Mark your calendar: Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m., the Garrett Highlands Pipes & Drums will play a public concert at the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department Firehall (31 S. 3rd St.). Bring a lawn chair, settle in, and you’ll be perfectly placed to watch the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade at 1:00 p.m. from the same spot.
The band started in 1979 as the Garrett Highlanders, founded by the Hon. Fred A. Thayer, Charles P. “Chip” Evans, and Rev. John Grant. After early instruction at Garrett Community College, the group played its first public show in July 1980 and later became an affiliate of the college. Today, under the sponsorship of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, the band performs as Garrett Highlands Pipes & Drums (GHPD) with 8 pipers and 5 drummers. Pipe Major leadership over the years: Fred A. Thayer (1979–2001), Gerald McGee (2001–2008/09), and Paul Browning (2009–present).
You’ve likely seen — and heard — the band at some big moments: opening ceremonies for the 1989 Whitewater World Championships at Frostburg State, the I-68 opening in Cumberland, Railfest (1992), the Scottish Christmas Walk in Alexandria (1991–92), and the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel dedication in Shanksville on September 11, 2002. Closer to home, they play Memorial Day at Oakland Cemetery, participate in Veterans Day observances, provide processionals for Garrett College Commencement, and pop up for St. Patrick’s Day at Mountain State Brewing. During Autumn Glory, they’re a fixture—hosting six regional bands for a 60-plus pipes-and-drums throwdown in the 2017 Grand Feature Parade—and they’ve long served as host band for the McHenry Highland Festival (now the Garrett County Celtic Festival). Festival appearances have also included Bridgeport, Ligonier, and the West Virginia Celtic Festival.
Thinking about learning pipes or drums? The band is recruiting now and offer free lessons Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at the OVFD firehall. Questions or ready to join? Email Alma Glotfelty at kygal65@yahoo.com, visit garrettpipes.com, or find Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums on Facebook.
Concert Details:
- When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 11:00 a.m.
- Where: OVFD Firehall, 31 S. 3rd St., Oakland
- Parade viewing: Same location at 1:00 p.m.—bring chairs.
I’ve been aware of the band longer than I can remember. My grandfather was one of the founders and I have many memories of listening to him play bagpipes, and watching the band perform growing up. I play the tenor drum in the band, learning to play drums in fourth grade. I played throughout high school and college in marching and concert band. I’m also an aspiring bagpipe player and the band offers the opportunity to learn how to play even though I never have before. They’ve also provided me with a wonderful group of people that I am happy to call friends. I love bagpipe music and the band is full of many talented people, I enjoy all of the festivals and events that we attend that I otherwise would not, and I’m grateful for all of the connections I’ve made with all the other members.
–Frederick Thayer (grandson) joined the band in 2023
I joined the band in 2010 after retiring from teaching at FSU and was taught piping by my colleague Annie Bristow along with her husband Kenny Braitman. My father always wanted to learn but instead played bagpipe music for us kids (along with oatmeal) on Saturday mornings. I have since played at 2 of his brother’s funerals. Paul Browning, having joined the band age 14, is our outstanding and dedicated Pipe Major. It is a pleasure to be coached by him. I love the music and opportunity to play with our band members in parades at festivals and Autumn Glory, concerts, and for families who have lost a loved one.
-Marci McClive
Pearle and Dave Howell recently joined the band. Pearle says “my ethnic Canadian heritage involved my Scottish maiden name of MacBeth and watching male bagpipers at local festivals. I like the challenge of being a female bagpiper playing an instrument historically only played by muscular men.” Her husband Dave “Pearle always wanted to play pipes. I tagged along to the first lessons. I was impressed with the sincerity and commitment of Pipe Major Paul Browning to teaching. I did not want to waste the opportunity. Still learning.”
Written by Marci McClive