"The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai'i" began in 1985 as
the
Shamrock Pipe Band, but the Irish name was too limiting,
and it soon came to be known by its present name.
The Band's ranks have expanded through a constant
training program.
There are currently 18 pipers, 4 drummers, an Irish dance team
"Jig This," as well as a number of piping students.
The many innovations have enhanced its reputation, and there
are many calls to perform. The increasing popularity of the
Band has culminated in its extension representing the
Honolulu Police and Fire Departments.
Development of the Honolulu Police Pipe Band
began in April 1988, and the Band, in that image,
made its inaugural performance during National Police Week
in May 1989. One of the special features of the Band
is the symbolic military attire of the members in the
Black Watch tartan kilt. The Band joined together with members
of the Black Watch (42nd Royal Highland Regiment)
during the Regiment's training visit to Hawai'i.
In May 1993, a new dimension was added to the Band
with the Colors and Honor Guard.
This distinctive unit is comprised of Honolulu Police Law
Enforcement Explorers under the advisor-ship of a Honolulu Police sergeant.
They provide a brilliant array of flags representing
the Celtic Nations (Cross of St. Andrew,
Irish Harp, Welsh Griffin, and the Rampant Lion)
as well as the flags of the United States,
State of Hawai'i and Honolulu Police Department.
On August 11, 1993, the Band was honored and commended by
the Council of the City and County of Honolulu for its musical
contribution to the people of Hawai'i. In the past, the Band
and Honor Guard have been awarded First Place at the annual
Kailua Fourth of July Parade, as well as the annual
Kaneohe Christmas Parade. In January 1994,
the Caledonian Society of Hawai'i recognized the remarkable
development of the Band by distinguishing founding Pipe Major Lawrence
A. Coleman as "Scot of the Year". Pipe Major Coleman retired in July 1999
with the distinguished title of
Pipe Major Emeritus.
Coleman continues to perform with the band.
During any given year, Band members, all volunteers, participate
in dozens of performances, including: a host of concerts and performances
with military bands from the services represented in Hawai'i; working with
the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including videotaping at the
Academy of Arts; welcoming
Lady Margaret Thatcher during her visit to the Governor's Mansion,
Washington Place; opening and closing the 1991and 1993
U.S. Air Force Tattoos; annual appearances at Robert Burns' Nights,
Highland Games, U.S. Army 25th Light Infantry Division's military tattoo
(including pipe bands from the Canadian Army),
Christmas and St. Patrick's Day parades; in concert with the
Royal Hawaiian Band; and performances
in honor of various military and veterans' groups.
Band members come from all walks of life and all age levels. Many pipers
and drummers are home grown through the Band's robust
training program.
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