The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Frasers find ‘family’ in Celtic music
“We are family” says the 1979 song by Sister Sledge. Perhaps the Mohawk Valley Frasers Pipe Band can add the tune to the band’s repertoire.
Although many organizations and groups bill themselves as “family,” the Frasers can lay claim to the title on two grounds.
As a successful pipe band, and the Frasers are arguably one of the most successful in the U.S., the members spend much time together. Practice time, parades, concerts, and competitions all help create the bond that band members feel towards each other. Age, gender, occupation, and ethnic background create one of the most diverse organizations one will come across. All that matters, however, is the music. Teacher or electrician, it makes no difference; the appreciation of pipe band music creates a family like atmosphere.
But in the Frasers, the “family” created by the interest in Celtic music is also strengthened by very real family ties. Children, parents, spouses, aunts and uncles all make up the ranks of the band. As Drum Major Jim Engle, whose son is a drummer in the band, jokingly reports, “Sometimes we have to breed our own members!” Sometimes it is even the child who comes into the band first. After driving his or her child to lessons and practice, a number of parents have also joined the band.
Of course, the band can’t always depend on family members to fill the band ranks. It’s time for the band’s annual recruitment drive. Mom and Dad bring your kids; kids bring your parents. You’re all invited to join the “family!”
The Frasers will conduct an Open House on Nov. 5 at St. Paul’s Church, 1807 Bedford St. A program will be held at 3 p.m. to inform interested people about the band and its activities. A demonstration of the various instruments used in a pipe band will follow. Attendees will have the opportunity to try practice instruments and obtain details about lessons. Visit www.mvfpb.com for additional information.
The Mohawk Valley Frasers, founded in 1973, has become the premier pipe band in Central New York. The band draws its members from nearly every community between Rochester and Little Falls. The members come from diverse ethnic backgrounds joined together by their love of Celtic music. Through the years the Frasers have continued to be popular performers at parades, concerts, and Highland Games. The Frasers also play for the Oneida High School graduation every year. Prize winners at the North American, Northeastern, and New England Championships, the Frasers pride themselves on taking the rawest beginner of any age to accomplished musician.