New York Metro Pipe Band
The NY Metro Pipe Band formed in January 2010 under the leadership of Pipe Major Michael Mahoney and Drum Sergeant Adrian Mordaunt. The founding vision was simple: build a world-class, internationally competitive band comprised of the best pipers and drummers in the New York metropolitan area. As talented players from all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey were drawn to the idea of competing on the world stage and advancing a shared cultural heritage through musical excellence, the band quickly grew.
Within months the band’s potential became evident, and the decision was made to compete in the summer of 2010, a full year earlier than anticipated. Through the dedication and commitment of the band’s leadership, players and instructors, the decision proved to be wise. In July, the band placed first in its debut at the Grade III Eastern United States Pipe Band Championships at Glasgowlands, Massachusetts, winning both the March, Strathspey & Reel and Medley competitions. The following day the band placed first again at the Rockland County Feis. Competition success came once more at the end of the summer, when a first place finish at the Capital District Scottish Games in Schenectady, New York capped a remarkable season against determined and proven competitors.
On Saturday, November 6th the band realized its ultimate goal for 2010 with the debut of their full-length concert, Premiere. Performed at the New York Hall of Science, Premiere was a notable success. The repertoire of contemporary and traditional tunes, along with several original works by the band’s in-house composers demonstrated the band’s commitment to furthering the art of piping and drumming both on and off the competition field. The larger vision, to be a well-rounded musical group dedicated to playing more than just the compulsory competition sets had been achieved.
The summer of 2011 will see NY Metro on the international competition circuit. Trips are planned to the North American Pipe Band Championships in Ontario, Canada and the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
