Oldest Bagpipe Band in Hawaiʻi

ABOUT CELTIC PIPES AND DRUMS OF HAWAIʻI

The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi is the oldest existing pipe and drum band in Hawaiʻi. The predecessor of the Band, known as the Shamrock Pipe Band, was formed on April 2, 1985, and changed its name to the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi on January 23, 1988.  The Band was later incorporated as Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi on October 7, 1991.  The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi celebrates their 39th anniversary in 2024.

Willed Body Ceremony in Honolulu
Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi at the Willed Body Ceremony in Honolulu in April of 2019

Band's History

1985: Shamrock Pipe Band

The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi began in 1985 as the Shamrock Pipe Band, but the Irish name was too limiting, and it soon came to be known by its present name.

Shamrock Pipe Band
Shamrock Pipe Band

1988: REPRESENTING HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS

The increasing popularity of the Band has culminated in its extension representing the Honolulu Police and Fire Departments. Development of the Honolulu Police Pipe Band began in April 1988, and the Band, in that image, made its inaugural performance during National Police Week in May 1989. One of the special features of the Band is the symbolic military attire of the members in the Black Watch tartan kilt. The Band joined together with members of the Black Watch (42nd Royal Highland Regiment) during the Regiment's training visit to Hawai'i.

Honolulu Fire Department
Representing Honolulu Fire Department
Representing Honolulu Police Department
Representing Honolulu Police Department

1993: Colors and Honor Guard

In May 1993, a new dimension was added to the Band with the Colors and Honor Guard. This distinctive unit is comprised of Honolulu Police Law Enforcement Explorers under the advisor-ship of a Honolulu Police sergeant. They provide a brilliant array of flags representing the Celtic Nations (Cross of St. Andrew, Irish Harp, Welsh Griffin, and the Rampant Lion) as well as the flags of the United States, State of Hawaiʻi, and Honolulu Police Department.  

On August 11, 1993, the Band was honored and commended by the Council of the City and County of Honolulu for its musical contribution to the people of Hawaiʻi. In the past, the Band and Honor Guard have been awarded First Place at the annual Kailua Fourth of July Parade, as well as the annual Kaneohe Christmas Parade.

CDPH in 1986
Band in 1986
Drums
From 1999

1994: "Scot of the Year"

In January 1994, the Caledonian Society of Hawaiʻi recognized the remarkable development of the Band by distinguishing founding Pipe Major Lawrence A. Coleman as "Scot of the Year". Pipe Major Coleman retired in July 1999 with the distinguished title of Pipe Major Emeritus.

CDPH in 1995
Band in 1995

Honoring Military and Enhancing Community Events

During any given year, Band members, all volunteers, participate in dozens of performances, including: a host of concerts and performances with military bands from the services represented in Hawaiʻi; working with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including videotaping at the Academy of Arts; welcoming Lady Margaret Thatcher during her visit to the Governor's Mansion, Washington Place; opening and closing the 1991 and 1993 U.S. Air Force Tattoos; annual appearances at Robert Burns' Nights, Highland Games, U.S. Army 25th Light Infantry Division's military tattoo (including pipe bands from the Canadian Army), Christmas and St. Patrick's Day parades; in concert with the Royal Hawaiʻian Band; and performances in honor of various military and veterans' groups. Band members come from all walks of life and all age levels. Many pipers and drummers are home grown through the Band's robust training program.

Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii in Pearl Harbor
Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam
Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii at Police Week Memorial Parade
Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi at Police Week Memorial Parade

35+ YEARS OF SERVICE

The Band's ranks have expanded through a constant training program. There are currently 32 pipers and drummers, as well as Irish dancers, a fiddler, and a number of piping students. The many innovations have enhanced its reputation, and there are many calls to perform on all islands.

Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii in 2015
Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi in 2015

Pipe Majors

The Pipe Major is the director of bagpipe music in a Scottish or Irish pipe band, military or civilian.  The Pipe Major marches at the right front of the marching unit and wears a traditional gold trimmed red sash. The Pipe Major is an individual well versed in the history, teaching, playing and maintenance of bagpipes and  music.  The Pipe Major is the musical leader of the band and selects tunes to be performed, musical arrangements and set lists.  The Pipe Major is often assisted by a Pipe Sergeant.  

Larry Coleman

The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi began in April 1985 as the Shamrock Pipe Band under Pipe Major Larry Coleman. In 1988, the band changed the name to the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi with a much expanded Celtic repertoire. Larry has a long history with previous Pipe Bands and Scottish and Celtic organizations in Hawaiʻi, including carrying on the piping legacy of Aggie Wallace.

Larry taught bagpipes to following generations of pipers and developed the band affiliation with the Honolulu Police Department and Honolulu Fire Department and City and County of Honolulu that we continue to maintain today. His leadership and training led the Band for over ten years culminating in his retirement in 1999 as Pipe Major Emeritus. He was recognized as “Scot of the Year” in 1994 by the Caledonian Society.

Larry Coleman, bagpipes
Founding Member Larry Coleman, Pipe Major Emeritus

Jacob Kaio

Piper Jacob Kaio was appointed as Pipe Major following Larry’s retirement in 1999. He was the first Native Hawaiʻian to be so appointed. Jake continued to distinguish himself as a one of Hawaiʻi’s most accomplished Pipers. Like Pipe Major Coleman, Jake fostered continuation of piping passion in Hawaiʻi and Aggie Wallace’s legacy. In 2000, Pipe Major Kaio retired from the band to take on new challenges including the formation of the Hawaiʻian Thistle Pipe Band.

Jacob Kaio
Jacob Kaio - second Pipe Major of Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaiʻi, 1999 - 2000

Dan Quinn

Piper Dan Quinn was appointed Pipe Major in 2000 and stepped down in 2024. In addition to duties as Pipe Major, he continues on as the Band Piping Instructor and has maintained instruction for new pipers and drummers to the present. Dan has been instrumental in keeping Aggie’s piping legacy alive and meaningful. He has led the Band in many significant performances, parades, civil and military events, and fostered relationships with other pipers, pipe bands and Celtic organizations throughout Hawaiʻi and US Mainland.

Dan's continued leadership has been instrumental in achieving the band’s patriotic and community service objectives by conveying the highest regard, enthusiasm and appreciation of Celtic music, art and culture. He truly represents the band motto “Pride in Excellence” through his leadership, music proficiency and personal service to the Band and Hawaiʻi community.

Dan Quinn, Pipe Major
Dan Quinn, Pipe Major Emeritus, 2000-2024

Tina Yap

 Tina Yap was appointed Pipe Major in January 2024.  Tina has been a member of the band for over 30 years and has actively served the band as Pipe Sergeant, Treasurer, and Commitments Officer for many years.  Tina trained under Pipe Major Emeritus Larry Coleman and has been a steadfast assistant to our outgoing PM. Tina has also taken the initiative to learn Scottish Sword dancing and introduce it into the band's performing repertoire.

Tina has always been supportive of all elements of band activities and will be a true leader in both music and band administration. Tina is a solid supporter of civic and community events and we know Tina will continue to actively promote the band's motto, Pride in Excellence.  

Tina Yap, Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii
Tina Yap, Pipe Major 2024-present.

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P.O. Box 30093, Honolulu, HI 96820-0093  •  (808) 537-5400  •  celticpipesanddrums@gmail.com

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