MacMillan Youth Band

What we’re about

The MacMillan Youth Band is a collection of passionate young musicians in the Scottish Highland Arts aged 8 to 18. Founded in 2026, the band's mission is to teach the next generation of skilled bagpipers and drummers, nurture a passionate music community, and build confident leaders in the highland arts.

The band accepts any aspiring young musician, at any skill level, any time of the year. We run group practices every Wednesday evening at 7pm at American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, VA. 

Students will have opportunities to perform in parades, festivals, and other gigs in the Washington DC area. As students improve their skills, they will also compete at highland festivals in the Mid-Atlantic against other bands, and as solo competitors. 

If your child is interested in joining, or you would like more information, you can contact us at youthband@macmillanpb.org. We also host several “information nights” throughout the year if you would like to meet with us and learn more about what we're building.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Nope! Anyone is welcome at any level, and we will teach the fundamentals of music as a part of being in the band.

  • We will help provide much of the equipment your child needs. We have a standard curriculum of music they will learn, and will provide them with the starting equipment they need to begin their first lessons.

  • Membership is dues-based which covers all aspects of instruction and starting equipment. Dues begin at $100 per month per child, and go down as you enroll more students from the same family. The first lesson is free if you'd like a taste of what piping and drumming is, but continued learning requires membership.

  • Yes! We have partnered with wonderful organizations that provide scholarships to cover dues and equipment costs for families that need it. We believe finances should not get in the way of learning! Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to apply for a scholarship for your child.

  • It takes roughly a year for a student to go from the first lesson to playing their first tunes on the pipes. Of course, practice makes perfect! And can lead to getting up on pipes sooner. Drummers typically get onto larger instruments more quickly once they learn the drumming fundamentals.

  • Competitions are hosted at Scottish Highland Games across the United States and Canada. Newer students will start by focusing on competitions in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. However, as the students get better and the band grows bigger, they will have opportunities to go overseas to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland and compete against other youth bands from across the globe.

  • We have several adult bands in the MacMillan family they can join, or in any band across the world! No matter where your child goes in life, there is almost certainly a pipe band for them to join. Piping and drumming is a life-long passion. There are pipe bands in every state, and across the world from Malaysia, to South Africa, France, Brazil, and even Shanghai!

  • Yes! In fact, many colleges and universities in the United States offer scholarships or host Highland Arts programs, including Alma College, Carnegie Mellon University, Monmouth College, the US Naval Academy, and Wooster College, to name just a few. Some even offer full-ride scholarships! Who knew playing the bagpipes could lead to an education?

  • Fantastic! We can help you get started too. We have numerous families that play together, and you can begin with our adult bands. Let us know that you are interested in learning as well!