NICHOLSON PIPES AND DRUMS
THE NICHOLSON PIPES AND DRUMS BIOGRAPHY
The Nicholson Pipes and Drums, founded in 1981, is Orange County’s own Scottish bagpipe band. Based in Westminster, California, this all-volunteer 501-c3 non-profit musical organization has earned a reputation for excellence – in both performance and demeanor – at Scottish festivals and special events locally and abroad.
The Nicholson Pipes and Drums was founded in 1981 by Pipe Major Kathleen Nicholson Graham. The band was named in honor of her father, Pipe Major Malcolm Nicholson, by her bagpipe students who wanted to carry on his legacy. From 1937 through the early 70s Pipe Major Malcolm Nicholson founded many championship pipebands in Vancouver B.C., Canada. Then in 1978 he was awarded the highest civilian award,“CANADA MEDAL” by the Prime Minister of Canada.
The Nicholson Pipeband is kept busy carrying on the Nicholson legacy. Performing at conventions, weddings, birthdays, memorial services, golf tournaments, and community events. The band also has the distinction of winning numerous awards at parades and pipeband competitions throughout California.
Some of the events the band has performed at since their inception in 1981: Roll out of the Tiger Shark fighter jet at Northrop/Grumman Aircraft, 1984 LA Olympics, Grand Re-Opening of the Queen Mary in Long Beach, LPGA Golf Tournament. The band also represented the United States at the 1986 World Exposition in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. In 1996 the band was honored to be chosen by the City of Westminster to represent them in Fort Worth, Texas. The bands performances helped the city win the honor and selection as an “All American City” by the National Civic League. The band’s television and screen credits include appearing on a nationally televised game show and also with Mike Myers on a MTV promo for the movie “So I Married an Axe Murder”. The band also has had the honor of performing for past President Ronald Reagan and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
The Nicholson Pipes and Drums is the official pipeband of the Clan Nicholson (MacNicol), and proudly wear the red MacNicol tartan. In 1992 the band was honored by an invitation by the Clan Chieftain to perform at the clan gathering on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Then in 1998 the band was invited again to represent the Clan Nicholson at the Stone Mountain Highland Gathering near Atlanta, Georgia.
The band also went to Scotland in 2006 and competed at the World Pipe Band Championships. Since 1985, the band has been under the direction of P.M. Robert Hackney and Drum Sergeant Malcolm B. Willis (Son of P.M. Graham).
The Nicholson Pipes and Drums recording credits include 2 CDs that they have produced themselves, “Nicholson Pipes and Drums” and “By Request”, both are fan favorites and are top-selling pipeband recordings throughout Southern California.
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