Celebration of Bagpipe Bands

March 2, 2024

The Classic Highlander Clan is hosting another celebration of one of Bel Air’s longest standing traditions… the sound of bagpipers and drummers filling the hallways and stadiums around El Paso, TX.

Last year’s first ever Celebration of Bagpipes was a result of the Class of 71 and 72 2022 Reunion of all Reunions raising awareness and funds to be donated to Bel Air’s current Bagpipe Band to help bring them back to glory days and participation which was under the direction of now retired Mr. John Estes.  Thanks to those efforts, the Classic Highlander Clan presented Bel air with two checks of more than $20,000.00 to help them retool, repurpose, and recruit Highlanders.

This year’s Celebration Event, being held on Saturday, March 2nd, at Bel Air’s Tartan Theater, will focus on the music of Bagpipes and Bagpipe Bands. and will include performance by Bel Air’s own students as well as guest Bagpipers and Bands from around the area.  The program will kick off with a tour opportunity of Bel Air's new facilities at 3:00PM followed by a  4:00PM “Meet, Greet and Reconnection of students, faculty, alumni, and special guests. 

John Estes will be hosting a Q&A and storytelling session beginning around 4:15. Guests will be able to hear (and ask questions) about the Bel Air Bagpipe Band history and lore. By attending the full event, guests can get their questions answered about “everything Bagpipes from Mr. Estes and other guest experts attending. 

A light snack reception will be held during the Meet, Greet and Reconnection time followed by a concert in the Tartan Theater starting at 6:00PM. A ticket/donation of $20.00 per person will provide entry to the full event and $10.00 entry ticket/donation for those wanting to just attend the concert.

The Classic Highlander Clan are thrilled to announce the establishment of a John Estes Scholarship Fund to help Bagpipe Band students continue their higher education. All ticket sales and proceeds from this event will go to the John Estes Scholarship Fund. 

Classic Highlanders and the public can also make donations to the newly established scholarship fund either online at the Classic Highlander website: https://myevent.com/belairclassichighlander , or directly to the Ysleta Educational Foundation: Ysleta Education Foundation / Homepage (yisd.net) who are managing the program in conjunction with the Bel Air High School Classic Highlander Clan. 

We hope we’ll see as many of you as possible at the 2024 “Celebration of Bagpipes Band” event March 2nd.  Let’s help inspire more students to be a part of one of Bel Air’s greatest traditions by providing them with a scholarship opportunity and…. Bring Back the Bagpipe band Bigger and Better.

If you plan to attend, text or email your RSVP:

John Watson ‘71 – (801) 664 1649  

watson.johnt@yahoo.com