PRESERVING OUR PIPING HERITAGE
About Pipe Bands in North Carolina
In 1971, an article by Herbert Poole entitled “Piping in the Carolinas” was published in The State magazine describing five bagpipe bands in North and South Carolina. Since then, numerous bands have sprung up and many no longer exist. If their histories are not recorded somewhere, the bands may be hard to trace in another generation. This website was launched in 2015 to preserve the histories of pipe bands so they will not be forgotten.
The website includes lists of piping and drumming schools, Scottish festivals and Highland games, and Scottish organizations.
The webmaster answers inquiries about local pipers or pipe bands for parades, weddings, funerals, or ceremonies. Send requests via the contact page.
Herbert Poole Article (1971)
Piping in the Carolinas – The sound that stirred the Highland Scots now enjoys a unique revival among their Tar Heel descendants. by Herbert Poole
Were I to choose the one occasion from my Pittsboro childhood exerting the most unexpected influence on my life
Emily Sprague Article (2026)
A Brief History of Piping in North Carolina by Emily Sprague.
There are mentions of Scottish pipers in North Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the piper and drummer who signaled the beginning of the historic battle at Moore’s Creek bridge in 1775. However, the first bagpipe band only appeared in the state mid-way through the 20th century. Following is the lineage of North Carolina’s 46 known bagpipe bands.