Perhaps the most illustrious trademark of Iona College, the Iona College Pipe Band has graced the Gaels with their captivating performances the weekend of Oct. 21-22 at Maroon Madness and both rugby games.

The pipe band, led by Brian Sears, introduced both the A team and the B team for Homecoming weekend’s rugby games, inflicting what is undoubtedly a strong dose of intimidation on King’s Point’s rugby team. Many Iona Gaels will say that any important event should have the Iona Pipers giving a dramatic yet beautiful introduction.

Some would argue that the Iona Pipers deserve a homecoming introduction of their own, given their importance to the unique culture of Iona College. Though they may not get their own introduction at homecoming, they certainly have proven themselves over the years through various accomplishments including some of the band’s members bringing home the gold at the 2011 World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland.

The thought that the pipe band is constricted to Iona events is a misconception. In fact, they play a multitude of parades including, of course, St. Patrick’s Day parades. The band has also performed at Cipriani and the Waldorf Astoria.

 “We’re also in preparation for our fall concert ‘At Long Last’ which will be held on Nov. 18,” said senior member Brendan Gomez.

Both students and visitors had great things to say about the Iona Pipers.

“I was never really into the bagpipes before I came here,” said freshman Katie Barreira. “I always thought they were pretty depressing, but they’re sort of growing on me