The Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums

Members of the Gates, New York Police Department founded the Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums in 1998. Founding members of the Band realized that there was no ceremonial police pipe band in the area to honor public safety and military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In the early years of the Band members had little or no musical experience and learned the pipes and drums with lessons provided by professionals or on there own. The early uniform was that of the police department, kilts came later.

Today the Band has come together as a professional unit and performs at over 100 events each year in Western and Central New York. Our services are offered to all first responders and military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Band has 52 members from the local police, fire, ems and military communities and many dedicated members of the civilian community.

The command staff of the Band includes: Drum Major Sheila Cantres, Pipe Major Glen Johnson, Chief Barnard Fire Department (ret), Pipe Sgt. Sarah Remelt, Pipe Sgt. Matt Rickett, Pittsford NY Fire Department, Pipe Sgt. Lex Sleeman, Rochester Institute of Technology, Drum Sgt. Derek Carstairs, and Band Manager David Rizzo. 

An article written by former Pipe Major, Chief Jim Vanbrederode, Gates, NY Police Department entitled “The Anatomy of a Police Pipe Band was featured in the January 2010, Federal Bureau of Investigation, “Law Enforcement Bulletin”.

Our CD, “Blessed are the Peace Keepers” contains Celtic, military and traditional pipe and drum tunes. Featured are everyone’s favorites “Amazing Grace”, “New York, New York” and the Notre Dame Victory March.

The Band celebrated it's Twenty Fifth anniversary in 2023 and was recognized by the parade committee as the 2023 Grand Marshals, something the organization is very honored and proud of. 

The Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums are honored and privileged to be a part of the 2024 Rochester, NY St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“In Onoraigh Ar Marbh”

“We Honor Our Fallen”