Gary & Larry share a vision of celebrating the Scottish heritage of the Sarasota area and spreading the joys of pipe music.  Their vision has seen the band grow from 7 pipers and 5 drummers to an organization which includes a pipe & drum band, a chorus and Highland dancers. Our active members include over 70 pipers, drummers, guitar players, singers, and dancers from over 7 counties.  We teach piping, Scottish drumming and Highland dancing.  We also have a professional voice trainer for those interested in singing.  The band is promoted by the Celtic Cultural Association of Florida, Inc., a non-profit corporation, tax deductible charitable organization.   We are available to perform at local schools, churches, temples, public events, private institutions and private functions.

The Jacobites Pipe & Drum Band was founded by Gary Reinstrom and Larry Jacobs in September, 2002 when a  pipe band was needed to lead Bradenton’s Patriots Day parade commemorating the events of 9/11/2001.

Gary Reinstrom, Pipe Major and moving force behind the band, has been playing the bagpipes since he was 13 years old. Gary is a professional musician whose career includes playing French horn with the Florida West Coast Symphony and with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra. Gary was the pipe instructor at Riverview High School for many years and continues to give pipe lessons to anyone interested in learning. Gary is dedicated to promoting bagpiping whether teaching or playing. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious!!!

Larry Jacobs is the son of a Glaswegian. He grew up listening to Scottish pipe and folk music –  live performances, recordings, and songs his father would sing.  As a child Larry was told that bagpipe lessons were out of the question because the neighbors would not stand for it.  At age 46 Larry sought out Gary to teach him to play the pipes.  A friendship ensued and when Gary was asked to lead the Patriot’s Day parade on the first anniversary of 9/11/2001 Larry and Gary formed the Jacobites Pipe & Drum Band.

We welcome one and all to call upon us for entertainment or to join us if you have an interest in piping, drumming, singing Scottish folks songs or Highland dance.  Gary can be contacted at (941) 350-0271; Larry at (941) 928-9312 or e-mail us at Jacobitepiper@aol.com.