The City of St. John’s Pipe Band was originally formed as the Newfoundland Pipe Band in 1973,

changing to its present name in 1988. The band can trace its roots back to the Newfoundland Highlanders who were a paramilitary organization in St. John’s from 1907-1924.

The band first competed in 1976 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and since then, has gone on to competitions in the United States, mainland Canada and Scotland, placing in Grade 4 competitions in Antigonish, Carrolton, Kentucky and Alma, Michigan. The most memorable competitions have been on a tour of Scotland in 1989.

As well, the band has made trips throughout Newfoundland, to a Highland Festival in Maine, Bastille Day in St. Pierre and a Memorial tour of the Newfoundland Caribou Memorials in France and Belgium in 2004. The band has played for such diverse events as visits of Royalty, folk festivals, a Rod Stewart Concert and the visit of Pope John Paul to Newfoundland.

 

The band changed its name in 1988 to the City of St. John’s Pipe Band. It has maintained this name to the present continuing with the Maclaine of Lochbuie tartan but changing its hat badge to a representation of Cabot Tower to reflect its affiliation with St. John’s.

Through the years, over 150 members have played with the band some learning from the local tuition program, others bringing their band skills to St. John’s having learned and played elsewhere. All levels of bands people are welcome and contribute in a variety of ways.

 

A group of individuals who had played in various parts of Canada and the United States along with local students, came together to form a pipe band in 1973. With hard work, fund raising and community support, the band soon was outfitted with drums, uniforms including kilts of the Maclaine of Lochbuie tartan and distinctive hat badges. The band performed for head tables, multicultural events and local concerts. In 1979 the band was incorporated and officially given the right to be called the Newfoundland Pipe Band.
History City of St. John's Pipe Band