MCHENRY — Effective following Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drum’s appearance in the Oct. 10 Autumn Glory Grand Feature parade in Oakland, Gerald McGee retired as the band’s second pipe major. He followed the band’s founder and first pipe major, Fred Thayer, who served from 1979 to 2001.

McGee, who began studying with Thayer in the fall of 1998, was invited to have lunch with Thayer in the summer of 2001. “I knew something was on his mind, but I couldn’t guess what,” said McGee. “I really thought we were going to talk piping technique and that he was going to make suggestions regarding my playing. When he told me that he wanted me to take over his position, I was a bit overwhelmed and told him I’d have to give that a lot of thought before accepting.”

McGee consequently accepted and began his term that winter, following Autumn Glory.

During his tenure, McGee has accomplished much with the band. Perhaps one of the most noticeable changes is the band’s adoption of the Colquhoun tartan, worn in honor of their founder, the late Fred Thayer, whose mother descended from the Colquhoun Clan. With matching kilts and uniforms, the band celebrated its 25th anniversary and now proudly makes a stunning appearance.

Musically, the band has expanded its activities. In addition to the usual schedule of parades, private occasions and concerts, the band has included the following performances: the dedication of the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel in Shanksville in 2002; a program entitled “Pipes, Brass and More Pipes” with pipe band, brass ensemble and organ; two programs in conjunction with the Garrett Community Concert Band (previously conducted by McGee, also); a national kayak championship at the Adventure Sports Center International at Wisp; a ‘floating concert’ on pontoon boats on Deep Creek Lake; two programs titled “Pipes and Bells” for the Wonderful Wednesday series in Oakland, with bagpipes and the St. Matthew’s carillon; Robert Burns Suppers at Will o’ the Wisp; and developed a relationship with Fort Ligonier Days in Pennsylvania. With its expanded membership, members now come from West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

When McGee began, the band was affiliated with the Garrett College and known as the Garrett Community College Pipes and Drums, and later the Garrett College Pipes and Drums. The band accepted an invitation for affiliation with the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department in 2007 and has been renamed the Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums.

“The band has been hard-working and has been adaptable to many varying challenges. Through the years I, as well as others, have taught several new students who are now active in the organization. As the band works to select its new leadership, as it will at its annual business meeting in January, I’m certain that their future will be successful and that they will continue to be a source of pride for the Oakland Fire Department and the greater community. It has been my privilege to lead them through this period, transitioning the organization into an even brighter future,” said McGee.

McGee remains the organist and music director for St. John’s and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Churches in Deer Park and Oakland. He will continue playing with the band on a part-time basis, acting as the band’s music consultant, and will be available as a solo piper for private events and functions in the tri-state region.