Pipes and Drums of the Erepa Grotto
Erie, Pa
The Band in 1973 with William MacMurtrie as Drum Major
The Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto was established
in 1949 as the Erepa Grotto Kiltie Band with financial
assistances from Past Gand Monarch O. Carlisle Brock the
owner of Sanida Dairy. The early founders were
William "Scotty" Nimmo, David Robertson, and
William MacMurtrie all from Seotland. With this deep root
to the homeland the band has grown and has had much success
in its 49 year history, winning many honors throughout the
United States and Canada The band is a unit of Erepa Grotto
and the majority of the band members are Master Masons.
The Tartan worn by the band is the Prince Charles Edward Stewart,
often called the Bonnie Prince Charlie Tartan and the band is
attired in authentic Highland Military uniform.
Bandmembers doing a 1st Degree for our lead Snare
The band has appeared in Las Vegas, Nevada and took first
prize in national competition of the Supreme Council of the
Grottoes of North America and was the official escort of the
Grand Monarch. They have repeated the same achievement in
Rochester. N.Y., in Boston. and in Ceveland. For the last
five years they hae been me host band for the Edinboro University's
Highland Games competing and performing several times during the day
and evening. On August 31, 1996 the band was honored to be invited
to join the Govemor of Pennsylvania, Tom Ridge, and the Mayor of the
City of Erie. Joyce Savocchio, welcome the Flagship Niagara as it
returned to Erie from its year long east coast tour. In 1995. the
Pipes and Drums were showcased by taking part in tha City of Erie
Bicentennial parade and other events as well as performing for many
veteran groups celebreting the Fiftieth Anniversary of the end of
World War II highlighted by the closing ceremony and military review
at the new Jerry Uht Baseball Park in Erie. This past year the band
performed to sell-out, standing room only audiences for the
First Night Erie. New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Erie.
The band performs annually for police Officers from all over the
world at their Law Enforcement Officers dinner in Girard. Pennsylvania.
Besides participating in parades locally and nationally this much sought
after group performs for many organizations contributing its time
and talants for the furtherance of several charities such as the
Achievement Center in Erie. Dentistry for the Handicapped, and
Cerebral Palsy.
The Band on Parade
Although, none of the original men are in the organization, the
band presently has over 20 playing members and is continuing its proud
heritage under the leadership of Pipe Major Scott Kager,
Drum Major Charles Skopow, Drum Sergeant Robert Youngs,
Pipe Sergeant Larry Zeiser and Pesident Arthur Makynen.
The Band's motto is "DEDICATION"
Pipe Major Scott Kager
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