By any standard, the Macalester College Pipe Band is the premier pipe and drum corps in the upper Midwest. The band carries a  60 year tradition of musical excellence and is one of only a handful of college pipe bands in the United States.  Both accomplished and aspiring pipers and drummers are encouraged to join the band and while a contingent of the membership happen to be Macalester students, Alumni and/or Faculty, one need not to be affiliated with the college proper to be a band member.

Under the direction of Pipe Major Mike Breidenbach and Drum Sergeant Steve Sutherland, the band has gained recognition as one of the best overall Grade 3 bands in the Midwest Pipe Band Association by winning "Champion Supreme"  4 of the last 6 years; a testimony to the memberships dedication to playing the bagpipes and drums at the highest level. There are currently 17 pipers and 12 drummers in the competition band, and an additional 40 students and members in the organization.  

In addition to the competition circuit and their own concert schedule, the band is often invited to perform with Macalester’s own African Music Ensemble & to open for international performers (e.g. Rod Stewart & The Black Watch, one of the foremost pipe bands in the world.)  We also make numerous parade and ceremonial appearances throughout the year across MN and the upper mid-west.  The Pipe Band is available for hire for all occasions.  We can provide a solo bagpiper or drummer, a small group, or the whole pipe band. We also provide instruction for anyone interested in learning to play the music or join the band.  College credit for piping is sometimes available through special arrangement with Music Department faculty and Mike Breidenbach.  MCPB is registered with the Midwest Pipe Band Association as a Grade 3 competition band.