LEXINGTON, Va. Nov. 6, 2025 — Not all contests in Charleston happened on the football field Nov. 1. While the Keydets and the Bulldogs contended for the Silver Shako, members of the VMI Pipe Band competed at the 54^th Annual Scottish Games and Highland Gathering at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.

Six cadets traveled to the gathering, where five of them participated and triumphed in their individual contests. For grade 5 solo piping, Caleb Swanson ’27 received first place. For grade 5 solo snare drumming, Connor Wolfe ’26 placed first with an above grade level recommendation; Thomas Sasso ’27 placed third; and Harrison Sloane ’27 placed fourth. Kira Brenaman ’26 placed second in bass drumming and third in tenor drumming. Joseph Reynolds ’27, a new member of the pipe band, accompanied the competitors to learn and encourage.

Maj. Brian Donaldson, director of the Pipe Band, who usually accompanies the pipers and drummers at competitions, was not present at the event. “They attended the games and performed under their own steam, which is admirable and made me feel very proud indeed,” said Donaldson.

According to Wolfe, the cadets had opportunities to network with their counterparts from The Citadel. “We traded advice on performance technique and the future of our respective pipe programs.”

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE