Cape Breton University Pipe Band
The Cape Breton University Pipe Band is a competition and performance band that exists under the umbrella of the Island Pipes and Drums Association.  The band has grown out of a teaching program initiated in 2014 with sponsorship by the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, aimed at teaching youth across Nova Scotia for free.  Our association now features a performing band of over 20 members, a developmental band, and registration of over 40 youth and adult individuals in our teaching program.  We are proud that almost all of our musicians have been taught locally in our Association.


Our mandate is to teach and promote piping and drumming, develop strong connections to highland culture, and foster an enthusiasm for life-long learning in youth in Cape Breton through:
  • Ongoing development of well-rounded local musicians (both adult and youth) through instruction in bagpiping and drumming
  • Increasing piping and drumming presence in the community through attendance at parades, concerts, and highland games

Highland Fèis

Many thanks for supporting the 2019 Highland Fèis.  We plan on returning the festival June 12th -14th, 2020.  Stay tuned for more details!

For more details about the Highland Fèis visit the page on our website linked at the top or visit @highlandfeis

Hire The Band

The CBU Pipe Band is active in the community and is available for hire.  Please contact the band if you are interested in hiring the band or individual musicians.  Some of our performance experiences include:
  • the 2018 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo  
  • a Celtic Colours concert, “Ceilidh at the Big Fiddle”; a recording of this is featured on the 2018 Celtic Colours live compilation CD
  • a Christmas concert production which has been staged at the CBU Boardmore Playhouse for the past 3 years;
  • participation in several parades and festivals throughout the year
  • competitions in the Grade 5 category at highland games in Moncton, Antigonish and Fredericton.

2019 Upcoming Events

July 27/28 - New Brunswick Highland Games
August 2/3 - Glengarry Highland Games (Maxville, Ontario)
August 9 - CBU Opening Ceremonies of Royal Canadian Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships
August 11 - Margaree Highland Games
August 30 - Acoustic Roots Festival
October 11 - Celtic Colours - The Chieftains and Friends
October 13 - Celtic Colours - The Young Heroes: Na Gaisgich Òga