Heather and Thistle Pipe and Drums Collections
Collection
Identifier: MSS 3141
Scope and Content
The Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums Records consist of three series: Administrative Records, Performance and Programming, and Correspondence. These records provide a detailed glimpse into the band’s history, operations, performances, and communications.
The Administrative Records Series contains early planning documents, which provide historical context and foundational information about the band. The series also includes bylaws outlining the organization’s legal framework, inventories, meeting minutes, meeting agendas detailing motions and decisions of the board of directors, and various reports. Notably, a comprehensive history of the band is found in the early planning documents folder, alongside findings related to the group’s origins.
The Performance and Programming Series consists of eight items documenting the band's activities, including performance dates from 2003 to 2014. It also contains materials from an international music camp held at International Peace Garden, with participation certificates awarded to Heather and Thistle members. Additional items include collections of bagpipe tunes and lyrics, a tune survey conducted in June 2012, and an attendance book tracking participation in practice sessions. Newspaper clippings documenting various performances offer further insight into the band’s public engagements.
The Correspondence Series includes email correspondence spanning 2000 to 2010, providing insights into the band's internal and external communications. Official letters related to the band's activities and publications highlighting the group’s achievements are also part of this series. This collection offers a comprehensive view of the Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums' organizational history, musical activities, and contributions to the community.
The Administrative Records Series contains early planning documents, which provide historical context and foundational information about the band. The series also includes bylaws outlining the organization’s legal framework, inventories, meeting minutes, meeting agendas detailing motions and decisions of the board of directors, and various reports. Notably, a comprehensive history of the band is found in the early planning documents folder, alongside findings related to the group’s origins.
The Performance and Programming Series consists of eight items documenting the band's activities, including performance dates from 2003 to 2014. It also contains materials from an international music camp held at International Peace Garden, with participation certificates awarded to Heather and Thistle members. Additional items include collections of bagpipe tunes and lyrics, a tune survey conducted in June 2012, and an attendance book tracking participation in practice sessions. Newspaper clippings documenting various performances offer further insight into the band’s public engagements.
The Correspondence Series includes email correspondence spanning 2000 to 2010, providing insights into the band's internal and external communications. Official letters related to the band's activities and publications highlighting the group’s achievements are also part of this series. This collection offers a comprehensive view of the Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums' organizational history, musical activities, and contributions to the community.
Dates
- 1992-2023
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Copyrights
The Institute for Regional Studies owns the copyrights.
History
The Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums is a non-profit educational band based in Fargo, North Dakota. Founded in 1992, the group was formed after an initial meeting at the First Congregational Church, where about fifty people expressed interest in learning the bagpipes or supporting the endeavor. Eighteen members attended, electing Nelson Stone as President and organizing regular Tuesday night practices. Steve Orr became the first instructor, and in March 1992, the band adopted its official name.
The band incorporated as a non-profit in August 1992 and later welcomed Dan Aird, a piper trained at the College of Piping in Glasgow under Seumas MacNeill, as an instructor. Aird has since trained many new pipers, helping the band grow over the years. The group gave its first public performance at the Robert Burns celebration on January 23, 1993.
Today, the Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums consists of nearly 20 pipers and a half-dozen drummers. They regularly perform at events across the Red River Valley, including the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans services, St. Andrew’s Society Dinner, Celtic Festival, Waterama, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Fargo Marathon. Despite changes in membership, the band continues to foster a love for Celtic music through education and performances.
The band incorporated as a non-profit in August 1992 and later welcomed Dan Aird, a piper trained at the College of Piping in Glasgow under Seumas MacNeill, as an instructor. Aird has since trained many new pipers, helping the band grow over the years. The group gave its first public performance at the Robert Burns celebration on January 23, 1993.
Today, the Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums consists of nearly 20 pipers and a half-dozen drummers. They regularly perform at events across the Red River Valley, including the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans services, St. Andrew’s Society Dinner, Celtic Festival, Waterama, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Fargo Marathon. Despite changes in membership, the band continues to foster a love for Celtic music through education and performances.
Extent
1 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Heather and Thistle Pipes and Drums is a non-profit educational band, dedicated to promoting Celtic music and culture. Established in 1992, the band performs at parades, festivals, and community events across the Red River Valley and beyond.
Provenance
Donated by Rebecca Dura, 2024 (Acc. 2024-008irs)
Property rights
The Institute for Regional Studies owns the property rights to this collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Heather and Thistle Pipe and Drums Collections
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu