| Among its many performances,
the band led the dignitaries, both local and international,
at the Whitewater World Championship opening ceremonies
at Frostburg State University Stadium in June 1989, performed
for the opening of Interstate 68 in Cumberland, MD, at
Railfest, in 1992, and participated in the Scottish Christmas
Walk in Alexandria, VA, in 1991 and 1992. On September
11, 2002, the band played for the dedication of the Flight
#93 Memorial Chapel in Shanksville, PA. The band regularly
maintains a busy yearly schedule of parades and concerts
throughout the tri-state area. Each year the band plays
a major role in the Autumn Glory celebration held in Garrett
County and Oakland, the county seat. The band also has
served as host band for the McHenry Highland Festival
since its inception in 1988.
The band is directed by Pipe Major Gerald
McGee, who was appointed in 2001 following Fred Thayer’s
retirement. To honor its founder, the band adopted the
Colquhoun tartan as its official kilt pattern. Thayer’s
mother was a descendant of the Colquhoun clan. They are
led in parade by Drum Major Kenny Noland. Paul Browning
currently serves as Pipe Sergeant, Rick Kutchman as Drum
Sergeant, Mary Alice Reesman and Ann Bristow as Pipe Corporals,
Barbara Kutchman as Drum Corporal and Chris McCann as
Quartermaster. Jeanne Sisler serves as Scribe and Archivist
and Barbara Kutchman as Bursar. Julia Aucremanne is the
band’s Guidon (standard bearer) and announces frequently
at the band’s concerts.
The GHP&D eagerly invites both drumming and piping
students. For more information regarding the student program,
please contact P/M Jerry McGee at 301-501-6315. Visitors
are also welcome at the weekly practices, Wednesdays at
7:00 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Route 135 in
Deer Park. Either the entire Band or individual pipers
are available for hire for private occasions.
The Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums are funded in part
by the Garrett County Arts Council and the Maryland State
Arts Council.
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