Maine St. Andrew’sPipes & DrumsCome to a practice
Two MSAPD pipers and a snare drummer in Maine State Tartan kilts performing on a concert stage

Maine St. Andrew's Pipes & Drums · Bangor, Maine

Free bagpipe and drum lessons in Bangor.

A Maine pipe band since 1994.

We teach Highland piping and drumming at no cost to anyone who would like to join the band. You don’t need any experience or your own instrument. All you need to do is come to a practice.

Come to a practiceBook the band
Rehearsals
1st & 3rd Thursdays
Time
6:30–8:00 pm
Place
Bangor Parks & Recreation

Why now

We’re a small band with a big sound, and there’s room for you.

Maine St. Andrew’s has played across Maine since 1994. Our ranks have grown small in recent years, and we’re rebuilding. We think that makes this the best time to join.

In a small band, you won’t get lost in the back row. You’ll learn one-on-one from players with decades of experience, and you’ll have a real voice in where the band goes next. Our goal is to return to the competition field, and we’d love your help getting there.

Maine St. Andrew's pipers and drummers in Maine State Tartan kilts playing together in a circle at an outdoor summer festival

Join the band

You don’t need any experience to start.

Nearly every piper and drummer in the band started exactly where you are now. We’ll teach you at no cost, alongside people who love this music and want to share it.

  1. Come to a rehearsal.

    Stop by, listen, meet the band, and ask us anything. There is no audition and no commitment.

  2. Learn the basics.

    Pipers begin on a practice chanter and drummers on a practice pad. We have loaner instruments to get you started, and band members teach you for free at rehearsal.

  3. March out with the band.

    When you’re ready, you’ll join us at parades, concerts and festivals. The band provides most of the uniform, so you’ll only need to bring a white shirt.

An MSAPD piper playing outdoors at a summer Highland gamesMSAPD's bass drummer with the band's painted Maine St. Andrew's bass drum

Rehearsals

1st & 3rd Thursdays
6:30–8:00 pm

Bangor Parks & Recreation, Bangor, Maine
Get directions

Please drop us a note before your first visit so someone is watching for you at the door.

Tell us you’re coming

Already play?

Have you moved to Maine, or are you ready to dust off your pipes or sticks? Experienced pipers and drummers are always welcome. Come and play a set with us.

Where we’ve played

Over the years, we’ve been proud to play at events like these.

  • Memorial Day parades
  • Bangor–Brewer Fourth of July
  • Scottish Tattoo at Fort Knox
  • Colonial Pemaquid concert
  • Maine Celtic Celebration
  • Town festivals & school programs

New players

Questions people ask

Is it really free?

Yes. Instruction is free for anyone interested in joining the band. We can lend you an instrument to get started, and the band provides most of the uniform. The only thing you’ll need to supply is a white shirt.

I’ve never played music before. Can I still learn?

Absolutely. Most of our members started with no musical background at all. We teach you to read pipe music and play from the very first note.

Do I need to buy bagpipes or a drum?

Not to get started. New pipers spend their first months on a practice chanter, and new drummers on a practice pad. We have loaners available so you can try it before you spend anything.

How long before I can play with the band in public?

Everyone learns at their own pace. Some pipers are ready to play out with the band in under a year, and it’s perfectly normal to take longer. We’ll never rush you onto the parade route before you’re ready.

Is there an age requirement?

There is no minimum age. Children are welcome and should come with a parent, at least for the first few rehearsals.

Is this a family-friendly group?

Yes. We’re a pipe band first and last, and our rehearsals and performances are all about the music. Families are always welcome.

Do I need Scottish heritage to join?

Not at all. All you need is a love of the sound of the pipes and drums.

I already play. Can I join?

Yes, and we’d be glad to have you. Come to a rehearsal and play a set with us.

Do you have a question we didn’t answer?Ask us

Our story

Three decades of pipes and drums in Maine.

Generations of players have worn the band’s tartan, including teachers, tradespeople, students and veterans, all bound by a love of the pipes.

  1. Before

    Two bands, one tradition

    Northern Border Caledonia, which grew out of the Argyll Highlanders, and Acadian Pipes & Drums carried Highland piping across Downeast and Central Maine.

  2. 1994

    Maine St. Andrew’s is formed.

    The two bands join forces as Maine St. Andrew’s Pipes & Drums, playing parades, concerts, Highland games and school programs across Maine, New England and Canada.

  3. 2009

    First place at the Maine Highland Games

    The band takes first place at Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick.

  4. Today

    Rebuilding, and aiming high

    We’re a small band with a long memory, and we’re rebuilding our ranks. We hope to return to the competition field someday, and we’d love you to be part of it.

Hire the band

Would you like pipes for your occasion?

We play for civic events, memorials, weddings and more, from a single piper to the full band.

Ask about booking

  • Parades & civic events

    We march in Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, town days and dedications.

  • Memorials & funerals

    A lone piper or the full band can play with care and dignity.

  • Weddings & celebrations

    We can pipe in the bride, lead the procession, or surprise your guests.

  • Festivals & schools

    We perform at Celtic festivals and concerts, and we offer hands-on programs for students.

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re thinking about learning, looking for a band, or hoping to book pipes for an event, send us a note. A band member will get back to you soon.

Or find us on Facebook.

I’d like to…

Come to a practice