The band performed at the Alamo for Clan Donald International. They hosted a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the people of Scottish heritage who fought and died there. The band was well received by Lord and Lady MacDonald of Scotland.
The Great Highland Bagpipe was once revered as an instrument of war. It is now a favorite of fans of Celtic music around the globe. They can provide a haunting tone to stir up lasting memories at weddings and memorial services or funerals or offer toe-tapping entertainment at a party or dance.
The Side Drum that most Americans call a field, or marching, snare is referred to as a "side drum" in pipe band drumming. In the 18th Century, when the Scottish regiments formed, they naturally turned to the bagpipe band for their music and tailored the percussion instruments to provide the rhythm and cadence for marching. The side drum, bass drum, and tenor drum, are still in use today.
The Home School Highlanders proudly wear the official Tartan of Texas, The Bluebonnet, and are available for parades, weddings, funerals, parties and anywhere you would like to hear the pipers play.
The focus and overriding purpose of the Home School Highlanders is to provide a positive Christian environment to home schooling families for learning and playing the Highland Bagpipes and drums and also to participate in competitions (marching), both band and solo.
It is the desire of the Home School Highlanders that Jesus Christ be expressed and glorified in the lives of all band members not only in actions, but also in words, deeds and thoughts.
The Home School Highlanders are part of the ministry of Christ Fellowship Home Schoolers, a Co-Op sponsored by Christ Fellowship Church of San Antonio. The Highlanders offer free lessons in piping and drumming to all students registered with Christ Fellowship Home Schoolers.
Band Practice occurs each Wednesday at Christ Fellowship Church. Private lessons are scheduled as needed and as available. Additional practices are scheduled on select Wednesday mornings at the home of Pipe Major Bill Jones in New Braunfels and on select Sundays at the church for intense band practice. At these practices, the band receives lessons on marching, dress and deportment as well as group playing.
The Home School Highlanders began in September, 2006 with several members of Christ Fellowship Homeschoolers expressing their desire to learn the instruments. Any home schooler in the San Antonio and surrounding area who is interested in learning the pipes or drums is encouraged to contact the band.
The band marched onto the competition field on November 9, '08 in Salado, Texas:
