About the Band

Our Story

The Lander Pipe Band was formed in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the United States. There was an effort across North America to honor those who died in those attacks. The band (Instructor, Melissa Bautz, and three adult students: Bobby Johnston, Brian Semich, and Mac Nelson) had already been practicing at the Lander, WY fire hall for other group performances.

The North American Pipe Band Association (ANAPBA) led an effort to have all bands across the continent play in memory of the lives lost on 9/11. The band played at this event in Lander’s City Park. After that October 11, 2001 memorial event, the band became formalized.

Since then, the band has performed at memorial events for First Responders, Veterans, and Active Military throughout Central Wyoming, primarily Fremont County.

Since 2016, the band has performed at an average of 40 community, veteran, first responder, and military events annually. Since the band’s formation in 2001, the band has performed at over 500 community and veteran events.

The band also performs at non-military memorials and events; for these types of performances the band requests a donation.

We are a community pipe band that strives to provide the highest quality music possible. Therefore, we also compete in band and solo contests and participate in pipe band workshops to continually improve our music.

Our Mission

To uphold the musical traditions of Scotland by providing high quality pipe and drum band music for veterans, first responders, and community events. The band’s primary means of achieving its mission is to teach beginner pipers and drummers (youth and adults) to play in the Great Highland Bagpipe and Scottish style. We also:

Teach the Next Generation

Through our Youth Education Program, we teach beginning pipers and drummers through individual instruction and group lessons.

Youth piper receiving a pin from Veteran Honor Guard leader.

Honor Veterans & First Responders

The band provides memorial performances at no charge to honor the county’s veterans, firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders.

Serve Our Community

We perform at parades, ceremonies, and community events throughout the region, bringing pipe band music to audiences of all ages.

Share Pipe Band History

We present educational programs about the history of pipe and drum music, both locally and throughout the world.

Youth Education Program

The Lander Pipe Band’s Youth Education Program teaches beginning and developing pipers and drummers through individual lessons, group instruction, and regular band practices. Students learn from experienced musicians and world-class instructors while building skills through rehearsals, performances, and solo competitions.

Currently training more than 25 youth and adult musicians in Central Wyoming.

Contact Us to Join the Band