least, there was a Highland Dance competition and Bagpipe Band performance by none other than SCPB! Everyone had an excellent time and we're doing it again next year on July 11, 2009!

SCPB and friends jam in Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, Neb., June 28, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band together with the Midlands Highland Dancers and Prairie Plaide took to the stage to perform in Grand Island's annual Ethnic Festival. For the first time ever, SCPB and Prairie Plaide performed several numbers together throughout the performance - a pretty amazing feat for integrating bagpipes with a Celtic band consisting of varied instruments! The Midlands Highland Dancers not only performed - excellently we might add, but also managed to instruct, on the fly, several Festival goers on how to dance a Scottish Country dance to the tune 'The Gay Gordon's'. Everyone had an excellent time - including the Festival goers!

SCPB takes 4th in Medley, avoids near disaster

CHICAGO, Ill., June 21, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band narrowly avoided a disqualification incident and managed to walk away with 4th place in their Medley competition. SCPB experienced an extremely last minute equipment failure which threatened to eliminate one of their players; putting them under the minimum number of players needed to compete according to MWPBA guidelines. "Having an off day - that happens and is to be expected from time to time; Equipment failure in the final tuning circle... that's an entirely different matter - one that could cost you everything!" said Don Udhus, SCPB's Pipe Major. "We pulled it together in the 11th hour and managed 4th place; we'll take it this time, but we'll be better prepared from here on out."

SCPB takes 1st in MSR, Best Drum Corps & Best Pipe Band!

MILWAUKEE, Wis., June 7, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band took to the competition field at the Milwaukee Highland Games and performed their MSR competition set - taking 1st place in the grade III class and winning Best Drum Corps (we were the only grade III band there, but hey! We really smoked the score sheets with an excellent performance!). Also, Our very own tenor drummer, Morgan, competed and won 1st in the tenor-group drumming competition!! Way to go Morgan!! SCPB did, however, have competition for their third award; Best Pipe Band. SCPB is honored to win the Best Pipe Band award and would like to congratulate all pipe bands in attendance for their hard work and excellent performances!

SCPB performs for Memorial Day service.

MEAD, Neb., May 26, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, joined local Veterans in Mead, Nebraska for the Mead Memorial Day Service held on Monday, May 26, 2008. SCPB played for guests as they arrived, during the service and piped the closing of the ceremonies - adding a special touch to the Memorial Day Service. The ceremony was enjoyed and appreciated by all who attended.

SCPB takes 1st in Medley.

FARMINGTON, Minn., May 17, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band took to the competition field for the very first time at the Minnesota Highland Games. Competing in the grade III class - SCPB performed their MSR and Medley sets; winning 2nd in the MSR competition and taking 1st in the Medley! "We put on a 'descent' performance. We have some improvements to make - but not too bad for playing it as an entire band for only the second time!" said Alex Stewart, an SCPB Piper, when asked about the band's Medley performance.

SCPB jams with MRC and Ace Frehley.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Ia., May 9, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band joined Matt's Rocket Collection to open for Ace Frehley - lead guitarist for the rock band KISS. Performing in a very packed Whiskey Roadhouse in Council Bluffs, IA; SCPB surprised the audience and took to the stage to jam with MRC in their grand finale - a tribute to the rock band AC/DC. The performance was a hit! Fans of all ages were thrilled by MRC's performance and shocked by the inclusion of bagpipes. SCPB wishes to thank Matt's Rocket Collection for inviting us to come perform! We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the performance and loved the chance to jam!

SCPB and MHD do a jig this St. Patrick's Day weekend.

OMAHA, Neb., March 15, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, joined the Midlands Highland Dancers for a fun-filled afternoon performing for several retirement communities. SCPB and MHD wish to thank everyone at Remmington Heights in Omaha, Ashland Care Center in Ashland and the Veteran's Home in Bellevue for inviting us to come perform! We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day with you this year!

SCPB performs in 'Brigadoon' for mid-winter musical.

YUTAN, Neb., Febuary 28, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, performed in Yutan High School's mid-winter musical 'Brigadoon'. SCPB wishes to thank Mr. Jon B. Gathje for the performance invitation. We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such a talented group! The cast and crew at Yutan High School put on three (3) spectacular shows - all were a hit!

SCPB entertains a few close friends.

OMAHA, Neb., February 2, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band hosted their first annual Band Mess (formal dinner) for 45 of their close friends and band members. Their special guest, the Midlands Highland Dancers, joined the band for a fun filled night. Three different professionally prepared gourmet entrées were presented to dinning guests, along with a plethora of other complimentary dishes. The dessert selection included gourmet cheesecakes, Bailey's Irish Cream and Kahlua chocolate to name two of them, along with a Lithuanian tort and custom ice cream sundaes. After dessert, the band struck up and played a few sets including their new 2008 Medley and the Midlands Highland Dancers performed a Highland Fling and even a Jig! Awards were given out and a few group activities were enjoyed by all! We are definitely looking forward to next year's Band Mess!

SCPB expands payment options to its customers.

OMAHA, Neb., January 5, 2008 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band launched their new online piper payment system today. This new system offers potential customers many different ways to pay for their bagpiper; traditional credit cards are still accepted as well as newer methods of payment including PayPal account payments and e-Check payments. "Customers are very important to us; as well as providing premier pipers for our events, we want to make their experience ordering our piping services a positive one." said Don Udhus, President of Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band. Indeed this new system will offer clients many different ways to 'pay the piper'!

SCPB & the Midlands Highland Dancers perform under the tree.

OMAHA, Neb., November 30, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers performed for the community at the Durham Western Heritage Museum. The evening was filled with a variety of ethnic performances from many talented groups! We enjoyed being a part of this multi-cultural event! We can't wait to participate again next year! Check out our Gallery for some pictures from this event!

SCPB & the Midlands Highland Dancers put on a show for the community.

BELLEVUE, Neb., November 25, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band and the Midlands Highland Dancers put on a show for the community at this years Worldfest in Bellevue, Nebraska. The afternoon event was not piping; the Midlands Highland Dancers also performed - showcasing Highland Dance with their exceptional talents! We enjoyed being a part of Worldfest - certainly a good time was had by all! We can't wait to participate again next year! Read an article in the Omaha World Herald

SCPB & the Midlands Highland Dancers put on a full concert for TJHS.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Ia., November 13, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, put on their Live In Concert performance for Thomas Jefferson High School students and local residents. "This is a unique opportunity and experience for my students and others; they probably would not have ever gone out of their way to find this unique instrument and get this kind of experience." said Steven Moore, Director of Bands at Thomas Jefferson High School. The evening was not just about piping; the Midlands Highland Dancers also performed throughout the concert - bringing the Highland Dance experience into the lime light with their exceptional talents! SCPB wrapped up the evening by playing with the TJHS band. We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such an energetic and extremely talented group! Certainly a good time was had by all and the feedback has been unanimously positive! SCPB would like to thank Thomas Jefferson High School and especially Mr. Steven Moore for organizing this event.

SCPB performs in 'Brigadoon' for fall musical.

PAPILLION, Neb., November 1, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, via its Highland Music Outreach Program, performed in Papillion-La Vista South High School's fall musical 'Brigadoon'. SCPB wishes to thank Ms. Cheri Helmer-Riensche for the performance invitation. We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such an energetic and extremely talented group! The cast and crew at Papillion-La Vista South High School put on four (4) spectacular shows; one for the Junior High School Students and three sold-out shows for the general public - all were a hit!

Free Highland Games sure to be a crowd pleaser!

OMAHA, Neb., October 26, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, Inc. announced the launching of the Midlands Celtic Festival, the latest Highland Games to come to the Midwest. The Midlands Celtic Festival is scheduled to be held at the Levi Carter Park on July 12, 2008. Plans are underway to provide a wide variety of events - a Highland Dance competition, Solo Piping and Pipe Band competition and Heavy Athletics plus many more are in the works. Admission to the Midlands Celtic Festival will be free to the public.

SCPB plays at Okto Beerfest.

LINCOLN, Neb., October 4, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, Inc., via its Highland Music Outreach Program, performed for the Nebraska State Stroke Association's 14th annual Okto Beerfest in Lincoln, NE. With over 140 different types of beers to sample, a good time was had by all! Read an article from the JournalStar.com HERE.

SCPB to sponsor new Highland Games.

OMAHA, Neb., October 1, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, Inc. announced today its intention to sponsor a new Highland Games in Omaha, NE. The new Highland Games, tentatively scheduled for July 12, 2008, will put a spot light on Scottish and Celtic heritage and have a wide variety of events. Among the events scheduled are a Highland Dance competition, Solo Piping and Pipe Band competition and Heavy Athletics.

SCPB joins the Midlands Highland Dancers - take center stage

FREMONT, Neb., September 16th, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, Inc. joined the Midlands Highland Dancers today for the Fremont Festival in Fremont, NE. It was an outstanding performance for both groups!

Midlands Highland Dancers to put on FREE recital

OMAHA, Neb., September 5th, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, Inc. will join the Midlands Highland Dancers for a FREE dance recital to be held on November 17th at 2:00pm. This event will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5217 N 54th St. Omaha, NE 68104.

New program will create new opportunities for all involved

OMAHA, Neb., July 28th, 2007 - Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band, Inc. announced today its new Highland Music Outreach Program. The new Highland Music Outreach Program will afford qualified organizations in the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro areas and surrounding areas the opportunity to experience live Scottish music and culture. Click HERE for more information.

SCPB was invited to perform with the Midlands Highland Dancers in the Ashland Stir-Up Celebration Parade on Saturday, July 21st! A fun time was had by all! There were many fun activities for all ages... can't wait until next year!

Band merchandise is now available on-line. We have partnered up with Cafepress.com and are now offering lots of different types of band merchandise. Check out our merchandise section!

The new SCPB website was launched today! Look for photos, band merchandise and more in the coming months. Please contact the webmaster if you have any problems with the site.