NCSU Pipes and Drums
North Carolina’s Oldest Continuously Running Pipe & Drum Band
Founded 1968
NCSU Pipes and Drums
NCSU Pipes and Drums is a traditional Scottish bagpipe band associated with the Music Department of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 1968, the band continues the long tradition of students and community members performing for community events, ceremonies and Celtic events throughout the area. In addition to performing, the award winning band competes in many highland games across the southeastern United States.
Learn Piping and Scottish Drumming
Whether you’re an experienced musician or brand new to the tradition, NCSU Pipes and Drums offers a place to learn, grow, and perform. We provide hands-on guidance in both piping and drumming, teaching the fundamentals of Scottish music while preparing members for performances.
Let us Perform For You!
We are happy to perform at a variety of events
Parades
Bring energy and tradition to any procession with the unmistakable sound of pipes and drums.
Festivals and Highland games
Celebrate culture with powerful performances that showcase Scottish heritage.
Weddings or Funerals
Create a moving atmosphere for life’s most meaningful moments.
Corporate or Community Events
Add a unique and memorable touch to official events and gatherings.
Our Humble Beginnings
In the fall of 1968, Ted Tonkinson, an NCSU graduate student, ran a small ad in the Technician seeking those interested in forming a bagpipe band. Among those responding to the ad was another graduate student, Bob Howland, both an accomplished piper and an experienced percussionist. Together, they started the NCSU Pipes and Drums as a student activity.
In 1977, the band opened up to people from outside the University which allowed several strong alumni pipers to continue playing. Under the leadership of John Sprague, the numbers rose from one band of 12 musicians in 1977 to three bands (Grades III, IV, and V) of 42 musicians by 1997. During this period, the band was a consistent winner on the competition circuit. In 2005, the City of Oaks Pipe Band merged with the NCSU Pipes and Drums, forming one strong band for the triangle area.
Key Moments in Time
By 2012, the band was made up of 50% students and NCSU alumni and 50% community members. It consisted of about 60 musicians, divided amongst four groups: a beginning chanter class; a performing group that did not compete; a Grade IV band; and a Grade III band. The competing bands entered 7 to 8 competitions each year at highland games. John Sprague retired from his role of Director at the end of 2012 after 35 years of dedicated service.
Currently the band is under the leadership of Band Director and Pipe Major Darrell Thompson. The band competes in Grade V at several Highland games, marches in parades and plays concerts at various venues through out the year. Check our events calendar to come listen to the band.
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