The Launceston musician has spent 33 years with the band, starting with them when he was only 14 years old.

On Anzac Day, Dr Ralph performed for the final time during the Launceston service.

He has been the pipe major since 1998 and is only the seventh person to hold the title.

"It has been an honour to serve in the role", he said.

"Including me, there have only been seven people elected to the position of pipe major in the band's 87-year history.

"In 2021, at the start of the band's 88th year, the eighth person will become the band's Pipe Major."

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Dr Ralph has had an illustrious career over his three decades with the highlights including band stage shows, playing at Edinburgh Castle, new outfits and instrument and three overseas tours.

The tours of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Eire changed the band's future and lead the players to the World Pipe Band Championships.

"Competing at 'The Worlds' really broadened the players' horizons and touring through Scotland and Ireland has given the band so many enduring connections with pipe bands in Scotland and Canada," Dr Ralph said.

"We took players from other local bands, so the knowledge density of piping and drumming in Tasmania has really been given a boost."

Separately, Dr Ralph also enjoyed solo highlights such as performing a private show for Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Edward at Balmoral Castle in 2018.

"It was an unbelievable opportunity," he said.

"St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band's first Pipe Major, Bob McKenzie, performed for Her Majesty during the 1954 Royal Tour and my great-grandfather was awarded his MBE personally by Her Majesty the same year.

"So when I had the chance to meet Her Majesty after the performance, it was nice to make a connection there as well."

With a large line of musicians in the family, it was no surprise Dr Ralph took the same career move as many of his family members.

"It's been a massive part of my life," he said.

When it comes to the future of the pipe band, Dr Ralph said all looked bright, with players having international performance experience and a dedicated committee.

"Now is the time to step away and let them go ahead and do it," he said.

"It's a blank canvas and it's theirs to paint now."

The new pipe major David Potter will bring his background in teaching music and leading community bands to the role when he takes over.

"Meanwhile, I have bagpipe students to teach and, with travel options continuing to improve, there are plenty of opportunities here and abroad to keep making and enjoying music," Dr Ralph said.

"You can't be the ghost of pipe major's past."

Dr Ralph is a life member of the band and hopes he will still occasionally be able to perform with them.

"They'll nail the lid down one day and I'll still be a member of the band, and that's what life membership means."

Dr Ralph said it will hit home that he has gone when he sees the band perform for the first time without him.