pipe band

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pipe band" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a group of musicians playing bagpipes and drums together. For example, "The school's pipe band won first place in last year's competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Events

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

14, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND -- World Pipe Band Championships.

The New York Times - Travel

Bonnie Rideout and the City of Washington Pipe Band.

The New York Times

He also played the bagpipes in the Territorial Army's pipe band.

The Guardian - Music

PECONIC -- Amityville Highland Pipe Band; 2, 3, 4 p.m.; Osprey's Dominion Vineyard, Main Road.

The New York Times

"And you could tell a good pipe band coming down the street.

The New York Times

Soon she would arrive back at Holyroodhouse and be serenaded by the Royal Scots Association pipe band.

The Guardian

His long-term project is to rebrand the bowler hat and pipe band ceremonies seen often as ritualised territorial claims.

The Guardian

At the start, three kilted pipers from the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland offered a prelude: "Meggernie Castle".

The Guardian - Music

The 36 bagpipe players that make up the ScottishPower Pipe Band will perform, as will a Celtic harpist.

The New York Times

The boys -- Patrick on bagpipes and James on snare -- would play in the Fire Department's pipe band at the 9/11 funerals, sometimes two, three a day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Increasingly, as the cold, damp fingers of English winter mornings reached in to tickle my chest, it sounded like a set of samples for some Aphex Twin concept album: the sleeping bag zipper; the plaintive seagull; the howling alleyway; the Peruvian pan-pipe band sound-check; the sliding tarpaulins; the basketball court jostling; the cellar door.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "pipe band", consider specifying its affiliation (e.g., school, military, community) or its performance context (e.g., parade, concert, competition) for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "pipe bands" are exclusively Scottish; while rooted in Scottish tradition, they exist worldwide and can represent various cultural affiliations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pipe band" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, identifying a particular type of musical ensemble. Ludwig examples show it used as a subject or object in sentences, describing the group and its activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Music

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Arts

6%

Travel

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pipe band" refers to a musical ensemble featuring bagpipes and drums. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing in contexts like news reports, event listings, and cultural descriptions. While rooted in Scottish tradition, "pipe bands" are now found worldwide. Related terms include "bagpipe ensemble" and "Scottish pipe band". When using "pipe band", consider specifying affiliations or contexts for added clarity, and avoid assuming exclusivity to Scottish culture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bagpipe ensemble

Replaces "band" with a more specific synonym, focusing on the instrument.

bagpipe group

Uses a more generic term for "band", slightly altering the formality.

Scottish pipe band

Adds the adjective "Scottish" specifying the origin of the group.

Highland pipe band

Specifies the Highland tradition of pipe bands.

bagpipe and drum corps

Highlights both the bagpipes and drums, using a more formal term.

military pipe band

Indicates an affiliation with a military organization.

marching pipe band

Emphasizes the marching aspect of the musical group.

traditional Scottish band

Broadens the scope to include other traditional Scottish music.

Celtic musical group

Expands the geographic origin including any Celtic music.

folk music ensemble

Uses a more general term describing the type of music.

FAQs

How to use "pipe band" in a sentence?

You can use "pipe band" in sentences like: "The local "pipe band" will perform at the town parade.", "She plays the bagpipes in the school's "pipe band".", or "The sound of the "pipe band" filled the stadium with energy."

What is another way to refer to a "pipe band"?

Alternatives include "bagpipe ensemble", "bagpipe group", or "Scottish pipe band", depending on the specific context and desired level of detail.

What distinguishes a "pipe band" from other musical groups?

A "pipe band" specifically features bagpipes and drums, typically in a Scottish or Celtic musical tradition, whereas other musical groups may include a wider range of instruments and musical styles.

Are all "pipe bands" Scottish?

While "pipe bands" originated in Scotland, they are now found globally and are not exclusively Scottish. Many represent other cultural affiliations and traditions.