Category Archives: Band Practices

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2017

Posted on by

The Great Falls Shrine Pipe Band will be participating in the Great Falls St. Patrick’s day parade on Friday , 3/17/2017 at 3:30pm.
The band will be meeting at 2:30pm at the south side of the Civic Center.

The uniform for the day will be spats, diced hose, kilt, horse hair sporran, green (or red for drummers) coat, belt and cross belt, plaid and Glen Garry, for those that have them. For those that don’t have all of the uniform, please wear what you have. It may be cold and windy, so please be prepared!

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Full Band Special Practice March 16, 2017

Posted on by

In preparation for the St. Patrick’s day parade, we will have a full band practice this coming Thursday at 7:00pm. If you can’t make the practice, but can make the parade (it starts at 3:30 on Friday), please let me know as we are a bit short on numbers and are trying to determine if we will have enough to play.

The passing of our Drum Major

Posted on by

Ted Byers passed away peacefully last Monday at Peace Hospice in Great Falls. Ted served as the Band’s Drum Major and Quarter Master for many years, and only gave up leading the band on parade after turning 91. Even after retiring from parading, Ted remained active with other band activities including managing the band’s equipment and uniforms as Quarter Master, and assisting with the Shrine Circus.

Ted spent many years drumming with the Elks competition drum corps, and he brought that knowledge and experience with him when he began playing with the pipeband, first as a bass drummer, and then as the Drum Major. Ted’s height and bearing made for an impressive sight leading the pipeband down Central Avenue, and his attention to detail with uniform and parade drill made for a great first impression as the band marched in parades and at other events. 

Ted’s funeral will be held this coming Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 2:00pm, at the Elks Lodge #214, 500 1st Ave South, Great Falls, with a reception immediately following the service.