Pipes and Drums
About
The USNA PIPES AND DRUMS band was formed in 1996 through an endowment from the USNA Class of 1961.
They are an active ensemble in the Musical Activities Department at the Academy and are the only active duty pipe band in the Department of the Navy. It is one of only two active duty pipe bands in the military—the other being the Corps of Cadets Pipes and Drums at West Point. The midshipman ensemble includes bagpipers, highland drummers and highland dancers and can be seen in a variety of performances throughout the year: in Formal Parades, formations, Celtic and Renaissance festivals, competitions, and on the concert stage.
Recent travels have taken them to Scotland, the New York City Tartan Day Parade, and the Southeast Florida Pipe Band Competition in FT. Lauderdale, Florida where the were awarded 1st Place in Pipes, 1st Place in Drums, and 1st Place Overall in their category.
(The USNA Class of 1998 is now our new Sponsor Class! The U.S. Naval Academy Pipes and Drums would like to express its appreciation to them and to the USNA Class of 1961 for their incredible support.)
Repertoire
4/4 Marches
Scotland the Brave / Rowan Tree
Minstrel Boy / Wearing of the Green
Grand Old Flag
MacRae Meadow
Marine Corps Hymn
The Battle of Waterloo / Pikeman's March
3/4 Marches
When the Battle's O'er
Green Hills of Tyrol
2/4 Marches
The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar
Liberton Pipeband
6/8 Marches
Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis
Highland Dances
The Highland Fling
Strathspey and the Highland Reel
Highland Laddie
Highland Lilt
The Slip Jig
The Hornpipe
Slow Airs
Dark Isle
Amazing Grace
Irish Eyes
Hymns
Highland Cathedra
Medley
Campbell's Farewell to Redcastle / Lord Lovett's Lament / At Long Last
Other
Steam Train to Mallaig
Hellbound Train
Auditions
Midshipmen interested in participating in the Pipes and Drums should contact the ensemble's commander, Midshipman First Class Robert Shao, or the Music Office at music@usna.edu.
We welcome anyone who is interested in joining us either on one of our drums (snare, tenor or bass), the highland pipes, or dance. We also have an Irish Music group as an outgrowth of the band that is represented by a collection of traditional Irish instruments. There is no experience needed to join the band, only a love for music.
Contact
Please contact the United States Naval Academy Music Department with any questions or comments you may have.
United States Naval Academy
Musical Activities Department
Mailing Address: Alumni Hall, 675 Decatur Rd. Annapolis, MD 21402-5086
Phone Number: (410) 293-2439
Fax Number: (410) 293-3218
Email: music@usna.edu
