Category Archives: Chanter Practices

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2017

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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!

The passing of our Drum Major

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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.