Scotia, NY – On July 5, the Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band (SGPB), and its youth component the Capital District Youth Pipe Band (CDYPB) were presented with a $1,000 donation from the American-Irish Legislator’s Society, which will be used to assist the bands with promoting Irish and Scottish pipe and drum music in the Northeast.

New York State Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, (R,C,I,Ref-Ballston), presented the award to Band Director Maureen Connor at Freedom Park on July 5. Assemblywoman Walsh represents the 112th Assembly District.

The American-Irish Legislators Society, founded in 1973, is a bi-partisan organization of members of the New York State Legislature, committed to promoting awareness of Irish culture, ties between Ireland and New York, and fellowship among legislators of Irish descent or with an interest in Ireland or the American-Irish community.

Assemblywoman Walsh said: “On behalf of the American-Irish Legislator’s Society, it is my honor to present this donation to the Scotia-Glenville and Capitol District Youth Pipe Bands. Not only do these ensembles bring the joy of music to countless audiences throughout the region, but they play a major role in keeping the cultural spirit of this art form alive in our community as well. I look forward to seeing the SGPB and CDYPB continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.”

Band Director Maureen Connor said, “I can’t thank the American-Irish Legislator’s Society and Assemblywoman Walsh enough for this generous donation to assist us with promoting the Celtic Arts.

“Piping and drumming is a rewarding musical activity,” Connor said. “There are opportunities for leadership, travel, college scholarships and supplementary income, but most importantly, it can become a life-long adventure. This donation will help us move forward with that adventure.”

The donation will be used to purchase new piping and drumming equipment for the band and to fund a guest instructor for a weekend educational workshop.

For more than 25 years, The SGPB and the CDYPB have produced more than 300 pipers and drummers, performed in numerous concerts, parades, competitions, and have won prizes in the Eastern United States, Canada, and in Scotland, where they won the World Pipe Band Championships in 2012.