GREATER MIDWEST PIPE BAND
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Echoes of the Isles


​Featuring
Greater Midwest Pipe Band,
Blackthorn,
and
Kopenski School of Highland Dance

Our ARTISTS


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Greater Midwest Pipe Band
The Greater Midwest Pipe Band was established in 2013 having its first competitive season in 2014. Since its founding the band has striven to develop a strong competitive presence at the Grade II level. The band was founded under the intentions to develop an organization that was centrally located in the Midwestern United States. With many of its initial members coming from either Detroit or Chicago, it was decided that the band should be located somewhere in South Central, Michigan. Chance has it that Battle Creek, Michigan is nearly dead center between both metropolitan areas. We have been very fortunate to call Battle Creek home. The band rehearses at the Music Center of South Central Michigan. Currently the band has members from all across North America with representation from 7 States and 1 Canadian Province. With our new approach to a high level competitive band, and the use of modern technology, we are able to staff our organization with players from all corners of North America.

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Blackthorn
Blackthorn has played throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984 and are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.  Based in Detroit, they can be found regularly at O’Mara’s Pub and Restaurant in Berkley. Other venues include concert halls, universities and festivals, including main stage appearances at the prestigious Michigan Irish Festival and world renowned Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Metro Detroiters fondly remember Blackthorn’s annual appearances on J. P. McCarthy’s St. Patrick’s Day show on WJR radio in the 1980s and 1990s, and later with Paul W. Smith. They have released seven CDs, and have performed with guest musicians such as members of the Michigan Opera Theater and the Motor City Brass Band. In 2010, Blackthorn was voted “Best Folk Band/Artist” by the readers of The Detroit Metro Times. In 2018 the band was inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame.

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Kopenski School of Highland Dance

The studio offers Scottish Highland dance lessons for people of ages beginning at 4 years old.
Scottish Highland Dance can be learned for many reasons. This artform offers a way to expand
one’s knowledge of their heritage, increasing one’s physical activity and also can be learned to dance competitively.

Instruction is provided by Cindy Kopenski. Cindy is a Fellow member of the British Association
of Dance in the Highland branch. She is also a member of the RSOBHD Judge’s Panel. Cindy has over 30 years of experience in teaching Highland Dance.
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For further information please reach out to [email protected].

tHE sHOW


First Half
Greater Midwest Pipe Band
and
Kopenski School of Highland Dance
Lord Lovat's Lament
An homage to Bill Livingston

6/8 Marches 
Captain C.R. Lumsden, Sheila MacKay, Captain Craig-Brown

Traditional 3/4 Marches
The Green Hills of Tyrol, When the Battle's O'er

March, Strathspey and Reel #1
Donald Cameron, Caber Feidh, John McKechnie's Big Reel

​Traditional 4/4 Marches
Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree, Wings

Kopenski School of Highland Dance
Pas de Bas and Pas de Bas and High-Cuts
The Sword Dance
The Irish Jig
Flora MacDonald's Fancy
The Strathspey and Highland Reel
The Lilt
The Scottish Fling

Hornpipes
Calum Campbell's Caprice, Walking the Plank

March, Strathspey and Reel #2
John MacDonald of Glencoe, John Roy Stewart, Major Manson

The Beaker Medley​
The Beaker, Duncan the Gauger, Poyntzfield,
Doctor Kenneth Noisewater, Calum Campbell of Benbecula,
London Lasses, The Grey Bob

Intermission


Second Half
Blackthorn

Selections of Irish classics performed by the masters themselves

Supporters and Thanks


We would like to thank our sponsors and donors for this event!
​

Sponsors
The Music Center of South Central Michigan
AT Percussion
Hardcase

Donors
Ann Arbor Art Center
Ashka Spa
Belle Tire
Byron Voorheis
Cardwell Florist
Keller & Stein - Florist
Kimberly Sievewright
Malcolm MacLean
Michigan Fire House Museum
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Oasis Hot Tubs-Ann Arbor
Royal Oak Golf Center
Spins Bowl Canton (Canton Super Bowl)
Susan Thomson

Texas Roadhouse- Westland
Trader Joe's- Livonia
United Shore Professional Baseball League



We would like to thank you!
Thank you for coming to be a part of this evening with us. Your presence has played a huge role in making this year and upcoming season a possibility for the Greater Midwest Pipe Band. In particular, you are a significant contributor to making a trip to the World Pipe Band Championship possible. This trip is extremely costly for the individuals and the band as a whole, and your support is beyond appreciated. 

If you wish to continue to help support the Greater Midwest Pipe Band beyond this evening. Please consider becoming one of our donors through the link below, or visit the Support Us! page on our website. 

Click here to become a donor through PayPal!

  • About
  • Roster
  • Support Us!
  • Gallery
  • Schedule
  • Contact
  • Merchandise
  • Concert
  • Join Us!
  • Material