{"id":102,"date":"2013-02-08T04:30:13","date_gmt":"2013-02-08T04:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tngphoto.com\/wordpress\/?p=102"},"modified":"2013-02-08T04:30:13","modified_gmt":"2013-02-08T04:30:13","slug":"the-desert-skye-pipes-and-drums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.tngphoto.com\/wordpress\/?p=102","title":{"rendered":"The Desert Skye Pipes and Drums"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’ve decided to start a new tradition this year for this little Las Vegas photography blog. I get to meet so many interesting people as a photographer so I’m going to be featuring local businesses, interesting or distinguished people, movers\/shakers, etc. through short interviews. I’m so excited to be an interviewer! Just try to imagine Jay Leno’s voice asking the questions. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

For my first interview, I chose something you don’t see everyday; a bagpiping band! Introducing, the DESERT SKYE PIPES AND DRUMS.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"las<\/a><\/p>\n

Tell a little bit about your band…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Desert Skye Pipes & Drums is a local pipe band, with headquarters right here in
\nLas Vegas and is the only civilian pipe band in Southern Nevada. At the present
\ntime we have a membership of 18 Pipers and 12 Drummers.
\nDesert Skye Pipes & Drums is led by Pipe Major Andrew Fusco and Drum
\nSergeant Reggie Rader.<\/p>\n

\"las<\/p>\n

What inspired the band to be created?<\/strong><\/em>
\nDesert Skye Pipes & Drums was formed in 1999 by Danny Packer, who served
\nas the first Pipe Major, with the goal of promoting Celtic culture throughout
\nSouthern Nevada through the performance of traditional Scottish Highland music.
\nFrom that time, we have remained the premiere pipe band in Southern Nevada.
\nOur main function is to promote Celtic culture, but we are much more than that!
\nWe are a competition band, a performance and entertainment band, a teaching
\norganization and a cultural group.
\nDesert Skye proudly wears the official Nevada State Tartan, which was designed
\nby one of our original members.<\/p>\n

\"las<\/a><\/p>\n

What do you feel is the biggest appeal of your group and your music?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe biggest appeal is definitely the overpowering sound of the band produced by
\none of the most exciting musical instruments on earth, the Great Highland
\nBagpipe. When you combine the Bagpipes with the Scottish drums, you have a
\nsound that is unequaled anywhere! People love the sound of a Scottish Pipe
\nBand. Also, seeing the band dressed in the traditional kilt evokes memories of
\nthe romantic history of Scotland as well as memories of the many years of the
\nScottish wars fighting for independence.
\nAs part of the band\u2019s goal to promote Scottish music and show support for the
\ncommunity of Las Vegas, the band plays at the St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade, the
\nVeteran\u2019s Day Parade and the Helldorado Parade as well as other community
\nevents put on by the St. Andrew\u2019s Society of Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas
\nCeltic Society and the Las Vegas Highland Dance Association. The band
\nroutinely appears on stage, performing with the Sharon Lynn Academy of Irish
\nDance. We are proud to be able to perform with pipers and drummers from the
\nlocal fire and police departments on special occasions.<\/p>\n

\"band<\/a><\/p>\n

Have anything special planned for 2013?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe goal of the band for the coming year is to grow in number of members, as
\nwell as to raise our performances to an even higher level of musical excellence.
\nWe plan to attend at least four different Highland Games throughout the West to
\nperform with other pipe band and to enter the pipe band competitions. Based on
\nlast years performances in those band competitions, we expect this year, to place
\nfirst or second in every competition.
\nDesert Skye Pipes & Drums will once again be the host band for the Las Vegas
\nCeltic Gathering and Highland Games, as we have been for the past five years.
\nAlso, we have several classes planned for those interested in learning to play the
\nGreat Highland Bagpipe or Scottish Drums. We teach beginners even if they
\nhave no music experience what so ever and we have a place in the band for all
\nskill levels. If you are interested in learning the Great Highland Bagpipe or
\nHighland Drums, give us a call or visit our website at www.desertskye.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you have any questions or would like to get pricing information for hiring the full<\/strong>
\nband or solo piper to play at your function, please call us at:<\/strong>
\nPipe Major Andrew Fusco 702-518-7473<\/strong>
\nBand Director Van W. Frazier 702-994-5314<\/strong>
\nDesert Skye Pipes & Drums\u2026Keeping Celtic pride alive in the Silver State<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A HUGE thank you to the Desert Skye Pipes and Drums for taking the time to answer a few questions for us. Don’t forget to check out their website: www.desertskye.org<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

-Nate<\/p>\n

TNGphoto.com<\/a><\/p>\n

TNGseniors.com<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>