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The band has regular performances that include the Laurel Christmas Parade, the Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade (seen above in 2004), the Mississippi Scottish Highland Games, and the annual Celtic Fest. They also play at weddings and funerals.

 

I saw them perform a particularly moving ceremony in honor of fallen firefighters at the Jackson Fire Department’s 100th anniversary celebration at the Jamie Fowler Boyll Park on Lakeland Drive during the summer of 2004 (see photo below). Band Master Kris Carmichael (second from right) ended the band’s rendition of Amazing Grace as a solo while slowly marching away from the rest of the band.

 

 

And they come together to rehearse. Rehearsals are open to anyone who would like to attend, either out of simple curiosity or with the intent of applying for membership in the band. A rehearsal schedule for those interested can be found on the band's website. Click here, then see their Calendar of Events page.

 

The Father of Waters Pipes and Drums Band is comprised of members who come from all over Mississippi—from Jackson, Vicksburg, Natchez, Kosciusko, Carthage, Meridian, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Madison, Wesson, Brandon, Harperville, Forest, and Starkville—plus Gilbertown, Alabama. All volunteers—highly dedicated—pipers and drummers sharing a dream, living a heritage. And bringing that heritage to audiences through their music.

 

 

 

The band’s kilts are in the Carmichael colors to honor the band’s founder Kris Carmichael. In keeping with Scottish tradition, permission to wear this tartan was requested, and received, from Richard Carmichael of Carmichael, 30th Chief of the Name, and 26th Baron of the Lands of Carmichael, Scotland.

 

 

For more information about the Father of Waters Pipes and Drums Band, please visit their Web site at www.fatherofwaters.com/. This will open a new page.