STE Pipe Band

Click to visit band website


The five-time juvenile world champion band is dedicated to the highest achievements in the Scottish Arts.  With this record of excellence, the St. Thomas’ band is in high demand to perform in Houston and its surrounding areas.

History

The St. Thomas' Episcopal School Pipe Band began in the early 1960's when the school's founding Rector, The Reverend T. Robert Ingram, decided he wanted a school band with a distinctive identity. His love of his Scottish heritage led him to the bagpipes and he decided that a pipe band would fulfill his vision.

Pipe Major Donald Shaw Ramsey, who was living in California was contacted by Mr. Ingram to facilitate the start-up of the band through periodic workshops. The church organist, John Moseley, began to learn the pipes so he could teach the students in Ramsay's absence, and the school's Headmaster, Henry L. Walters, Jr., began teaching the drums.

Through the years several instructors have been through the Scottish Arts program, but it was not until Mike Cusack took charge that the program evolved to what it is today.  During his twenty-two year role as band director, Mr. Cusack led the band to 4 world championships, produced three albums, and raised the calibre of musicianship in hundreds of young Texans.

The St. Thomas' Episcopal School Pipe Band is now under the directorship of Doug MacRae and Lyric Todkill.  It has grown to become one of the world's most respected pipe bands, winning the Juvenile World Pipe Band Championships in 1985, 1995, 1998, 2004 and 2006. The Band performs throughout the community. Through its h