Pipe Major
Benny Hill
Band Tartan
Modern Hunting MacGregor
The History of the Arbroath Pipe Band
Click here to read the history
The hard work of melding these different individuals into something that resembled a band progressed and the beginners, through dedication and practice taught by Tim and others, soon became viable players. The Red Lion Pipe Band was a reality.
The band hit the streets and began performing for any amount of money to raise the funds necessary for uniforms and equipment. The Red Lion Pipe Band went on to become a competition pipe band competing around the Mid West and always placed in the top three. When playing in parades, in competition with other bands, they always managed to win first place eventually winning five Grand Marshal trophies in the annual St Patrick’s Day parades.
About this time, Tim found his calling with the Order of St Benedict and became a monk. He is now known as Brother Boniface. Though Brother Boniface does not compete and is not active in performances, his love of the pipes continues and he still plays to this day.
After the departure of Brother Boniface, the Red Lion Pipe Band joined with another group of pipers and changed the band’s name to The 23rd Street Pipe Band and selected a new Pipe Major. The new band never quite came together and a decision was made to separate and create a new band. This newly formed band chose to take its name from Scottish history and selected Arbroath Pipes & Drums.
The band members remaining with the newly formed Arbroath Pipes & Drums got to work and began to practice under our new Pipe Major, Rebecca Thompson. Under Rebecca’s leadership we have regained our position as a competition band and have continued with the tradition of winning in competitive parades. We have also become the leading performance band in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area.
About Arbroath Abbey
Arbroath Abbey is best known for the Declaration of Arbroath, arguably the most famous document in Scottish history. When the English persuaded the Pope to excommunicate King Robert Bruce, 40 Scottish nobles, barons and freemen dispatched a letter to Pope John. This letter formally and eloquently set out Scotland’s case that it was an independent, sovereign kingdom. The letter was sent from Arbroath Abbey in April 1320 and became known as the Declaration of Arbroath.
Awards
March 2004 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 2nd Place Trophy – Best Band – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2005 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 2nd Place Trophy – Best Band – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2006 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Grand Marshall’s Trophy – Best Band – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2007 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Grand Marshall’s Trophy – Best Band – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2008 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 1st Place Trophy – Best Band – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2009 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 1st Place Trophy – Best Band – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2010 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Grand Marshall’s Trophy – State of Oklahoma Massed Pipes and Drums – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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Hire Our Pipe Band
The Arbroath Pipe Band is available to perform at your private or corporate event. Bring a Scottish flair to any event by hiring the Arbroath Pipe Band. We can provide a Full Band, Mini Band or Individual Pipers for: Parades, Parties, Promotions, Graduations, Weddings, Funerals, Festivals, and Memorials -
Join Our Pipe Band
We are always looking for experienced pipers and drummers. Don't have any experience, but still want to join? No problem. We will assist you with learning your instrument of choice. We currently have openings available.
A performing member of the band will be issued a band kilt and uniform and receive the benefit of performing and/or competing in one of Oklahoma's finest pipe bands.
What we require: Dedication; Willingness to learn; Participation; Willingness to have fun
For more information contact Pipe Major Benny Hill (405) 863-3881.