About
Mission Statement
The mission of the Jefferson Pipe Band is to sponsor and uphold the traditions of Celtic piping and drumming. The Band’s goal is to preserve and develop the art and appreciation of Celtic piping and drumming by providing musical education and public performances.
History of the Band
1985: The Jefferson Pipe Band started as The Shasta Scots PIpe Band (4 pipers and 2 drummers.) They were a small group of beginner pipers and drummers with little experience. The band performed at parades and graduations in Northern California and quickly became a tradition at the Shasta High School graduation.
1988: The band joined the Northcoast Highlanders from Humboldt County in parades in Shasta, Tehama, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The group performed at Robert Burns Night Suppers in both Eureka and Redding.
Late 1990’s: With some members living in Southern Oregon the band decided to rename itself “The Jefferson Pipe Band” after the mythical “State of Jefferson” that almost happened in 1941.
2003: With increased membership, Jefferson Pipe Band began to enter local competitions. The band has grown and gradually increased in size to become a regional pipe band.
2017: The band travelled to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
2019: the band was the Western United States Pipe Band Association Northern Branch Grade 5 champion and beat the overall WUSPBA Grade 5 pipe band in every head to head competition.
2023: Aggregate Grade 5 Drum Corps champions at the Caledonian Club of San Francisco Games and Gathering..
2023: Jefferson Pipe Band received a special congressional recognition for its dedication to veterans. The band supports our military and veterans, playing at ceremonies from Southern Oregon to Northern California.
Present Day: The band currently has over 35 members and has two competitive bands, in Grade 4 and Grade 5. The band members hail from as far north as Grants Pass, Oregon and as far south as Woodland, California, and the band is headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon.
We are always looking for new members throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Founding Members of the Band
Original members of the band include Rob Jeffs, Bob Elrick, Bob Budesa, Andy Stallman, Dion Williams, Bob Skinner, Becky Saraceno, Bryan Jeffs, Brian York, Bob Vanderhyde, and Kyle Fabian.
About Our Name
Our band name derives from the region from which we originate. Beginning in the 1940’s this region, including the northernost portion of California and southern Oregon, became informally known as the State of Jefferson.
Our Tartan
Our tartan is the Modern Lindsay. Our logo uses the main colors of this tartan; Maroon, Green and Navy Blue.
Current Leadership
Caleb Cox, Music Director and Piping Instructor
Grade 4:
Co-Pipe Majors, Caleb Cox and Gavin Guidotti
Drum Sergeant, Caleb Guidotti
Pipe Sergeant, Becky Saraceno
Pipe Corporal, Carrie Wigham
Pipe Major Emeritus, Rob Jeffs
Drum Sergeant, Caleb Guidotti
Grade 5:
Pipe Major, Bob Skinner
Drum Sergeant, Molly Navarro-Skinner