Colonial Pipers Bagpipe Band

The Colonial Pipers: A Youth Bagpipe and Drum Band based in Boston, MA

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Yup...Drummers hard at work...

Feel the BEAT

May 4, 2023 supportadmin

Our drummers getting ready for the Gaspee Day Parade in Warwick, Rhode Island.

About Us

The Colonial Pipers are an all youth bagpipe and drum performance band. We participate in many parades throughout the year and play mostly traditional Irish and Scottish tunes, while occasionally throwing in some renditions of songs by the Dropkick Murphy’s (hey, we are based in Boston, after all!).

The band is non-profit and completely self-sustaining. There are no dues or fees associated with membership! (NONE!) The money earned from the band’s performances is shuttled back into the band for instrument maintenance, uniforms and transportation costs.

Based on the principles of peer mentoring and student leadership, new members are taught one-on-one and in small groups led by senior members. In addition, all students (senior and junior) receive instruction from seasoned teachers who have been playing their instruments for decades. The result is musical excellence, but also a camaraderie and fun unmatched by a more traditional “one-teacher-many-students” model.

Who We Are

Our drummers and pipers come from several different towns and cities - we have members from Norwood, Burlington, Walpole, Foxboro, Attleboro and Providence, RI just to name a few!

People come to the band for a variety of different reasons. Some join for their love of music or enthusiasm for their instrument. Others show up curious to learn and never before having played a bagpipe or tapped a drum. Some come wanting to build or keep a connection to a Celtic heritage. Still others show up because a friend invited them – and they stay because they make new ones!

Whatever your reason - you are welcome!

Our History

The late Father Francis Crowley founded the band in 1972 with the idea that the band should be run by youth and for youth. He even used to quip that parents who stayed at rehearsal to watch and encourage their children were “guests of the band members”. True to his vision that “young people can do amazing things”, the band strives to be youth-centered and give responsibility to students as they mature in their musical excellence and marching abilities.

Booking and Availability

The Colonial Pipers Bagpipe Band is available for participation in parades, civic events, and other performances such as concerts, weddings and funerals. A smaller number of players for performances can also be booked if a full band is not desired.

Please call Donna Lucas at 508-369-7592
or email bostonbagpipe@gmail.com
for further information.

A Youth Bagpipe and Drum Band based out of Boston, MA

Contact Us!

By Email:

bostonbagpipe@gmail.com

By Phone:
Call Donna Lucas at
508-369-7592

Weekly Rehearsal

Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm

Norwood VFW Post
Veterans of Foreign Wars
193 Dean Street
Norwood,
Massachusetts

Connect With Us!

Facebook: ColonialPipers

X (formerly known as Twitter): Follow us @ColonialPipers

FAQ

What if I have never played an instrument?

No problem! Come and try it out – everyone starts out as a beginner – all you need to do is practice! Typically, new players will spend the first few months or years learning their instrument, how to read music, and marching technique. New members will bear the flag or hold the banner at parades. As their music mastery and physical strength increase, they will then start marching and playing with the band at performances.

How much does it cost to join?

Nothing! The band funds itself through performances and in this way is able to maintain instruments, uniforms and cover transportation costs. The cost to be a member is absolutely zero.

Are you serious?

Yes!

Do I need to buy an instrument?

No. We will provide you with an instrument.

Do I get to keep the instrument?

No. All instruments belong to the band. Bagpipes and chanters are loaned to their players and may be taken home each week to practice. Drums stay in the custody of the band at all times, but drummers are required to have a drum pad and sticks to practice with at home.

What does the uniform consist of?

The uniform includes a shirt, sweater, MacDuff tartan kilt, beret, wool kilt socks, garter flashes (look it up, they look cool!), horsehair sporin and belt. Band members must provide their own black shoes for performances.

Do I get to the keep the uniform?

No. All uniforms stay with the band. They are also dry cleaned by the band.

When and where do you practice?

We practice weekly on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30pm at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2452 located at 193 Dean St in Norwood, MA.

What is the time commitment?

Besides weekly practices, there are ~20 parades or performances throughout the year. Most parades take place on weekends. Transportation is provided by the band. Members are expected to attend rehearsals and performances. We do understand time conflicts come up; they should be discussed ahead of time with band leaders.

What kinds of performances do you do, besides parades?

Our band has regularly performed at BC football games, Irish festivals, the Pan Mass Challenge and occasional private parties, weddings or funerals.

Do I have to be Irish or Scottish to join?

No! We welcome youth from all backgrounds and ethnicities!

What if I’m not sure if I want to join or I’m not sure I’ll like the instrument?

No problem! Come out to a practice and try it out! There’s no pressure to commit right away. And we love sharing our music!