Band Member Bios - City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums

About the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums

One of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier pipe bands, CAPD has for many years attracted talented musicians of varied ages and backgrounds. The Current Band Roster features more than fifty players and recruits. The band’s organizational approach has remained open and vibrant over the years. The Band Alumni page contains profiles of former members who contributed to the band’s success.

CAPD performance schedule includes parades, ceremonial events, and EUSPBA-sanctioned competitions. Competition participation is encouraged, but not required of members. All members must demonstrate proficiency with the full band repertoire, however. Practice sessions emphasize both technique and musical expression for the purpose of achieving strong ensemble results. Individual instruction is not provided by the band, but qualified instructors are available for private lessons.

A hallmark of the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums is a high standard of dress and drill discipline. Slow and quick march drills are distinctive features of the band’s public performances, and they are an integral part of practice sessions. Uniforms and certain instruments (drums, bugles) are provided to members at no charge, with the understanding that loaned band property must be properly cared for and maintained.

CAPD’s ties to the Alexandria community remain strong. The band’s annual party following the Old Town Christmas Walk parade has become a tradition at which dignitaries from Carlyle House and city government mingle with band members and their guests. The band also maintains its "bar night” tradition of informal performances on the first Thursday of each month at Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, where members and friends have an opportunity to lift a glass and socialize.

Band practices are held each Thursday from 7-10 PM at the Durant Center (Dept of Recreation), 1605 Cameron Street in Alexandria. Observers and prospective recruits are invited to attend. CAPD welcomes recruits at all levels of experience. Admission to the band as a playing member depends on practice attendance and skills evaluation by the band’s instructors.