Bagpipes Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering played by the Stuart Highland Pipe Band.
The Stuart Highland Pipe Band was founded in 1964 under the auspices of the First Parish Church in Bedford, MA, at the suggestion of its minister. The members initially explored forming a banjo band, but gave up the idea when they realized it would be hard to procure the necessary instruction. John Autry, a parishioner of Scottish descent, suggested they mine the rich Celtic pockets the Boston area provided, and form a pipe band instead. The group turned to a local piper, Archie MacLeod,to lead as first pipe major and principal instructor.
MacLeod had been born in Connecticut but reared in Johnstone, Scotland, and brought to the band the lessons he'd acquired under Robert Reid, a luminary in the Scottish piping world in his youth. After returning to the U.S. and after service in the Marine Corps, MacLeod had been pipe major of two pipe bands, the Caledonia and the Clan Sutherland, and was instrumental in the creation of the Blue Bell Highlanders Pipe Band.
With Royal Stuart tartan kilts obtained at surplus from the British Army, the band was properly outfitted and took the name of the Stuart Highlanders Regimental Pipes and Drums. The name became simply the Stuart Highland Pipe Band later when it dispensed with the regimental style uniform, with its horsehair sporrans and spats in favor of civilian dress.
Etched on the band's cap badge, and taken in tribute to Bedford's historic roots, is the Latin motto, Vince Aut Morire, ("Victory or Death"). It is also on the Bedford flag, the oldest in the United States, and was carried by the minutemen at the Battle of Old North Bridge during the Revolutionary War.
The former Pipe Majors of the Stuart Highland Pipe Band have been consecutively: Archie MacLeod, Warren Adam, Andrew McIntosh, Paul Kissman, and Ken Pfeiffer.The current Pipe Major is Adam Holdaway.
In dedication to the band's founding Pipe Major, the band plays a tribute tune named "Archie MacLeod" which was partly written by the tune's namesake. Additionally, the band has created the Archie MacLeod Memorial Scholarship for its youth members.
In 2011, the Grade II band traveled to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. This was the band's first trip overseas since its founding in 1964. The band won the qualifier with straight firsts and went on to place first in piping and fifth overall in the final. The Stuart Highlanders intend to return to the World Championships in 2013 to represent the piping and drumming scene that is thriving in the Eastern United States.
The Stuart Highland Pipe Band has more than fifty dedicated members in two grades and relies on the generosity of its individual members and corporations to meet our goals and continue operating as New England's premier pipe band organization.
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