Since 1919, there has been a Scottish pipe band in Rochester…

            In that year, philanthropist John White Johnston formed what came to be known as the John White Johnston Memorial Pipe Band. 83 years and three name-changes later, the band acknowledged its award-winning “Highland Thunder” drum corps by hitting the streets as the Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums. The band's uniform is modeled after that of the 42nd Highland Division, the Black Watch of the British Army, by special permission of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

            Constant through all this change has been the band’s dedication to the presentation and preservation of traditional Scottish pipe music. However, the band has greatly expanded its repertoire to include both traditional martial music and more modern tunes. They are as likely to be seen at martial events such as the three Rochester International Marine Tattoos as they are opening for the Dropkick Murphys at their recent Rochester area concerts. And then there are the parades. There is hardly a fireman’s parade in the Rochester area that does not feature the band. But the band doesn’t stop there.

            They have played two indoor theatrical concerts, as well as outdoor shows at the Rochester International LPGA golf tournament closing ceremonies, and the Sodus Lighthouse in Wayne County. The band also hosted the Genesee Country Museum’s Highland Gathering throughout its run. In 2002, the band took part in the Tunes of Glory parade in New York City, and has three times piped in the Allied Forces as part of the annual Warriors’ Day event at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. In 2006, the band was on the road again, performing in Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade before an estimated three million enthusiastic watchers, then traveled to Hamilton, Ontario, to take part in that city’s tattoo.

            Now in its 91st year, the Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums is more than ever Rochester’s Celtic Ambassador to the world, carrying its unparalleled tradition forward into the 21st Century.