David Zerbe, Director
The Kiltie Marching Band has a tradition that spans 86 years. Founded in the fall of 1922 by students, this unique group has evolved from its original pep band status to a contemporary marching ensemble. The current 91 member ensemble is composed of 3 Drum Majors, 25 brass, 33 woodwinds, 21 percussionists and 9 Guard. Membership in this ensemble is open to all Alma College students by audition.
The band assumed it’s Scottish identity at the suggestion of the Rev. William (Billie) Malcolm, a Presbyterian minister from Three Rivers. In 1938, the Kiltie Marching Band first performed in its Royal McPherson tartan uniform for a pep rally before an October Football game. Today, members of the band wear the official Alma College Tartan, which is registered in Aberdeen, Scotland.
In addition to performing at all home football games and parades, the band has performed at Disney’s Epcot, The Detroit Thanksgiving Parade, three NCAA Division 3 play-off games, in exhibition for the Hastings Marching Invitational and for public school programs in Michigan. Also, the band hosts the annual Alma College/Hohner Institute of Percussion High School Marching Band Invitational. This event in its seventh year brings over a thousand young musicians to campus to perform and be critiqued.
For more information regarding auditions and scholarships please contact Mr. Zerbe at kiltieband@alma.edu.
