History Behind the Band

History of Pipes and Drums at USNA

The Pipes & Drums of the Brigade of Midshipmen is an approved BSA (Brigade Support Activity) at the United States Naval Academy and, as such, is the only active duty pipe band in the Department of the Navy. We are also one of only three active duty pipe bands in the United States Armed Forces, one being the Pipes and Drums of the Corps of Cadets at West Point, and the third being the Air Force Reserve Pipe Band at Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA. Though there have been several attempts in the past to form a pipe band at USNA, the last occurring as recently as 1993, none of them bore fruit. The current band began unofficially in the summer of 1995 when several midshipmen set the process in motion again. After a year of organization & conducting lessons on an informal level, the band became an officially recognized BSA in the Spring of 1999.
The principal financial support for the band came from the Class of ‘61, whose generosity made this band possible. They provided the funds required to purchase all the equipment, uniforms and instruments. We could not have done this without them. Our regular operating expenses are covered by funding received from the school, Midshipman dues, and money raised by band members.

Membership in the band is limited to current members of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Although the band has Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officer advisors, and civilian instructors, midshipmen are responsible for all band operations, in addition to performing as musicians. There are currently 42 members of the band, ranging in ability from beginners to advanced students. Our band is composed of 1 Pipe Major, 16 Pipers, 2 Drum Majors, 8 Snare Drummers, 4 Tenor Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer and 10 Highland Dancers. See our mission statement for an explanation of the role we play in the Brigade.

Class of 1961

The Pipes and Drums of the Brigade of Midshipmen would like to express its appreciation to the United States Naval Academy Class of 1961 and thank them for their continued support. Without their generous contributions, this band would not be possible.

Home Mission Organization Roster Media History Contact Us Repertoire Links	History

	History of Pipes and Drums at USNA The Pipes & Drums of the Brigade of Midshipmen is an approved BSA (Brigade Support Activity) at the United States Naval Academy and, as such, is the only active duty pipe band in the Department of the Navy. We are also one of only three active duty pipe bands in the United States Armed Forces, one being the Pipes and Drums of the Corps of Cadets at West Point, and the third being the Air Force Reserve Pipe Band at Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA. Though there have been several attempts in the past to form a pipe band at USNA, the last occurring as recently as 1993, none of them bore fruit. The current band began unofficially in the summer of 1995 when several midshipmen set the process in motion again. After a year of organization & conducting lessons on an informal level, the band became an officially recognized BSA in the Spring of 1999. The principal financial support for the band came from the Class of ‘61, whose generosity made this band possible. They provided the funds required to purchase all the equipment, uniforms and instruments. We could not have done this without them. Our regular operating expenses are covered by funding received from the school, Midshipman dues, and money raised by band members. Membership in the band is limited to current members of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Although the band has Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officer advisors, and civilian instructors, midshipmen are responsible for all band operations, in addition to performing as musicians. There are currently 42 members of the band, ranging in ability from beginners to advanced students. Our band is composed of 1 Pipe Major, 16 Pipers, 2 Drum Majors, 8 Snare Drummers, 4 Tenor Drummers, 1 Bass Drummer and 10 Highland Dancers. See our mission statement for an explanation of the role we play in the Brigade. Class of 1961 The Pipes and Drums of the Brigade of Midshipmen would like to express its appreciation to the United States Naval Academy Class of 1961 and thank them for their continued support. Without their generous contributions, this band would not be possible.