09 September 2026
Esperance Senior High School student Lilly Ramm is packing her bags, and her bagpipes, for the US after being selected to perform at an international tattoo in the US.
Lilly Ramm has been chosen to perform at the Estes Park International Tattoo in Colorado.
After just a year of learning the instrument, the talented piper will participate in the Estes Park International Tattoo in Colorado this month, 11-13 September.
Lilly is one of only three Cadet bagpipers chosen to perform with the 51 ACU Swan Regiment Drums and Pipes at the event, which is part of the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival.
The event is one of the largest celebrations of Celtic culture in North America, with nearly 300 performers from across the world taking part in a spectacular showcase of military precision, pipes and drums.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful for everything that’s been done for me to go,” Lilly said.
During her two-week trip to the US, she will perform with multiple other bands.
“We have to do a lot of marching in formation and I love the feeling of being part of it all,” she said.
Having played the trumpet for five years, Lilly is no stranger to a wind instrument.
It was her strong connection to her Scottish heritage and a love of watching the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on TV that inspired her to try the bagpipes.
Principal, Janet Silburn-Barker and Lilly Ramm.
Lilly, 14, admits her practice schedule is “intense”, clocking up to two hours a day.
It can also be physically challenging: a performance involves around 45 minutes of playing the bagpipes and choreographed marching.
But she said the secret to becoming a good bagpiper was dedication and practice.
“If you take the time, it will come eventually.”
Lilly said the trip to the US was just the start, she was determined to push herself further and develop her skillset, and maybe one day be invited to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.