The band was organized in 1963 with one piper and three students. Under the name The Peoria Pipe Band, its original members practiced at the American Legion Post #2 facility on Monroe Street near Spalding High School in Peoria, Illinois.
Tommy Livingstone, who had come from Dunblane, Scotland when in his early twenties, was our founding Pipe-Major. Tommy started piping at age eight, and continued piping until his death at age 87. He has been called "the father of piping in Central Illinois."
The band was based in Morton, Illinois for many years, during which time it was known as The Morton Highlanders and wore the Royal Stewart tartan.
Continued growth of our organization and a need for more room prompted a move in 1994 to St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria. Soon after the move, the band changed its name to Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums, and changed its tartan to Flower of Scotland.
Roster of Former Pipe-Majors
Tommy Livingstone
Phil Eskew
Wilbur Hoover
Donald Legge
Dr. Craig J Aune
Dr. Paul Siebert
Patrick Martin
Erick Engstrom Thronson
Willie Muirhead
Midwest Pipe Band Association Titles
Grade V Champion Supreme
1993
1994
Grade IV Champion Supreme
1996
1997
1999
Band history provided courtesy of Glenn Sunderland.
