Guide to Bagpipes in Rochester, NY
If you’re looking to see a bagpipe band, learn to play the pipes, or want to know about that band you just saw in the parade, this is the place to begin.
Rochester is a culturally and musically rich city. Its bagpipe scene is no different.
Where Can I Hear Bagpipes in Rochester?
A parade was the first place I heard the pipes as a kid, and I fell completely in love. Parades and marching are a major part of bagpipe bands, and you can see all the Rochester bands in parades for holidays or events such as…
St. Patrick’s Day
The Lilac Parade
Memorial Day
4th of July
Fireman’s parades
Festival parades
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Many towns or suburbs will hold their own parades for holidays. The different pipe bands will spread out between them. Check out bands’ websites or social media to see exactly where they’ll be.
The LBS Highlanders at the Hilton Fireman’s Parade - 2024
There are also numerous Celtic Festivals and Highland Games within an hour or two frive of Rochester throughout the summer. These have pipe bands, highland dancing, highland athletics, Celtic arts and crafts, and more.
Here’s a list of Celtic festivals and games near Rochester: check out the links to see specific dates, times, and information for each event:
Genesee Country Museum and Village Celtic Faire
Mumford, NY, ~45 minutes from Rochester
Usually, the second weekend in June
Central New York Scottish Games
Liverpool, NY ~90 minutes from Rochester
Usually, the first weekend in August
Liverpool, NY ~45 minutes from Rochester
Usually, the end of August
Mayville, NY ~180 minutes from Rochester
Usually, the end of August
Lockport, NY ~90 minutes from Rochester
Usually, the beginning of September
Feadan Or and Rochester Scottish at the Niagara Celtic Festival- 2024
Local bands and soloists may also hold free practices or events outside in the summer or ticketed events at one of Rochester’s many music venues.
Check out the bands’ websites or social media themselves to see what they’re up to and where they’re playing!
Speaking of… let’s get into what bands are in Rochester.
Bagpipe Bands in Rochester, NY
Bagpipes have been in Rochester since the 1800’s. The City has seen many bands rise and fall, but these are the five active pipe bands in the area.
Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums
Founded 1919
Plays primarily: parades, festivals, local events
***The oldest continually operating band in the area
Founded 1994
Plays primarily: competitions, festivals, parades, concerts
***The only competitive band in the area
Founded 1998
Plays primarily: parades, festivals, events for service members
Founded 2014
Plays primarily: parades, festivals, local events, private events
Founded 2024
Plays primarily: parades, local events, pubs
Where Can I Learn to Play Bagpipes in Rochester?
Private one-on-one instruction is personally recommended, especially for the first six months to a year you are learning. That said, many bands in the area offer instruction or group lessons.
Check out this page on my website to see how you learn the bagpipes. It’s a lifelong journey!
If you have any questions at all about learning pipes, get in touch. I’m here to help!
Below is a list of teachers and places to receive great bagpipe instruction right in Rochester:
30+ years of experience
Professional player
Full-time bagpiper
Located in Irondequoit
60+ years of experience
Multi-instrumentalist
Full-time piper-in-retirement
Located in Farmington
Instructor: Jake Kwiatkowski
Established community music school in Rochester
Instructor: Eric Albert
World-renowned music school in Rochester
How do I Join a Bagpipe Band in Rochester?
First, learn to play a pipe band instrument! Some bands will teach absolute beginners, but showing up having a basic proficiency in the instrument is preferred. Look for places to get lessons earlier in this piece! Or, get in touch!
Once you can play a pipe band instrument, contact one of the bands! Truly, it’s that simple. Pipe bands are always looking to recruit, and we’re easy to talk to! See a list earlier of bands in the area and what their primary missions are to see the best fit for you.
Members of Gates Police and Rochester Scottish play together for a fallen service member - 2026
I Have More Questions About Bagpipes!
Get in touch! I am the only full-time piper in Rochester. If you have a question, want to hire a piper, or want to learn how to play. I can help you out.
Even if I’m not the right person for your piping journey, I am happy to get you on your way and in contact with any piper in the area.
Cheers!