North Georgia Pipes & Drums is truly Georgia’s Bagpipe Band! Our members hail from all corners of the North Atlanta/North Georgia region, including Alpharetta, Athens, Buford, Covington, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Woodstock and beyond. We attract players from far and wide because of our simple band philosophy — Good Music, Good Will, Good Fun!

We are a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to perfecting our skills, advancing our heritage and promoting Scottish music wherever possible. We use competition as a motivation tool to improve our playing, and we perform for the public at reasonable rates in order to subsidize the costs involved in maintaining an organization like ours. Our members pay no dues, but do expend a fair amount of time, money and effort to maintain their instruments, secure lessons, and travel throughout the Southeast to play for NoGaPD. Our public performances are quite varied, including: parades, graduations, weddings, corporate events, concerts, etc. We invite your inquiries if you would like us to play for your event. By the way, our 501(c)3 status means that your donation here or some of your performance fee may be tax deductible (check with your tax preparer for more information).

NoGaPD History

The band was founded in 2007 as North Atlanta Pipes & Drums, by four seasoned musicians: pipers Brad Beaton, Mark Blihovde, Robbie Rogers, and drummer JJ Hayden. They strived to bring something new and different to the local piping scene. Their vision was, and remains, to bring together a core of accomplished pipers and drummers that love to play, who are ready to compete, and who will welcome and nurture developing players.

Our first full competition season was 2009, and the results were favorable. By utilizing innovative methods and ideas, the band has continued to improve each year. By 2012, we took 1st place at three out of four contests we entered. 2013 ended with First place wins at Scotland County and Stone Mountain. We finished 2014 with a 4th place overall in the EUSPBA (Eastern United States Pipe Band Association) Grade 5, and 2nd place overall in 2015. We maintained our high level of play throughout 2016, culminating in a first place win at Stone Mountain. EUSPBA rewarded us with an upgrade to the Grade 4 competition level where we begin competing in 2017.

In 2013 the band adopted the Isle of Skye tartan for its uniform, retiring the original Royal Stewart tartan. In July of 2016 the band name was updated to the North Georgia Pipes & Drums. We felt the name change better reflects our diverse geographic area, and helps set us apart from other local bands. We plan to continue our tradition of excellence well into the future.