Zebra Misc

Seeking Bagpipers and Drummers for City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums Band

 

These two young gals carried the banner for the City of Alexandria’s Pipes and Drums during the 2023 Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (Photo: Laura Sikes/The Zebra Press)

Alexandria, VA – “Although we have just finished a successful December through March parade season, the band is still re-building after the Covid setback,” says Donna Franklin, a longtime volunteer for the City of Alexandria’s Pipes and Drums, which was founded in 1972. “Some members have moved, retired, or have not made their way back to the band yet. We’re looking to add more pipers and drummers and are trying to get the word out to any interested folks.”

The City of Alexandria’s Pipes and Drums seen here in the recent Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been representing the city and entertaining for over 50 years. (Photo: David McClure/The Zebra Press)

Patterned after a traditional British military pipe band with over 20 active pipers and 10 drummers, the group has performed at the White House and for numerous presidents. It has a new drum major, Josh Cease, who is injecting new energy, and leadership, despite being only 21. “We have band members older than that,” Donna says, “but he has a commanding presence and has successfully stepped into the leadership role.”

Josh Cease leads the Alexandria Pipes and Drums at the 2023 Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (Photo: Mike Beaty)

Donna adds that there will be two new introductory classes on bagpiping and drumming offered soon through the city’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities office. “The classes will teach the basics, and hopefully get people interested in continuing to learn the instruments, join the band, or become enthusiastic supporters on the parade route!”  If interested in becoming part of the band or signing up for classes, please contact [email protected] or visit the band’s website at capd-online.com.

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Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, founded by her in 2010. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and has lived and worked in the Alexandria publishing community since 1987.

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One Comment

  1. I have seen this band in parades at Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day in Alexandria for many years. They are absolutely amazing.

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