Wantagh American Pipe Band to Compete at Molloy College Sunday

Since 1992 the Wantagh community has been serenaded by the sound of bagpipes. The Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band has a rich history and is extensively involved in community events and this year the group has decided to showcase their talents by entering competitions.

In August the pipe band took part in the Hunter Mountain's Celtic Festival, where they placed seventh out of 17 bands. Their second competition will take place this Sunday, Sept. 19 at Molloy College as part of the annual Nassau County Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish Feis and Festival.

Although the group is successful now, establishing the pipe band took some time and hard work. Bandmaster and Vietnam veteran, Steve Ruggles, decided during the Summer of 1992 that he would take charge of organizing the musical group.

"The bands do a lot of parades, including the Fourth of July in town and Memorial day and they used to do a couple others," said Ruggles. "There was always trouble hiring a band because other bands were already locked into other groups...I told them that if they wanted a band I would start it but it would have to be bagpipes."

The process of forming this band began by putting an ad in the local paper for musicians and by spreading the word of the forming group. Bagpipe instructor, Jim Ryan began teaching the band hopefuls pipe lessons. After practicing the bagpipes, forming a drum core and purchasing uniforms, the group decided to premiere at Wantagh's Memorial Day parade in 1994 with 15 members.

Since then they have become a staple in local events, lending their musical talents to parades, memorials, weddings and more.

The band is connected with Wantagh American Legion Post #1273 and rehearses at its headqurters on 3484 Park Avenue every Monday and Thursday nights and plays for many of the organization's functions. The band also leads Wantagh's Fourth of July and Memorial Day Parades. The group also holds the distinction of being the first non-military/police band to be take part in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade with the Fighting 69th.

Other accomplishments of Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band include marching during Mardi Gras in New Orleans and in the Veterans Day Parade in Key West. The group also annually pays tribute to one of their own. Lee Fehling, a piper in the band and a New York City firefighter whgo was killed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. His name is on the bass drum and the band plays at various memorials for him every year.

Currently there are approximately 19 pipers and nine drummers, in addition to the Vinnie Mannino, the Drum Major and Chris Murphy, the Pipe Major. Their members are diverse, ranging from ages 16 to early 60s and living throughout Long Island.

"Its good the way it has grown over the years," said Ruggles. It's a tight group."

The Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band offers free lessons from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays at the American Legion Hall on 3484 Park Avenue. For more information about Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band vsit the group's website.