Saffron United Pipe Band

03/29/2026

03/29/2026

Interested in learning the bagpipes or highland drumming?

Sundays with Saffron is a free instructional program thats offers structured weekly lessons in pipes, snare, bass, and tenor drums. The lessons are taught by the senior players of our band, providing top notch instruction, no matter the level.

No prior experience is required. All are welcome.

Message us to learn more or to get started🍀

03/25/2026

🍀Marching In Our Hometown Parade🍀

We had the privilege of leading off the Babylon Parade this past Sunday. Here are some photos from that day!

Saffron Abú🍀

📷: Eigram Margie

☘️ #

03/16/2026

We had an amazing time at this weekend's parades. The always amazing Bay Shore Parade, and for the first time, Wantagh Parade!

We can't wait for tomorrow's parade in NYC. Make sure to watch us march on NBC!

03/09/2026

Photos from this past weekend!

1) Kings Park
2) Huntington

Cant wait to see everyone at our remaining parades!🍀

02/21/2026

Our 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Schedule is here! ☘️

We’re excited to be back at some of our returning favorites — such as the always incredible New York City Parade — and we’re proud to be stepping off for the first time ever at the Wantagh Parade!

We’ll be closing out the season the best way we know how… at our hometown parade right here in Babylon.

Which one will you be attending? Let us know in the comments!

Saffron Abú🍀

☘️

12/09/2025

On November 22nd, the band held its annual Piper’s Ball that truly marked a new era in our illustrious history. With new leadership guiding the way, the night was filled with excitement, pride, and a fresh vision for the future.

While we look forward to what’s ahead, we also took time to honor our past by presenting former Pipe Major, Bob Farrell, with a plaque recognizing his years of dedication, leadership, and service to the band. His impact will always be part of our story.

And of course, the music spoke for itself. The band sounded absolutely incredible, showcasing the talent, passion, and hard work that define who we are.

Here’s to the past that shaped us, and the future we’re now building.

Saffron Abú🍀

📷: Eigram Margie

11/22/2025

Say hello to Eric Meichsner, a talented snare drummer of Saffron United Pipe Band and our newly reelected Drum Sergeant. He is no stranger to the position, having first been elected in 2022 and serving with distinction since then. Eric has been playing the snare for 7 years and has been a valued member of Saffron United since 2018, contributing his skill, leadership, and steady presence to the percussion section.

Outside of the band, Eric recently earned his Associate’s Degree in Science (2025), demonstrating his dedication both in and out of the musical world.

When asked what he enjoys most about being a member of Saffron United, Eric shared:
“I enjoy the people I play with. It's also a nice escape from the rest of the world, ya know. Everyone here is for the music, the jokes, and the laughs. A lot of good camaraderie.”

We are proud to have Eric as a part of Saffron United, where his leadership, musicianship, and camaraderie help make our band stronger every day.

Saffron Abú.🍀

11/22/2025

Introducing Nicholas Minguillon, a dedicated piper of Saffron United Pipe Band and our newly appointed Pipe Sergeant. Nicholas has been playing the bagpipes for 8 years, beginning his journey under the guidance of the late Cormac Gerrity, a former member of Saffron United. He officially joined in 2018, but due to obligations with the St. Anthony’s Celtic Friars, where he served as Pipe Major (2022–2023), he was only able to fully commit to Saffron in 2023. Even during that time, he made it a priority to practice with Saffron every Thursday, balancing both commitments.

Outside of the band, Nicholas has achieved remarkable accomplishments. He is a martial arts instructor and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Fun fact: Over the past year, he has played the bagpipes, snare drum, and bass drum at various events with Saffron, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

When asked what he enjoys most about being a member of Saffron United, Nicholas shared:
“What I enjoy seeing the most is the passion that fuels the members of our band to achieve amazing things. I experienced this first-hand during our 2024 competition season. While it was a hectic summer for us, which required countless hours of playing the same set of tunes over and over again, that monotony did not lessen our desire to be great; it only strengthened it. And within that strength, we became closer, not only making it a band, but a family. That feeling of accomplishment after starting from the bottom with everybody, and turning that ‘bottom’ into the foundation of what the band is today, is everlasting. That feeling is the epitome of what it means to be a member of Saffron United.”

We are proud to have Nicholas as a part of Saffron United, where his dedication, leadership, and musical versatility continue to inspire everyone around him.

Saffron Abú.🍀

11/22/2025

Say hello to Mike Scalia, a dedicated piper of Saffron United Pipe Band and our newly elected Pipe Major. Mike has been playing the bagpipes for 11 years, beginning his musical journey in high school with the St. Anthony’s Celtic Friars under the direction of Col. Frank X. Riggio. He first joined Saffron United in 2015, later took a brief hiatus, and made a much-anticipated return in 2024. Since rejoining, Mike has brought renewed focus, commitment, and leadership to the band.

Outside of SUPB, Mike has pursued a range of personal achievements. After college, he became a self-taught Olympic Weightlifter, developing exceptional strength through disciplined training with nothing more than a barbell in his garage. As a fun early-life detail, Mike learned to drive a boat before he ever learned to drive a car.

When asked what he values most about being a member of Saffron United, Mike shared:
“What I enjoy most about Saffron is the people. As Stuart Liddell said after Worlds, some days it truly feels like the pipes are fighting back. A band adds its own layer of challenge to an already demanding instrument. But the discipline, frustration, and breakthroughs are what shape the journey. When everything aligns, the music becomes unbelievably moving — and in those moments, you realize the real joy comes from the wonderful people sharing the journey with you.”

We congratulate Mike on his new role as Pipe Major and are deeply grateful for the passion, steadiness, and musicianship he brings to Saffron United. Here’s to the journey ahead.

Saffron Abú.

11/21/2025

Congratulations to AOH Division 2’s very own Patti Love on being named the 2026 Babylon Village St Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshall ☘️

A former Saffron Kilts tenor drummer and leader for many years of the Mise Erie Irish Dancers, (https://www.miseeireirishdancers.com) Patti completely embodies what Irish culture is all about as she’s passed it on to many students over those years. She continues to be a very supportive friend to our band too…

Congratulations again for the well deserved honor Patti !

11/13/2025

Today is the last day to buy tickets to the Ball.

Scan the QR code to go right to the Zeffy website to purchase. Couldn’t be any easier..

Looking forward to another great night of fun, food music and fellowship ☘️