In December of 1987, then Hadji Shrine piper Jack Dasinger
met with Molly and McGuire Martin to discuss the possibility
of McGuire’s Irish Pub sponsoring a Scottish-style bagpipe
band to perform under the McGuire’s name. In March 1988,
several local pipers and drummers came together as the
“McGuire’s Irish Pub Pipe Band” to perform in local parades,
non-profi t benefi ts and Pub-sponsored events and the rest is
history.
In order to play with the band, one must be profi cient on
the Great Highland Bagpipes or be able to play snare, tenor
or bass drum in the “Scottish style”. Those wishing to learn
the pipes or drums have the opportunity to take lessons with
a current member or other instructor. Learning to play a
Scottish Highland bagpipe is not easy, and it usually takes
anywhere from 1.5 to 2 years to be profi cient enough to be
accepted into the band. All tunes must be memorized and
played in unison with the other pipers and drummers.
The Band has a dual role, we provide Celtic music for a
variety of local and regional events. Each year the band plays
at 40-55 events including non-profi t awareness walks, holiday
parades and celebrations, and the Panama City Highland
Festival and Games. There is always, of course, the Annual
McGuire’s Irish Pub 5K Prediction Run and St. Patrick’s Day.
2018’s season will mark the 41st anniversary of the run and the
30th time the Band parts the “sea of green” at the start.
The band will continue to grow its role as ambassadors
for the City of Pensacola, the central Gulf Coast, as well as
McGuire’s Irish Pub. As Pipe Major, Michael Vazzana’s goal
is to continue the course strengthening the band’s musicality
and precise military style, while representing Pensacola and
McGuire’s Irish Pub as a nationally recognized Pipe Band.
For additional information and upcoming events please
visit the McGuire’s Pipe Band Facebook Page.
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