About Maitland Pipes and Drums

City of Maitland Pipes and Drums is part of a long history stretching back to the ancient origins of Scotland, Ireland and all Celtic peoples. Our band was formed in 1947, under then Pipe Major Ron Kiem. Today we are led by Pipe Major Ian Innes, and piping tutor Robbie Cheetham; and our Drum Sergeant Greg Dewar.

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We are a grade 4 band but have not competed for many years (although we would like to again). We are an incorporated organisation; and fully self funded. We enjoy unprecedented support from our local community!

We wear the Clan Maitland tartan, a restricted tartan belonging to the Lords of Lauderdale, the head of Clan Maitland.

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We only offer free tuition to financial members only and are always on the lookout for new people to join us.

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Our repertoire is constantly growing. Including the more recognisable tunes and marches, we also play a variety of the more modern jigs and reels.

Our band is very active. We enjoy representing Maitland and our surrounding areas.

We are available for hire,  we perform at concerts, weddings, funerals, parties, etc.

In Short, Any and All Occasions

Our band teaches drums (snare and tenor), piping and drum majoring, and of course we’re open to people from any cultural background. Practices are held every Friday night at Saint Ethel’s School, Cross Street, South Maitland feel free to stop by.

Who were the Maitlands?

A family of Anglo-Norman origin who came to Scotland after the invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. The family of Maitland came from the village of Les Moitiers d’Allonne, in Normandy (an area of Northern France—with its own very interesting history).  The name of Maitland was originally spelt variably as Mautalent, Matulant or Matalan, and translates as "evil genius".