History of the band

In September 2021, we began meeting as four friends at a bench outside of Shorecrest High School. After playing again after years, 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 grade three in the Summer 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 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 play in a peer-peer solo setting. 

Through continued community support the band is still growing and setting our sights on the world stage. This August Cascadia will make our inaugural trip to the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow, Scotland! 

In addition to practicing for the Worlds, we welcomed Cascadia Grade Four Pipe Band, and are meeting weekly, actively recruiting, and gearing up to field both bands in the local contest circuit!