ABOUT

HISTORY

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.  

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 Pipe Major Ken Hanson and Band Director 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.