WHO WE ARE
The Utah Pipe Band is a group of musicians throughout Utah who celebrate Scottish heritage by playing the great Highland bagpipes and drums. The band is based in Salt Lake City and proudly represents Utah as we perform and compete both in and beyond the state. Founded in 1937 by Scottish immigrants, The UPB is the longest-continuously organized pipe band in the Western United States.
WHAT WE DO
The Utah Pipe Band currently has three competition bands: a juvenile band (for those 18 years old and younger) and two adult bands, divided by skill level. Each helps our musicians sharpen their abilities and put them to the test at competitions, which typically take place at Scottish festivals and Highland games. Pipers, drummers, drum majors, and dancers can also participate in solo competitions to receive personalized feedback from experienced judges.
Our motto, "Act well thy part," reflects our belief that the individual talents and accomplishments of our members strengthen the band and contribute to our success.
Our bands perform together throughout the year for community events, holidays, memorial services, and special occasions. We consider our performances at these events to be of the greatest importance and are honored to share our talents with our neighbors.
 The UPB in Springdale, Utah in 2025. |  As of 2024, the Utah Pipe Band proudly wears the Spirit of Utah tartan. |  UPB tenor drummers prepare for a performance in Salt Lake City. |
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 Highland dancers from the Utah Pipe Band perform in Taylorsville, Utah. |  Members of the Utah Pipe Band pose for the camera in 1937. |
OUR TARTAN
The Utah Pipe Band proudly wears the Spirit of Utah Tartan on our kilts. A tartan is a design made of two or more colors that form a pattern by intersecting each other horizontally and vertically. In the Scottish tradition, tartans can be used to represent and identify members of certain family groups (or "clans"), nations, organizations and other groups.
The colors of the Spirit of Utah tartan are inspired by the flag of Utah — white for the snowcapped mountains that have long cradled the area's tribal nations; red for the red-rock canyons in the south; dark blue for the skies and lakes; and gold for the bee skep or "beehive," Utah's state emblem. Light blue represents the state's Scottish ancestry (inspired by the flag of Scotland) and is also a nod to the blue found in the Ancient Barclay Hunting tartan, Robert S. Barclay being one of The UPB's founders.
Though designed by The UPB and adopted as the band's tartan in 2024, the Spirit of Utah tartan is meant for anyone to wear, whether they're representing our state or simply love the look of the design.
With sincere gratitude, The Utah Pipe Band
recognizes the generous support of
