- City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums

City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums

Sponsored by the City of Alexandria, CAPD plays a prominent role in the city’s parades, festivals and benefit events throughout the year. The band appears regularly during the summer months at Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square and on special occasions at the Carlyle House. CAPD has performed at many prestigious venues in the Washington D.C. region, including the White House for the President of the United States, at a Virginia gubernatorial inauguration, and at the President’s Cup golf tournament opening ceremonies in 2001 and 2005.

In addition to ceremonial appearances, CAPD maintains a busy competition schedule, appearing from spring to fall at EUSPBA-sanctioned highland games. The band currently competes in Grade 4 and has consistently placed among the top bands in the Mid Atlantic Region. Competition participation is encouraged but not required of members.

Click here to see video of CAPD tuning up for 2007 Southern Maryland Games

The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums has a reputation for maintaining a high standard of dress and drill discipline. Uniforms and equipment are provided to members at no charge with the understanding that band property must be properly cared for and maintained.

CAPD promotes fellowship among its members and the local community. The Band’s annual Christmas 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 can often be found at Pat Troy’s Irish restaurant in Old Town, where it also performs on the first Thursday of each month.

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. Band practices are held each Thursday from 7-10 PM at the Durant Center (Dept of Recreation), 1605 Cameron Street in Alexandria.

Band Roster