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Williams pipe band wins first place

<br>Submitted photo<br>
Members of the Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums during the St. Patrick’s Day Red Rocks Parade in Sedona.

<br>Submitted photo<br> Members of the Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums during the St. Patrick’s Day Red Rocks Parade in Sedona.

As the morning dew began to melt from the scenic Sedona landscape, a company of pipers and drums shattered the morning silence with the famous Scottish tunes of Scotland the Brave and The Rowan Tree. The Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums, a band of musicians brought together by their love for the music of the highlands, prepared to perform at the annual Red Rock Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Scott Grimes, Cameron Holmes and Michael Donelson founded the group, which is stationed in Williams. The dream of having a pipe band in northern Arizona brought these three founders together in the summer of 2007. The three performed at the Wild West Junction and soon other pipers were welcomed into the company.

The band was awarded the prestigious St. Patrick's Award, the highest award given to parade participants. This all-inclusive award is for marching, uniforms, deportment and musicality.

Donelson serves as president and pipe major for the band. Joe Tulley serves as drum major, treasurer, and quartermaster. Joe Branston serves as vice president and business manager. Martha Shideler serves as secretary. Geoff Pavey serves as Drum Sergeant.

The group meets every Tuesday at 3:45 at the LDS Church building, located on Rodeo Road. They offer free bagpipe lessons to everyone and anyone with the desire to learn this beloved Scottish musical heritage. For more information, you can contact the three founders, or visit their Web site at http://www.freewebs.com/southwestskyepipesdrums/.


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