Get to Know Cascadia Pipe Band:
Washington State’s Premier Competitive Pipe Band
In grade 2, Seattle-based Cascadia Pipe Band is Washington State’s highest-level competitive pipe band, and one of only a handful of bands at this level in North America—and it’s been making waves in the piping world since its grassroots beginnings.
Humble Beginnings, Bold Ambitions
In September 2021—driven by their shared love of piping—Patrick Downing, Aaron Stone, Matt Maier, and Kyle Gaul began meeting at a park bench outside Shorecrest High School, just north of Seattle. With practice chanters in hand and a longing to play regularly, the group started meeting weekly, learning tunes and reconnecting musically. What started as a casual meetup quickly evolved into a vision: forming a grade 3 competitive pipe band and competing summer 2022. Their debut season was a resounding success. Cascadia impressed both judges and audiences alike, earning a promotion to Grade 2 from the BC Pipers Association (BCPA) after just one season.
Rising Through the Ranks
Since stepping into Grade 2 in 2023, Cascadia Pipe Band has competed across Washington State, British Columbia, Illinois and California—earning grand aggregate from the BCPA in grade 2 every season since being promoted. Now, in an exciting new chapter, Cascadia is fielding a Grade 4 development band to nurture talent and have a place for all membership. This addition reflects the band’s commitment to sustainability and growth within the local piping community.
Onward to Glasgow
Cascadia has its sights set on the global stage this August as they head to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Band members will arrive on August 9 to acclimate, rehearse daily, and soak in the atmosphere of one of the pipe band world’s most well-known events. They’ll be based at Kelvinhaugh Gate and will rehearse in scenic Kelvingrove Park. Many members are also planning to attend the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band concert at the Royal Glasgow Concert Hall, and take part in Piping Live! festivities throughout the week.
A Diverse and Dedicated Team
The Grade 2 band currently comprises 30 talented musicians:
17 pipers
8 snare drummers
4 tenor drummers
1 bass drummer
Led by Pipe Major Patrick Downing, Pipe Sergeant Alison Dunsire, and Drum Sergeant Steven Wheeler (who joined in fall 2023), the band is a dynamic mix of experience and fresh energy. While most members hail from Washington State, others come from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Oregon, New Mexico, and California. Cascadia’s dedication is evident in their year-round schedule: rehearsing Wednesday evenings at Seattle’s Meridian Park, and Sunday mornings at the Old Edmonds Opera House/Edmonds City Park in the warmer weather.

Beyond the Pipes and Drums
Cascadia Pipe Band is not just about competition—it’s a vibrant musical community. Many members play additional instruments, including small pipes, uilleann pipes, Scottish fiddle, guitar, flute, whistle, and bodhrán. In fact, there’s enough musical talent to form a full folk band—and they did just that! Each spring, Cascadia hosts a fundraising ceilidh, featuring performances by both the Grade 2 and Grade 4 bands, the Northwest Junior Pipe Band, highland dancers, and their very own folk ensemble made up of band members. Family connections also run deep: the band includes siblings, cousins, and even a father-daughter duo. Several members come with pedigrees from notable pipe bands such as the Northwest Junior Pipe Band, Portland Metro, White Spot, Robert Malcolm Memorial, Keith Highlanders, Elliott Bay, Simon Fraser University, and Dowco Triumph Street.

Notable Milestones
2022: First competitive season and promotion to Grade 2
2023–2024: Continued competition success and growth, trips to Pleasanton and Chicago
2024: Uniform upgrade—now wearing matching MacMillan Hunting Ancient tartan kilts
2024–2025: Launch of a Grade 4 development band
2025: Grade 2 Scotland trip
With a strong leadership team, diverse musical talent, and an inclusive culture, Cascadia Pipe Band is quickly becoming a force in the international pipe band scene. As they head to the World Championships in Glasgow this August, all eyes will be on them to see just how far this young, passionate band from the Pacific Northwest can go. For updates and ways to support the band, be sure to follow their journey and attend a performance or ceilidh near you.

submitted by Cindy Scheyer

“The BC Pipers’ Association wishes the Cascadia Pipe Band every success on your musical journey- may your music speak the universal language that knows no borders, as you compete at the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green this August 2025! Good Luck!”