3rd Annual Celebration of Bagpipes / Music Festival

May 17, 2025

The Classic Highlander Clan is hosting the 3rd Celebration of Bagpipes (CoB3) for one of Bel Air’s (an El Paso's) longest standing traditions… the sound of bagpipers and drummers filling the hallways and stadiums around El Paso, TX.

The Celebration of Bagpipes 2 (CoB2), was held on March 2, 2024, and was a huge success with more than 250 people attending the evening concert featuring several pipe bands from the area including the El Paso Police and Fire Departments, The Empyre Pipe and Drum Corp, the first male Bagpiper in Bel Air’s history, Michael Calleros '68, and Bel b Air’s own Big Red Pipe Band. Thanks to those that attended and participated.

The event, and sponsors, raised over $6,000 towards the John Estes Scholarship Fund. A big thanks goes out to John Estes for his support and attendance at the event. His vision for Bel Air's greatest traditions was evident throughout event. The Scholarship Team was honored to help present the scholarship in March by the YISD Superintendent, Dr. Xavier De La Torre, and Bel Air Staff on May 23rd to Tamara Singleton.

We are only a few months away from the 3rd Annual Celebration of Bagpipes (CoB3) which will be held on May 17, 2025, at Bel Air. CoB3 is going to be another "Blowout"! Next year's Celebration will be a full blown music festival featuring local artists, bands, the greatest of bagpipe sounds from around the region, and of course, BA's #bigredpipeband.

There will be periodic updates, but if you want to participate, volunteer to help, become a sponsor, be part of the planning team, shoot me an email ASAP as we are in the early stages of the planning.

Funds raised from CoB3 will go towards helping to Bring Back the Bagpipes... Bigger and Better and the John Estes Scholarship Fund to help a deserving Piper continue their education after graduation. We look forward to your continued support in helping keep Bel Air’s most cherished tradition alive and well!

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. 

If you plan to attend, are interested in being a part of the planning or helping at the event, text or email:

John Watson ‘71 – (801) 664 1649  

watson.johnt@yahoo.com