COVID-19 did a good job of canceling pipe band events for the 2020 and 2021 season. All the bands of St. Columcille, however, have done their best to stay motivated and keep working in spite of it all. All of that work paid off at the start of September when all three of our competing units (St. Columcille, Sean McGonigal Memorial, and Columcille School) took the competition field for the first time in two years at the Capital District Scottish Games in Altamont, New York. The Grade 4 band Sean McGonigal Memorial placed first in their contest while the Grade 5 Columcille School placed third. St. Columcille placed second in a Grade 2 “open challenge” contest.

The end of September saw our Grade 4 and Grade 3 bands take the field Saturday and Sunday respectively at the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Both bands finished at the top of the field winning their respective contest after a three year gap since last appearing at this event. A great weekend for all our musicians and a great way to get back in action! (Venture over to our Gallery page for photos and videos from these recent events!)

All of our bands will continue to meet and work hard during the fall and winter in preparation (hopefully) of a full 2022 competing calendar.