Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

NEWPORT -- A pipe and drum band that formed just three years ago, with members who had never played a musical instrument, has been invited to march in New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade, considered the oldest and largest in the world.

Newport's Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe and Drum Band will hop on buses early on the morning of the parade, March 17, and arrive in New York City to perform mid-day for throngs of spectators and national TV audiences.

"Being a band that's only three years old, it's a great honor for them to ask us," said Patrick McGrath, a founding member and bagpiper who couldn't play a note or read music when he pulled the band together in early 2006. "We are ready. We feel good."
The band has thrown in an extra weekly practice and has gained confidence after appearing in St. Patrick's parades in Boston and Newport over the past two years, he said. The 40-member band includes 18 bagpipers, 16 drummers and a six-person color guard.

Viewers in Rhode Island should be able to see them on TV if they tune in around 1:30 to an NBC station or the Travel Channel, McGrath said.

Marching alongside the band will be a contingent representing Newport's Dennis E. Collins, Division One, Ancient Order of Hibernians.

 Tags  newport RI

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