Pipe Band:
Click here for the official Pipe Band web page
The Pipe Band carries a 45-year tradition and is one of only a handful of college pipe bands in the United States. Both accomplished and aspiring pipers are encouraged to join the band. Instructors Mike Breidenbach (pipes) and Steve Sutherland (drums) offer private lessons of 45 minutes to an hour per week in addition to weekly full band rehearsal. On-campus workshops have also been given by performers such as Pipe Major Ken Eller, James McGillvery, Donald Lindsay and Drummers Hugh Cameron and Harvey Dawson.
Members of the Pipe Band wear the tartan of Clan McAlister. The Band performs at various Macalester and Twin Cities functions throughout the year, including demonstrations at area schools. Recent appearances include the Mall of America in Bloomington and a St. Patrick's Day concert at a St. Paul club. There are also occasional opportunities for solo performances. For the past two years the Mac Pipe Band has been competing in the United States Championship games at Alma, Michigan. Both times the Mac band placed 2nd in Grade IV medley competitions. Plans for the coming year include an October trip to the Stone Mountain Highland Festival in Georgia and a January trip to highland games in Florida.
College credit for piping is sometimes available through special arrangement with Music Department faculty and Mike Breidenbach.