History of the band

In September 2021, we began meeting as four friends at a bench outside of Shorecrest High School. Playing again after many years away, we realized how much we missed playing in a band and decided to continue meeting weekly, playing practice chanters and learning tunes together.

Soon our meetings grew into the early stages of Cascadia, with the aim of competing in the summer of 2023 under the direction of Patrick Downing. Huddled around a glass conference table, we fully utilized the printer and the Keurig machine fueling a successful debut season in grade three.

Cascadia Pipe Band was promoted by the British Columbia Pipers Association to grade two in 2023. In 2023 and 2024 we went to the Pleasanton Highland Games in California, and in 2024 we also competed in the Chicago Highland Games.

Pipe Major Patrick Downing, Pipe Sergeant Alison Dunsire, and Drum Sergeant Steven Wheeler encourage excellent playing and a continuous growth mindset through weekly rehearsals and a positive group environment.

In 2023 band became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, started traveling, and began hosting the Washington Solo Gatherings for local pipers and drummers to do solo competition in the “off season.” 

In the fall of 2024, we added Cascadia Pipe Band Grade 4. The Grade 4 band had many successes at local contests in its first season, culminating with a win on Sunday at the PNW Highland Games in Enumclaw, Washington! The grade 4 band continues to recruit local players and is expanding rapidly.

Through continued community support, the band set its sights on the world stage. In August 2025, Cascadia made its inaugural trip to the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, and tied for 6th place in Grade 2! We plan to return in 2026.

Cascadia Pipe Band meets weekly in Edmonds for rehearsals, is actively recruiting, and gearing up to field both bands in the local contest circuit!