Bagpipers are a significant part of the spirit, missionary efforts, and gospel message of the Nauvoo Pageant. The distinctive sound of the pipes evokes another place and time as their music draws visitors to Nauvoo Remembered historic vignettes and the pageant pre-show. Each evening the stirring strains of Praise to the Man (also known as Scotland the Brave) set a majestic tone for the pageant performance as pipers lead audience and cast members in a festive parade from the pre-show field to the pageant site. During the pageant, the pipes accompany the energetic "highland fling" performed by the cast. Most importantly, bagpipes represent two of the major characters in the pageant: Scottish convert Becky Laird and her husband Robert, whose spiritual journey invites audience members to consider deeply the gospel message.

Bagpipers participate in the Nauvoo Pageant's family casts and will perform on stage as cast members in addition to their special performances as pipers. Four pipers are needed in each cast.

In order to participate, pipers should be able to:

• provide, maintain and tune their own pipes, keep time with other pipes, and play while marching. Interested pipers should have experience marching in parades, playing in pipe bands or with other pipers,or performing in competitions.
• provide their own kilts and regalia, including footgear, sporran, and belt. Shirts will be provided by the pageant costume staff.
• learn basic repertoire for performing as a group, including Scotland the Brave, several LDS hymns, and standard march tunes. (Click here to view two examples of repertoire played at the pageant.)

All pipers will be under the direction of a pipe major who will coordinate pipe rehearsals, vignette performances, community events, pre-show demonstrations, and other pageant activities. Family members with experience as drummers or Highland dancers may also be asked to participate in these events.

Those interested in participating with other family members should apply to the Nauvoo Pageant Family Cast. Younger pipers are welcome in the family cast with a parent/guardian or family member over age 21. If applying as a single individual, pipers should be ages 17 and older and should apply as members of the Nauvoo Pageant Work Crew. Pipers on the work crew will have additional responsibilities backstage when not piping. On the Talent/Biographical section of the application, please indicate your experience, including information such as whether you have marched in parades, if you have participated in competitions and what grade level, if you have played with a pipe band, how many years you have been playing, etc. If other family members have special talents, please indicate these abilities on the Talent/Biographical section as well.

	For pipers participating with their family...

	For pipers participating on their own...