From reflective laments to pulse-pounding marches, this performance captures the full spirit of Celtic tradition – honoring the past while thrilling modern audiences.
Featured Performances:
- The iconic anthem Scotland the Brave – a bold celebration of national pride
- The hauntingly beautiful Minstrel Boy and the beloved classic The Rowan Tree
- The epic, cinematic journey of Paddy's Epic Journey – a story told through pipes
- A thunderous and precise Drum Salute that will echo in your chest
- A trio of Highland gems: Within a Mile of Edinburgh Town, Killiecrankie, and the ethereal Gardens of Skye
The St. Anthony’s High School “Celtic Friars” Pipe Band was founded in 2010 with the goal of introducing students to the rich tradition of Scottish piping and drumming. What began as a small group of dedicated musicians would soon grow and evolve into an organized music program and a symbol of pride for the St. Anthony’s High School community.
Today, the Celtic Friars Pipe Band stands as one of the top high school bagpipe ensembles tri-state area of New York Under the direction of Mr. Michael Saxer, with drumming taught by Mr. Rowan Brown and Dr. Eilish O’Reilly, the band has achieved remarkable success, performing at prestigious events, competitions, and school activities. The band currently plays at over 50 events throughout the year, including home football games, homecoming, school concerts, local parades, out-of-state competitions, and many more.
Most recently, the band won 1st place in the High School & College Pipe Band category in the 2024 New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade. Additionally, the band has won 1st place at the 2025 Colonial Highland Games Pipe Band Competition and 1st place at the 2025 Hudson Valley Pipe Band Championships.
Band Director, Michael Saxer has been playing bagpipes for over 14 years since the age of 13. Mr. Saxer earned a bagpipe scholarship to Iona University in 2015, where he performed with and later managed the Iona College Pipe Band (2016–2017). Since 2018, he has competed in solo bagpiping events across North America. Notable achievements include 1st place in Grade 3 Piobaireachd at Winter Storm (2020), 2nd overall in Grade 3 at the North American Championships, and multiple 2024 wins in Grade 2 events, including Winter Storm, the North Eastern American Championships, and the CLSAP World Solo Amateur Competition in Glasgow.
Entrance fee to the Castle applies
