macdonald pipe band of pittsburgh
The Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh, Inc. is one of the oldest active bands in the region. We are a not-for-profit organization 501 (c) (3). Our purpose is to further the Scottish arts by promoting the study and performance of its music. We are a modern, competitive pipe band with a keen eye towards the future but mindful of our forebears and the traditions that shaped us.
ceol neamh pipe band
The Ceòl Nèamh Pipe Band organization consists of an EUSPBA Grade 4 pipe band based out of Lancaster, PA with an additional practice location based out of West Chester, PA for musicians and students in the Philadelphia, Delaware, and New Jersey area. The band maintains the goal of fielding a pipe and drum band which can compete at a world-class level. The band promotes the culture of traditional Scottish music through regular competition, performance, parading, and student-based education. To achieve our educational goals, we operate schools of piping and drumming to educate people interested in joining the band. Band practice and educational sessions start at 7:00PM on Wednesday evenings at the Benchmark Construction warehouse on the corner of Oregon Pike and Zooks Mill Road in Brownstown, PA 17508. Ceòl Nèamh Pipe Band was founded in 1998 by Thompson McConnell and the band proudly wears the McConnell tartan. Ceòl Nèamh translates to “Heavenly Music” from Scots Gaelic. The band competes at approximately five competitions per year and actively participates in parades and community events in Eastern Pennsylvania
Black Diamonds Pipe Band
The Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band was formed in May 1995. Originally, the band consisted of five members, but it has grown in numbers and talent since that time. Most band members live in the Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Greater Scranton area. The band is a volunteer unit, and has members who range in age from teenager to senior citizen, and who come from diverse backgrounds. The Black Diamonds Pipe Band is always interested in gaining new members for the pipe, drum, and color guard ranks, and there are always students learning to play the pipes or drums in order to become full band members.
philadelphia st. patricks day parade
The first documented St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade in Philadelphia was held in 1771, marking OVER 250 continuous years of celebrations. The current parade, which is hosted by the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association, was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1952.
pittsburgh st. patricks day parade
Join us on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. for our annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
rose & shamrock solo piping contest
To promote the study, teaching, and performance of Ceol Mor, the “Great Music” of the Highland Bagpipe in central Pennsylvania.
scranton st. patricks day parade
Parade Day is Saturday March 8th 2025! Join us in downtown Scranton to celebrate the day when everyone is Irish!
Balmoral Classic Opening Reception
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024: The Balmoral Classic championship is the only solo bagpiping and Scottish snare drumming competition in the US exclusively for those age 21 and under.
balmoral school
Join us in the Carnegie Room at the Courtyard Marriott for our 2024 Balmoral Classic Opening Reception, Co-Sponsored by the Pittsburgh Piping Society. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available for adults. No cover required, but donations are welcomed.
Balmoral Summer Camps
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024: The Balmoral Classic championship is the only solo bagpiping and Scottish snare drumming competition in the US exclusively for those age 21 and under. Entrants are required to meet strict standards based on amateur upper-grade competitive successes. Bagpiping entrants compete in two styles: Pìobaireachd, the classical music of Highland bagpiping, and MSR (march, strathspey and reel), the traditional bagpipe competition medley. Drummers compete in two styles: Hornpipe & Jig and MSR. The Overall is a combination of scores from Pìobaireachd and MSR for piping, Hornpipe & Jig and MSR for drumming. The 2024 Balmoral Classic will be an in-person event!