The Capitol City Highlanders Pipe Band, formed in 1980, is Austin's oldest active Scottish bagpipe and drumming corps. Dedicated to preserving the art of bagpiping and Scottish style drumming, the band brings further diversity to the music of the Greater Austin area. The band has performed at hundreds of functions through the years, and has played for dignitaries such as Texas Governor Mark White, publisher Malcom Forbes, and Prince Charles on his visit to Texas in 1986. Available for any occasion including weddings, funerals, parties, birthdays, festivals, and parades, the Capitol City Highlanders Pipe Band is also open to beginning and experienced pipers and drummers and offers Scottish piping and drumming instruction. Pipe Major Nick Classen, the band's founder, has led the band to success for almost 30 years and has been a piper himself for over 40 years. The band's other members are as diverse as the people who enjoy listening to them and consist of men and women from age 8 to 60+!