The Citadel’s Regimental Band and Pipes recently represented the college at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado. From September 5–7, Citadel cadets showcased their musical talents through multiple competitions and performances, earning a first-place finish in the medley portion of the pipe band competition, a solo piping win, and resounding audience praise during the festival’s tattoo and closing ceremonies.
The festival, now in its 49th consecutive year, draws international performers who both compete and entertain audiences. Even though other pipe bands were in attendance, The Citadel stood out as the only traditional military band performing. While in Colorado, cadets also shared their experiences with local students, offering insight into what it’s like to be both a Citadel cadet and a member of the Regimental Band and Pipes.
Lt. Col. Timothy Smith, Director of Music at The Citadel, said the cadets’ professionalism and talent left a lasting impression.
“The Saturday evening show was absolutely stellar, and the Pipe Band rocked our socks off with the quality of their medley on Sunday in competition,” Smith said. “I told the cadets that everything they do is noticed, and when professionals are praising your efforts, we are definitely doing something right.”
The weekend included multiple highlights: Cadet Jonathon Hendrick placed first in Grade 4 solo piping, while the Pipe Band earned its first medley win in several years. Judges went as far as to suggest the group should move up to the next highest grade — Grade 3 — a recognition not often given. The Regimental Band also capped the weekend with a rousing closing performance that earned an enthusiastic audience response.
For Cadet William Ritchie, a senior who serves as the Pipe Major, the trip represented both a milestone for the Band and a personal highlight in his final year at The Citadel.
“Going out there, we had the Regimental Band contingency and the Pipe Band contingency. It was kind of a skeleton crew of some of our best members, and we got to work with other brass and pipe bands from around the world,” Ritchie said. “We were the star of the show — everybody said.”
The cadets’ hard work paid off with recognition from judges, including an above-grade-level ranking.
“When we heard, ‘Number one: Citadel Pipe Band,’ everyone kind of went crazy,” Ritchie recalled. “That win lit a fire under us, and it’s going to carry us throughout the year.”
One of Ritchie’s standout memories came during the Sunday medley competition.
“We had more people watching our warmup than other bands had for their performances,” he said. “As soon as we stepped off into the circle, it just felt different. After we finished, everyone was cheering. It was pretty cool.”
Beyond competition, Ritchie also valued the chance to connect with young musicians. A mother approached him about her son, a youth pipe band member considering The Citadel.
“I got to tell him what being a Citadel cadet is like and share information about the college,” Ritchie said. “Hopefully we’ll see him in two years.”
The momentum from Colorado is pushing the band into an active year, with upcoming Highland Games in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Ritchie said the band is motivated to continue competing at a higher level, building camaraderie and strengthening the program for future cadets.
For the cadets, the trip to Colorado was more than a competition — it was a chance to honor tradition, share their music with new audiences and carry The Citadel’s spirit to the international stage.
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