Our band was founded in 1985 with a mission to promote "a finer appreciation of bagpipe music and culture."
The band is named after Edward Galloway, not after the town in Saratoga County, NY. Ed was formerly from Kilbirnie in Ayrshire, Scotland and lived in Glens Falls. He was a piper, Drum Major, and a good friend to the Charter Members of this organization. In his memory, the band was named "Galloway Gaelic Pipes & Drums."
The band meets weekly in Glens Falls for practices and general enjoyment, all in the name of keeping the music of our forefathers alive.
We would like to recognize the following charter members, without whom there wouldn't be a Galloway Gaelic Pipes & Drums.
- Frank Garcia, president 1985 -1996, (Deceased)
- James Palmer, vice president 1985-1996
- Charles H. Dennis (Deceased)
- Robert Schiavoni
- Thomas Gorthy
- C. William McCarthy
- William T. McCarthy
- Thomas Harrington
- Donald Ross
- Robert Cubbins
About the band
The band is a not-for-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c) (3). It is organized like most other not-for-profits: the administration and management of the band is handled by the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
The operational or programmatic part is handled by the Pipe Major. The Pipe Major is generally responsible for the band repertoire (music). The Drum Major works with the Pipe Major and is responsible for the movement of the band on parade and other events.
The overall success of our organization relies on the ability of each and every one of us to work together as a team. Responsibilities of the Staff and Line Officers have been set forth in the Band By-laws.
Our parade season begins in March for St. Patrick’s Day, continues on for Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July, Flag Day, and ends in late October.
In general, we compete at Highland Games in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. You can find information on all those games on our links page.
Galloway Gaelic competes as a Grade 5 pipe band under the set of uniform rules and regulations set down by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association.
As a regional band, we perform at a number of community events -- and are always happy to talk to community groups about our band, our music and playing for you.