About The Band

Tidewater Pipes & Drums is the premier pipe band in Virginia and among the most successful in the eastern United States. The band formed in 1975 and currently has 50 active pipers and drummers representing six cities in Hampton Roads.

The band's mission is threefold:

• Education: The band provides free lessons to pipers and drummers of all ages and skill levels.
• Performance: The band performs at a variety of events every year, including the Norfolk St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade and the Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade. It also has had the honor of performing in many special events throughout its history, including the Virginia International Tattoo.
• Competition: The band competes in events sanctioned by the Eastern United Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA). Since 2002, the band has been ranked in the top 10 Grade 4 bands on the East Coast, making it the highest ranked pipe band between Raleigh, N.C., and Washington, D.C.

TP&D has close ties to the other pipe bands in the region, most notably the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Pipe Band and Trad Na Trad Juvenile Pipe Band. TP&D merged with the Sheriff’s Pipe Band in 2004 and continues to perform at the request of Sheriff John Newhart. In 2005, TP&D merged with Trad Na Trad. TP&D’s Grade 5 competition unit continues to compete under the Trad name.

TP&D proudly wears the Ancient MacArthur tartan in honor of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who is entombed in Norfolk, and as a symbol of the band’s strong allegiance to the Armed Forces.

The band is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization; its expenses are covered by charitable donations and income received from performances.

A complete band roster is available here.

For booking and sponsorship information, please call Susan Cocke at 757-650-3052.