HISTORY OF OUR BAND
The Albuquerque & Four Corners Pipes and Drums was formed by amalgamation of the Albuquerque Pipe and Drums and the Four Corners Pipe Band (Durango, Colorado and area) in 1984. Shortly thereafter, the band was granted the non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) status as a educational/ cultural organization and a non-profit corporation within the State of New Mexico.
Because of the scarcity of pipers and Scottish drummers in the Southwest at the time the band was formed, the two bands joined forces to allow us to compete in the regional Scottish and Irish festivals in the Rocky Mountain region. From our first competition year in 1985, we have participated in the competition arena as a Grade IV pipe band within the Western United States Pipe Band Association. Our success has been excellent in some years and not so excellent on others depending upon the talent within the group. We strive, above all, to produce good music that is enjoyable for both others and ourselves to listen to. The education process is probably our most important product, with pipers and drummers learning their avocation and having a great time doing so.
The band is currently led by Piper Anthony Puckett of Los Alamos, NM, however the AFC corporation has a Board of Directors to provide for the non-musical operation of the band. Our members now reside in Santa Fe and Los Alamos. At one time they came from as far away as Albuquerque, Grants, Durango CO and Mesa Verde, CO. We have band graduates in Colorado, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas and Switzerland and miss them greatly!
The band also joins forces with Scottish Highland dancers when the occasion warrants adding a new dimension to our performances with Highland and Scottish National dances done to pipe music.
Besides performing and competing in local and regional Highland Festivals, the band also performs in parades, theater shows, weddings, parties and St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Information on how to contact our band listed under “Booking our band”
MISSION
Albuquerque & Four Corners pipes and drums bagpipe band is committed to promoting the listening pleasure and ongoing education of bagpipe music to the community.
The band provides both private and ensemble instruction for pipers and drummers. Albuquerque & Four Corners Pipes and Drums is the oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit/tax exempt band operating in the northern NM areas.
BOOKING OUR BAND
Please contact Don Machen at <d.r.machen@ieee.org>, Anthony Puckett <antlegs@puckettworld.com> or any other member of the band.
OUR BAND TARTAN
This tartan was designed in 1975 by J. C. Thompson and James Scarlett. The American Tartan was designed by John C. Cumming in 1975. It has an American copywright number GP121829 and the date of publication was 13 August 1975. It was presented in 1976 to the First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Betty Ford. Mr. J. C. Thompson F.S.T.S., a member of the Saint Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C., initiated the design of the American (St. Andrews) tartan. The design was modified by J. D. Scarlett F.S.T.S. and it too is dated 1975. It was conceived as a tartan for American St. Andrews and Caledonian Societies. The St. Andrews Society of Washington, DC voted to commission a tartan in 1975.
There are two distinct and different tartans both based upon the colours of "Old Glory". The former is the official American tartan.
PRACTICE
Band Practice begins at 6 PM in Los Alamos each Wednesday throughout the year for both pipers and drummers. Practice is held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (BLC) 2390 North Rd, Los Alamos. E-mails will be sent out to let you know if there is a change as to where we are meeting. Students should make separate arrangements for their lessons with their teachers.
