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 5 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. 

If you have questions of the band, would like to hire us, inquire of lessons or would like to sponsor us in any way, please contact us at the link below.

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Hey!  Is that a new Tartan?
Many may have noticed that the pipe band is sporting a new tartan and have been curious about it and how it came about.  We want all of you to know that while it looks different than the Macalester Tartan you are familiar with, it is indeed Macalester!  By definition it is called Macalister of Glenbarr and is a muted version of the tartan that many of you may be familiar with.  There were three main reasons in bringing about this minor change.   One, the condition of the previous kilts were beyond repair and many of the members simply could not fit into the lot requiring most of us to wear a different kilt altogether.  Secondly, we felt that our tartan needed to reflect the class and dignity that the Macalester College Pipe Band brings to their events.  Since the change, we have received nothing but compliments by faculty, alumni, adjudicators, peers and guests who follow the band.  These accolades bring a level of confidence and excitement making our job as college ambassadors much easier.  Lastly, like all things in life, elements evolve over time.  Given the circumstances, it was time for a change and the band and college are better for it.