Washington Pipers’ Association

Congratulations to Skye Richendrfer, Director of the Skagit Valley Celtic Arts Foundation in receiving the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award. The Arts and Heritage Awards recognize individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the creativity and culture of Washington.

Skye K. Richendrfer is the founder of the Celtic Arts Foundation and the Skagit Valley Highland Games, which draws 10,000 annually. His impact in the community is also demonstrated through is work to support the restoration of the historic Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon, worked on fundraising to support the McIntyre Hall on the Skagit Valley College campus, and creating the “Celtic Stage” in Mount Vernon’s Edgewater Park. The Celtic Arts Foundation has been a long time supporter of the Washington Pipers’ Association.

The WPA 2008 newsletter is posted and has all the updated information for the 2008 season.  The deadline for pre-registration to qualify for scholarships was extended to December 31st.  New competition for Grade 5 drumming.  Competitions for tenor drumming.  Possible new format with drumming and piping simultaneously after beginner piping.  See the newsletter here>>.  Sign up for our new email mailing list here>>

We’ve installed new email list software to help us improve our communications.  Please check your junk email folders, and / or subscribe here>> if you are a member and didn’t receive an email from us dated December 28th.  See our contacts page for the latest contact information (one email to contact all WPA volunteers!).

Event Location:

Redmond United Methodist Church

16540 NE 80th Street
Redmond, WA 98052-3951

Navigation Resources:

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MISSION:
To inspire and promote a vibrant Scottish piping and drumming community in Washington State.

The Washington Pipers’ Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Scottish bagpipe and drum music. The WPA is a 100% volunteer-run organization.  We hold a series of five “mini-gatherings” throughout the Winter and Spring months, featuring bagpipe and drum contests and informational workshops.  Our events are usually open to spectators at no charge, although donations are gladly accepted.  Donations help us cover our expenses, pay our judges and provide piping and drumming summer-school scholarships for some of our most promising competitors.

The WPA has also helped run the piping and drumming competition at the Pacific Northwest Highland Games and Clan Gathering in Enumclaw, Washington. This has been a great source of outreach for our organization.

Cooperation with other local organizations including the Seattle Highland Games Association, Mastery of Scottish Arts, and the BC Pipers’ Association has helped to reenergize the Pacific Northwest piping and drumming scene.  We look forward to working together with these and other organizations to secure the future of traditional Scottish and Celtic arts in our region.

Our events and our membership continue to grow.  We hope to continue this momentum for years to come, providing a positive venue in which to celebrate traditional Scottish music.