The Knoxville Pipes and Drums
Knoxville, Tennessee
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BAND
Misson
The mission of the Knoxville Pipes and Drums is to broaden the knowledge of Scottish heritage in East Tennessee and surrounding regions through music and provide a hobby for band participants.
To accomplish the mission, the band plays a number of venues throughout East Tennessee and the surrounding region. The band also provides free piping lessons and drumming lessons.
Background
The Knoxville Pipes and Drums evolved from three pipers who began meeting in June, 1991, under the direction of Tom Gordon. From the beginning the band offered free lessons, In 1992, the Scottish Society of Knoxville assumed sponsorship of the growing band. Exercising true Scottish frugality, and with a generous loan of $3,000 from an anonymous donor, the band purchased the Mackenzie kilts formerly worn by another pipe band. By 1993, not only had the number of pipers grown, but a small drum corps had also evolved making the Knoxville Pipes and Drums a reality. The band still offers free drumming lessons and piping lessons.
Since the Band's founding under Pipe Major Tom Gordon, other pipe majors have included the late Bob Pennington, and Don Cain. The band is presently under the direction of Pipe Major Andrew Payzant.
Band Tartan
Under a charter, officially presented in 1998 at the Glasgow (Kentucky) Scottish Games by Caberfeidh, the Rt. Hon. John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie of Kintail, Earl of Cromartie, Chief of Clan Mackenzie, the members of the Knoxville Pipes and Drums wear the ancient Mackenzie tartan.
Band Affiliation
The Knoxville Pipes and Drums competes as an Eastern United States Pipe Band Association Grade V Band.
Please bring corrections and additions to the attention of Gordon Irwin, DM, Retired who maintains this site. This page last updated on June 21, 2008