Those who are familiar with the dynamic John Mohr MacKintosh Pipes & Drums know of the band's remarkable reputation for showmanship and competitive spirit. For the last quarter century, John Mohr has continued to perform the timeless music of the pipes and drums throughout the Southeastern United States.

John Mohr's motto, Invictus (L. unconquerable), reflects the spirit of the band's membership. This spirit embraces the time-honored standards and traditions practiced worldwide by other Scottish pipe bands. Members are dedicated to the band, to their music, and to furthering the education and enjoyment of traditional Scottish music and culture.

Wearing the brilliant red Mackintosh tartan, John Mohr proudly bears the name of the eighteenth-century adventurer Captain John Mohr Mackintosh, whose exploits are in the chronicles of early-American colonial history. Mackintosh was a direct descendant of the Clan Chiefs of Scotland and one of the first Scots to pioneer coastal Georgia. While under the command of Georgia-Colony founder General James Edward Oglethorpe, Mackintosh raised and commanded the Highland Independent Company of Foot. This volunteer contingent of Scottish settlers joined with Indians from the Creek and Cherokee Nations, and regulars of the heavily Scottish 42nd Highland Regiment of Foot, to defeat a Spanish invasion force at the Battles of Gully Hole Creek and Bloody Marsh (ca. 1742). These victories effectively ended the long-running Anglo-Spanish struggle over the Southeast American Colonies, securing these colonies for the British Empire.

In later years, Mackintosh's son and nephew served General George Washington during the American Revolution. Later descendants became two Georgia governors: George McIntosh Troup and Thomas Spalding. The Mackintosh line is also associated with Creek Indian Chief William McIntosh, and the late W.E. "Dode" McIntosh, principal chief of the Creek Indian Nation. The latter was an honorary member of the band.

The band crest reflects John Mohr's Georgia heritage. The crest depicts a Creek feather war bonnet that sits on the head of a black panther (Clan Mackintosh). Both are adorned by Cherokee Rose (the State of Georgia).

Competition with other pipe bands is one of John Mohr's foremost activities. A member of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA), John Mohr competes in EUSPBA Grade IV and V pipe band competitions throughout the Southeast. In 1999, John Mohr won three first place trophies in Grade V, and placed in both Open and Quartet competitions. In addition, individual members placed in solo competitions on both pipes and drums. This year, the band will again compete throughout the region.

John Mohr's numerous performance credits include spots on radio and television, parades, ceremonies, and special events for cities, associations, and private interests. In 1996, John Mohr performed at the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games on thirteen consecutive dates. For sixteen years, John Mohr was a featured participant in the Stone Mountain Military Tattoo. Next year, John Mohr will be host band for the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

The band is currently under the musical direction of Ted Parker, pipe major since 1995. The drum corps is under the leadership of J.J. Hayden, the band's drum sergeant since 1994. John Mohr welcomes both beginning and advanced pipers and drummers of all levels, and meets weekly for instruction and practice in the Buckhead-Atlanta area. Lessons are free.

According to Drum Major and Band President Gordon H. Wilson, FSA (Scot), "John Mohr's ongoing objective is to perform the music of the pipes and drums whenever and wherever the occasion demands. In doing so, we honor Celtic heritage and do our part in continuing centuries-long traditions."