Macalester College Pipe Band was founded in 1948 at Macalester College in St Paul, Minnesota, after journalism professor Ivan Burg suggested the idea of a pipe band to one of his classes. The band went on to become a central part of Macalester’s Scottish identity and is often described as Minnesota’s oldest pipe band.

The band is made up of students, faculty, alumni and community members, giving it a wider role than a normal college ensemble. It performs at campus events, concerts, civic occasions and Highland games, and has appeared for notable visitors including Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale and Madeleine Albright.

In recent years, Macalester has remained active competitively. In 2024, its Grade 3 band travelled to Scotland for the European and World Pipe Band Championships, placing 6th at the European Championships, a major milestone for the band and for the Midwest pipe band scene.