The Atlanta Pipe Band has been recognized as a leader among pipe bands in the South and a major competitor throughout the United States and Canada. The Band has established this standard of excellence in performance and competition under the skillful leadership of a number of dedicated Pipe Majors, most recently that of Pipe Major John Recknagel. Just recently, the band won the US Open Pipe Band Championship (Grade III) and the 2005 Midwest Championship in Alma Michigan. Founded in 1970, the Atlanta Pipe Band is dedicated to furthering the great tradition of Scottish music and culture through education and demonstration. The Band routinely performs for civic, private and commercial groups, adding a unique flair to these functions. The Band's 35-year history included performances for Presidents Carter and Bush, Prince Charles and Mikhail Gorbachev. The Band was also a notable contributor to such events as Rod Stewart�s World Tour, the Indigo Girls at Atlanta's Chastain Park and the prestigious Walker and Curtis Cup Golf Tournaments. The Band also performs at college football half time shows at Georgia Tech, the University of Alabama, Jacksonville State University and the University of Tennessee. The Band has introduced a CD, which showcases its command of both traditional and contemporary music and has received enthusiastic praise for its high musical and recording quality. Over the years, the Band has established a standard of excellence in competition. The Band's titles have included: US Open Pipe Band Champion (Grade III) Eastern US Pipe Band Champion (Grade III and IV) Midwest Pipe Band Champion (Grade 3 III and Grade IV) Southeast Pipe Band Champion (Grade III and IV) Southern Pipe Band Champion (Grade III) The Band invites experienced pipers and drummers to audition for membership. There are competition units in Grade III, IV and V. For more information, please visit the band�s web site contact the band's President, Jim Thompson, at (770) 394-0334.