Oregon State Defense Force Pipeband

The history of the Oregon State Defense Force Pipeband takes you to the four corners of Oregon, the United States and to points around the world. In 1957 the Albany Scottish Pipeband formed with several of the members being part of the Oregon National Guard Reserve. The band regularly performed at military memorials, parades and other community functions. In 1971 a few members of the Albany Scottish Pipeband left the group and formed the Oregon National Guard Reserve Pipeband which was lead by Colonel George Roe. It was at about that time when the band made the decision to switch to the MacLennan tartan with permission of the Clan MacLennan Association. In 1991 the Oregon National Guard Reserve changed its name to the Oregon State Defense Force. The band followed suit. While playing throughout the state of Oregon the band tries to attend at least one major out of state piping event each year. Some of the highland games we have performed at include: Washington D.C.; Santa Rosa, California; Estes Park, Colorado; Eunemclaw, Washington; Stone Mountain, Georgia; Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada; and the World Pipeband Championships in Scotland. The Band fluctuates in strength anywhere between twelve and twenty pipers and a little less than half that number of drummers. The band also fluctuates between grades 3 and 4. Alec Maich is the Pipe Major, Ron Baker is the Pipe Sergeant, and Mark Jantz is the Drum Sergeant.