high desert pipes and drums

The High Desert Pipes and Drums of Albuquerque, NM, is a non-profit organization devoted to the cultivation, preservation, and promotion of Scottish bagpiping and drumming. The band was founded in 1994 by Pipe Major Bill Horn and soon established itself as a Grade IV competition band. In 1997, HDP&D made its first appearance at the World Pipe Band Championships (or ‘The Worlds’) in Scotland.

Just two years later in 1999, the High Desert Pipes and Drums became the very first U.S. pipe band to win the Championship for Grade IV! In 2001, HDP&D returned to the Worlds to win Best Bass Section and Best Marching and Deportment. In 2007, the members of HDP&D completed a fourth trip to Scotland to compete, and although we did not bring any silver home to New Mexico from the three competitions (North Berwick, Bridge of Allen, and the World Pipe Band Championships), the trip was still a great success and proved that we are still on track.

High Desert Pipes and Drums maintains its status as a teaching competition band, comprised entirely of volunteers. One of our enduring characteristics is the diversity of our membership. We draw from all ages, careers, and ethnicities. We have seen many of our young members grow up into fine men and women and begin lives and families of their own.

Our love and enthusiasm for Scottish music is inseparable from our experiences as a group and our desire to engage in the things we find worthwhile, both for our sake and the sake of our community.

Piping and drumming is a wonderful pastime, steeped in tradition and filled with a rich and honorable history. If you would like to get involved, please contact us! No prior experience in piping, drumming, or music in general is necessary – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

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