About Tidewater Pipes and Drums
Established 50 years ago in 1975 in the heart of Norfolk Virginia, Tidewater Pipes and Drums has a long and deeply rooted history in musicianship. The band is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization intent on delighting all of Hampton Roads and beyond with the aim of providing Scottish Piping and Drumming of the highest quality. We welcome aspiring pipers and drummers of any age into the world of Scottish music.
The band enjoys performing frequently in Hampton Roads in parades, concerts, festivals, and other special occasions.
No stranger to traveling you can watch us and hear us making music from Maryland to Georgia. The band and many of its members actively compete at EUSPBA sanctioned competitions along the East Coast in group and solo competition. Many of the band’s members perform in the Virginia International Tattoo and help promote the Tattoo at Virginia Arts Festival events throughout the year. In 2019, the band formalized a partnership with the Tattoo and now proudly wears the Virginia International Tattoo Hixon tartan.
Tidewater Pipes and Drums roster of top tier pipers and drummers are also available for solo and small or even large group performances including: weddings, funerals, military dinners, grand openings, St. Patrick's day, and other special events.
Email us at:
tidewaterpipesanddrums@gmail.com
Pipe Major- Chris Pearcy "Pipey"
With over 2 decades of experience as a piper, Chris Pearcy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the band. Chris has carefully led Tidewater Pipes and Drums as the Pipe Major since 2017, and participated in the Virginia International Tattoo for many years. Chris Joined the band in 2005.
Pipe Sergeant- Jake Killmon
Jake Killmon joined Tidewater Pipes and Drums in 2020, starting off on the bass drum. Quickly his interest in the bagpipes grew and with dedication and effort he was up on pipes in a year playing the bands beginner repertoire. Now a solo competitor and multi-year Virginia International Tattoo performer, Jake helps keep the band in tune and in good spirits.
Drum Sergeant- Ryan Smiley
Ryan Smiley has been a member of Tidewater Pipes and Drums since 2022. He began learning to drum 25 years ago as a concert percussionist before joining his high school drum line as a snare drummer. Ryan serves as the drum instructor for the band, leading the grade 5 drum corps at competitions and playing with the grade 4 band as well. Ryan is a solo competitor and multi-year Virginia International Tattoo performer.
Drum Corporal- Sydney Fletcher
As our Drum Corporal Sydney Fletcher ensures practices run smoothly and helps to lead the bands grade 4 drum corps at competitions. Sydney won gold at her first solo competition in 2024, the same year she joined the band, converting from the American to the Scottish style with ease. Sydney previously played with Old Dominion University's drumline and brings her tuning and drum maintenance experience to Tidewater to keep things sounding great. Sydney is also a multi-year Virginia International Tattoo performer.
