Henderson Highlanders Pipe Band

Our Story

Where We Came From

The Henderson Highlanders Story

Our Journey & Legacy

The Henderson Highlanders were born from a decade of pride, performance, and community service. Founded originally in 2014 as the Airforce City Pipeband in Quinte West, Ontario, our band spent years representing the region at numerous contests and ceremonies across the province.

As the band matured, we sought a dedicated home that would allow us to flourish as an independent musical organization. In early 2025, seeking a stable foundation and a distinct identity separate from local military ensembles, the band moved its base to Brighton, Ontario. With that move and after a lengthy democratic process, the membership chose to rename the band the Henderson Highlanders.

HENDERSON

A Tribute in Tartan

The Henderson Highlanders are built upon a foundation of family, mentorship, and a lifelong love for the pipes. Our identity is a profound tribute to Pipe Major Beth Cleaton—a passionate Scot who lived and breathed the culture, and the mother of our founding Pipe Major, Sean Cleaton.

As a dedicated piping instructor, Beth’s influence reached far beyond her own family. She was a teacher and friend to many within this organization, instilling a deep respect for tradition in everyone she mentored. Watching her navigate the world of piping with such fierce dedication, it was only natural that her son, Sean, would follow in her footsteps. In 2014, Sean picked up the mantle, working to carry forward the traditions and standards she had spent a lifetime perfecting by starting the Air Force City Pipeband.

Beth was an active player and a guiding light within the Air Force City Pipeband for many years, remaining a fixture in the circle until her health no longer allowed her to play the instrument she loved. Her passing in 2019 left a significant hole in the local piping and drumming community, but her voice is far from silent.

Today, Beth Cleaton’s teachings and passion live on through the many students who still play under our banner. Our identity as the Henderson Highlanders serves as both a profound thank you to Sean Cleaton for his vision in founding this organization, and a lasting tribute to the woman who made it all possible. By wearing the Weathered Henderson Tartan, every member of the Highlanders carries a piece of Beth’s spirit and Sean’s dedication with them, ensuring that the legacy of the family who built this corps is never forgotten.

The Evolution of Our Identity
Airforce City Pipeband Logo
2014 – 2025
Airforce City Pipeband
→
Henderson Highlanders Logo
Present Day
Henderson Highlanders

"We believe the spirit of the pipes and drums belongs to everyone — beginners and veterans alike. Our doors are open to all."

— Henderson Highlanders Pipe Band

Over our years together, we have performed at highland games, community festivals, Remembrance Day ceremonies, weddings, corporate events, and countless gatherings across Ontario. Every performance is an opportunity to share the beauty and power of pipe band music with new audiences and to keep these living traditions strong for future generations.

 

We are more than a pipe band — we are a community. Members come from all walks of life and all skill levels. Whether you have been playing for decades or have never touched a chanter, we welcome you. Our FREE teaching programs for pipes, drums, Highland dance, and Irish dance ensure that the traditions we love will continue to grow. Our doors are always open to any and all who wish to join us.

       
Guidance & Instruction

Band Leadership

Sean Cleaton

Pipe Major

Serving as the driving musical force behind the Henderson Highlanders, shaping the band's identity and standard of excellence. From running practices and mentoring players, to ensuring the corps is primed to perform at its absolute peak for community events and the competitive line, his dedicated leadership is the cornerstone of the band's success.

Wendy Shaubel

Pipe Sergeant

Serving as the vital right-hand to the Pipe Major, she is instrumental in refining the pipe corps' precision and tone. Through dedicated instruction, and a steadfast commitment to musical unity, she ensures the pipers deliver a powerful, flawless performance every time they take the field.

Mark Diminie

Drum Sergeant

The rhythmic heartbeat of the Henderson Highlanders. He expertly commands the snare, tenor, and bass sections, transforming individual drummers into a cohesive, driving force. His dedication to teaching complex cadences and demanding percussive excellence provides the essential foundation for the entire band's sound.

Bob Blair

Drum Major

The visual and operational vanguard of the Henderson Highlanders. He commands the band on parade with absolute authority, keeping time and directing movements to project a sharp, commanding presence. With a meticulous eye for detail, he ensures that march dress and deportment are strictly on point. Beyond the parade square, he expertly handles the complex logistics of every event, guaranteeing the band is organized, prepared, and perfectly positioned to perform.

Alana McGilly

Dance Sergeant

A distinguished champion dancer and the founder of the McGilly Highlanders, Alana brings a lifetime of elite experience to the Henderson Highlanders. She now directs her expertise toward mentoring the next generation, sharing her profound passion for the art form to ensure that the rich culture, discipline, and history of Highland and Irish dance are meticulously preserved and vibrantly performed.

Fred Charmichael

Tone Wizard

Working to fine-tune the chanter and drone sound to bring it to its highest level of clarity and tuning. With his many years of experience in pipe bands, he is an absolute expert when it comes to achieving that signature, great bagpipe sound.

45
Members Strong
12
Years Together
2
Dance Traditions
ON
Based in Ontario
Our Community

Brighton & Northumberland County

Brighton, Ontario sits at the heart of Northumberland County, a region with deep roots in Scottish and Irish settlement. The Henderson Highlanders are proud to call this community home, representing the area at events near and far and welcoming members from Brighton, Belleville, Trenton, Cobourg, and across Prince Edward County.

We perform regularly at local festivals, fairs, and civic events, and consider it a privilege to be a part of the cultural life of our region. Community is everything to us — on the march and off it.

Moments in Time

Photo Gallery

Weathered Henderson Tartan
Weathered Henderson
The Colors of Our Clan

A Thread Through History

The Henderson Highlanders are distinguished by the **Weathered Henderson** tartan, a pattern chosen specifically to honor the Cleaton family heritage and the profound legacy of Pipe Major Beth Cleaton.

Unlike more modern variants, the Weathered palette utilizes muted earth tones—deep browns, black, and subtle gold—to evoke the rugged, mist-covered landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Every member of our corps wears this cloth as a badge of honor, representing the bridge between our home in Brighton and the ancient traditions we preserve.

Be Part of the Story

Join the Henderson Highlanders

Whether you want to pick up the pipes, learn the drums, or step into a Highland or Irish dance tradition, there's a place for you in the Henderson Highlanders. All skill levels welcome — our teaching programs will get you there.

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