"We are the Music makers, And we are Dreamers
of Dreams, Wandering by lone sea- breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams,

World- losers and world- forsakers, Upon who
the pale moon gleams: Yet we are the movers
and shakers of the world forever it seems.”

–Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy

The "Sword of Light" has played at over 300 events in the last five years. In the 22 years of our existence we have made over 1500 appearances in America and overseas and have traveled and played across the United States. Our appearances include Fireman’s parades, Columbus Day parades, Norwegian Day parades, Purim Festivals, Philippine Independence Day parades and St Patrick’s Day parades. The band has performed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington D.C. Missouri, Pennsylvania and California. Our performances at conventions, Professional Base Ball Games, Retirement parties and tributes to national and international dignitaries reverberate with distinction and professionalism.

We have been invited to the Mayor of New York’s residence, Gracie Mansion, for two command performances and marched up the Canyon of Heroes four times to honor our troops home from Operation Desert Storm, the New York Yankees and Stanley Cup Champion’s the New York Rangers. Along with these prestigious events, we have attended and played at the weddings and funerals of some great friends and supporters. We have been asked to help celebrate a family’s joy as well as provide comfort in a family’s personal loss. We, as an organization, are fortunate to be thought of during these occasions.

The Sword of Light Pipe Band has the experience and training to mark any event and make it special. The accolades and thank you notes, we have received, bear testament to the hard work and dedication of our members. Our Band, driven by a sense of tradition and dedication, draws like-minded men together. Just as our ancestors, we use the medium of music to rally people in song and proudly parade with them down the Main Streets of America.

Historical Background
A group of men who had no training in music founded the band in 1983. John Moquin, Eugene McGrath, George Dillon are the founders of our bagpipe band. Their decision in 1983 to secure teachers and practices halls, where pipes and drums could be taught, is the foundation of our success today. Yes, some of our original members William Cunningham, Jack McNally, Robert Collins, Tom Gallery, Paul Moquin, Rich Doherty, Rich Shea, Kevin McGrath, Colin Smith, Patrick Collins and Patrick Rafferty are the bricks our founders built on. The founders however, supplied the mortar and muscle to establish us as terrific bagpipe band.

"Lead-Follow-or Get Out of the Way" Is the Creed of the Sword of Light Pipe Band. Christopher Dowling, Pipe Major Emeritus- Joseph Baker, Field Marshall Kevin Connolly Instructor and Joseph Beyrer Instructor are the men that lead the instruction of our band. If you like, our band now then you love us in years to come.

Triumph and Adversity
If an organization lasts 22 years, it experiences a lot of history. The attacks of September 11, 2001 were something none of us was prepared for. The Building Trades of New York City lost over fifty members at the World Trade Center. Seventeen of those people were members of our parent organization. We lost friends that were near and dear to us. Our solo vocalist Mary Yolanda Dowling died in the World Trade Center helping to evacuate her co-workers. This loss is still felt by our members.The Sword of Light Pipe Band under the direction of Pipe Major Rich Doherty, Drum Sergeant Gary Quigley and Drum Major James Conway led our band with distinction during a very difficult time. Our members gave their time to provide some comfort to our member’s families by attending any service the family members asked us to attend. The band also assisted to New York City’s Emergency Service Departments and helped them with the task of providing comfort to their members. Please remember the sacrifices of all who the men and women who died that day. They are all American Heroes whether they perished in New York, Washington D.C. or in Pennsylvania. The victims and rescuers on that fateful day were a loss to this great country. They and their families are forever in our thoughts.

Remember September 11, 2001
Remember our 17 Heroes