Massachusetts State Police Pipes and Drums

10/16/2026

Massachusetts State Police Command Staff, Troopers and the MSP Pipes & Drums joined the 43rd annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards Ceremony yesterday at the State House. We've added some behind-the-scenes pictures here as we tuned the pipes just prior to our performance.

The event recognized 18 officers from 5 local police departments for acts of exceptional courage and service. Congratulations to all of the honorees from Boston, Burlington, Everett, Fall River and Holyoke. We are always honored to play for the recipients and their families here.

The award is named in honor of Trooper Hanna, who was fatally shot on February 26, 1983, while conducting a motor vehicle stop in Auburn. We remember and honor his service and sacrifice.

09/29/2026

Looks like we've been just a bit behind on updates here. We have been very busy crafting some new sets in anticipation of marching at the National Law Enforcement Officers memorial week in Washington D.C. next year.

Two of our pipers played a private performance for the opening ceremonies at a County Club Invitational in western Massachusetts. Three straight days of piping and a great time at this amazing facility.

The band also played a warm (and loud) welcome for JET Aviation at Hanscom AFB as they greeted an executive from Scotland to their facility.

We hope everyone was safe during the nor'easter, we'll keep you posted as we prepare to play the annual Hanna Awards at the State House in a few weeks. Thank you for your support as always, and stay safe!

06/25/2026

A few more pictures from our sendoff for the Scotland National Team at Hanscom Air Force Base. Some really great moments captured by base photographer, Tom Leonhardt. 

Wishing the team the best of luck, it's not over yet! Cum ort a' sabaid!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸💙

06/21/2026

What an amazing honor... to play for the Scotland National Team as they departed the Commonwealth was a thrill we will never forget. To see the honor and pride in their faces, and to have one of their players step up to play the bass drum during "Scotland the Brave" is a feeling that is indescribable.

Our musical roots run deep in Scottish tradition. From our uniforms, to our playing style, and our pipe instructor who is from Scotland, we were happy to share this moment with the men and women of the team and wish them safe travels. ALBA GU BRATH!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙🇺🇸

05/25/2026

05/10/2026

On Friday, May 8th, the MSP Pipes and Drums were honored to play at the 37th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial service at the State House.

Fresh in our minds was our brother, Tpr. Kevin Trainor. Taken too soon, and died performing what he was sworn to do three years ago... protecting the public. Tpr. Trainor no doubt saved lives that fateful night, and will always be remembered as a hero.

To all of the families of the fallen, we see you, we salute you, we grieve with you. 💙

05/07/2026

On Tuesday, the MSP Pipes & Drums stood tall as we honored one of our own. Lt. Ed Horton was our original Pipe Major and our loudest and proudest supporter. Even in retirement, we could feel Ed’s spirit encouraging the band.

A couple of weeks ago, Lt. Horton was hospitalized in New Hampshire with serious heart issues. As things worsened, he was transferred by Med Flight to Boston. Unfortunately he was not able to recover. Lt. Edward Horton was called home to God after losing his courageous battle.

The band turned out in full force to pay our respects and honor a longtime member of the MSP P&D family. The band played several tunes graveside then remained through the services. Once his family and friends departed the cemetery, the band stayed for one final goodbye salute.

Rest easy sir. We thank you for your service to our fair Commonwealth as well as being a driving force in the formative years of the band. You were a larger than life personality and we are all better for having known you.