The Founding:Alexandria's pipe band can trace its beginning to 1971, when a small group of pipers and drummers began playing together in Alexandria. Fortunately, the Tourist Council, and several prominent businessmen, took an interest in the group, and were instrumental in obtaining city sponsorship for a pipe band as an appropriate way to celebrate Alexandria's strong Scottish heritage. The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums was formally organized early in 1972.
The Tartan:
As questions are often asked about the band's tartan, some comments on that subject may be of interest.
Since the city was named for John Alexander, an early landowner, and "Alexander" is a sept of the MacAlister clan, the MacAlister tartan was an obvious choice for the band. When kilts were ordered, however, it was found that this tartan was not available in the required weight, so another choice had to be made. It was recalled that Lord Fairfax, who owned much of northern Virginia in colonial times, was also Baron of Cameron, a parish in Scotland. Cameron tartan was then chosen for the band, to the delight of Louis Robert, the band's chief patron, who was also known locally as "The Mayor of Cameron Street."
About The Band:
The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums is one of the premier performance and competition pipe bands in the Washington DC area. The band prides itself on its ability to maintain at peak performing level over forty tunes and two competition sets. CAPD maintains a rigorous performance schedule which includes competitions, parades, and concerts throughout the American East Coast. The band has opened for rock legends like Rod Stewart, played for three American Presidents (Ronald Regan, George Bush, Bill Clinton), and played for numerous professional sporting events such as the Presidents Cup. At nearly thirty five years old CAPD is one of the oldest and strongest continuing pipe bands in the nation and looks forward to many more years of quality performances.
Who May Join:
The band is made up of both professional musicians and professional people. As such we welcome committed players of all levels. Whether you are completely new or a grade one soloist there is a spot for you in the band. If you are interested contact Kevin Ford at
[email protected] for more information.
Where and When:
We rehearse at Durant Center in Old Town Alexandria (1605 Cameron Street Alexandria) on Thursdays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
For more information on upcoming competitions and performances please view our website at
http://www.capd-online.com/
