Piping Live!

The Saffron United Pipe Band is one of the most well-known bands in the eastern United States. Based in Babylon, NY, the Band was formed by a small group of piping enthusiasts from the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Division 2 in 1962, making SUPB one of the oldest pipe bands in the New York Metropolitan Area.
The Band’s first Pipe Major, Matt Close, was very focused on providing an educational atmosphere to cultivate and challenge younger players. Young people, he figured, were the strength of the future. This strategy, which we continue to embrace today, has helped the band excel at every level of competition and performance. As a result, the Band is one of the most consistent winners in the competitive arena.
After Matt’s death in 1984, the Band came under the leadership of Michael Faughnan Jr. Michael continued Matt’s legacy and refined the educational and instructional programs for the Band. Presently, we field Grade 3 and Grade 5 bands, and a non-competitive performance band. We perform as one band in parades and at many events, allowing our novice players to gain valuable experience alongside our seasoned veterans. Over 60 active players proudly wear our National Millennium Tartan.
Michael held the Pipe Major post until 2007, when he handed the reins to our current Pipe Major, Eric Stein. Donal Morrissey Jr. is Pipe Major of the Grade 3 band, and
Maureen Stein is Pipe Major of the Grade 5 band.
We have taken a leadership role in the piping community by exposing the “Best of the Best” to our students and the general public. Through the medium of seminars, recitals and concerts we have enlisted World Champion caliber performers to come to Long Island and work with us. Every February The National Piping Centre from Glasgow, Scotland, runs a one week school in Babylon for pipers and drummers seeking intense instruction from world-class (and world-champion) teachers. And many Saffron players share their skills and knowledge by teaching bands and individuals in the area.
Aside from successfully competing on an active basis on the North American, Canadian, Scottish and Irish circuits, the SUPB has also performed at a number of different venues over the years, including at the white House, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Shea Stadium. We’ve also performed with many professional musicians, including The Clancy Brothers, The Wolfetones, The Chieftains, Cherish the Ladies and Frank Patterson. We have represented the United States at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, and have competed at the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships.