Scroll down or click here to read some History on the Band.

he earliest known reference to a Milwaukee pipe band is from a newspaper article about the 1905 Milwaukee Highland Games, which mentions the "Milwaukee Caledonian Pipe Band". Little more occurs until some time after World War II, when a band known as the "Canadian Legion" was organized. This group played until the 1950's, when it evolved into the "Milwaukee Highlanders". A fledgling band (the "Black Swan") merged with the Highlanders in 1969. Not long thereafter, in 1971, the "Pipes and Drums, the Billy Mitchell Scottish", was organized.

n celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Billy Mitchell Scottish is Milwaukee's oldest pipe band. The Band can trace its links back for almost another 20 years.

he Band was named in remembrance of General William Mitchell, Grandson of the Scottish emigrant Alexander Mitchell. Arriving in Milwaukee penniless, Alexander earned his fortune by not paying claims made to his insurance business. Billy is credited with inventing the concept of modern air power by proving it is not good to be on a ship while someone else is dropping high explosives on it.

he Band wears the Ancient Mitchell tartan (which is also the Ancient Galbraith, the Ancient Hunter, and the Ancient Rose). This tartan is unique in being the only one claimed by four families. It is unknown if it is so popular because of its attractiveness, or whether a decided lack of creativity exists. The Ancient Mitchell was proclaimed the "Official Tartan" of Milwaukee County by County Executive William O' Donnell, and duly entered into the Tartan Registry in Scotland. Any citizen of Milwaukee County is entitled to wear it. Considering the four clans that claim the tartan, and that the population of the County is about a million, Ancient Mitchell can leagally be worn by more people than any other family tartan on earth.

he Billy Mitchell Scottish wears the MacArthur cap badge in honor of another famous Milwaukee Scottish family. The Band was privileged to have this right conferred upon it by the sister of General Douglas MacArthur, who spent his childhood here, at a ceremony conducted at the courthouse square bearing the family name. It was several years later when it was revealed that this sweet little old lady, who had enjoyed some eminence as the General's sister, was in fact not his sister, and was suffering from delusions.

e have enjoyed success - and a few setbacks - through the years. Competitively, in the early 1990's the Band earned MWPBA "Champions Supreme" with a record number of first places which has only recently been equaled. Historically, BMSPD has placed among the top three 72% of the times it has competed, and has played into grade III twice. The Band has appeared throughout the midwest and Canada at highland games, parades, corporate and private events, folk festivals, various althletic matches, and in concert with brass bands and symphonies. Members of the Band were part of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association's 75th "Jubilee" Celebration in Glasgow, and represented the State of Wisconsin on a cultural exchange tour to Japan. We've played for Presidents Carter and Reagan; as an opener for rock star Rod Stewart (several times); and we've welcomed visiting foreign War ships. In perhaps our most unusual event, the Band performed at a balloon festival, where the remark was made that the balloons' rapid ascension was assisted by the piper's hot air...

e are proud to have been part of every Irishfest, the largest Celtic Music festival in the world.

ur 30th anniversary is worthy of note. Few pipe bands last this long. It is a testament to the foresight and planning of those that formed the original Band, and to the hard work and dedication of those who have continued it, that we enjoy the outstanding reputation and the many friendships that we have today. We hope for another 30 years!

P.M. Gary Mitchell Bottoni
August 2001

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