Zor Pipes and Drums
Have Kilts, Will Travel
A demonstration of what a band of Brethren can accomplish, When they mix Music, Philanthropy, and Heritage
Story of formation
The first organizational meeting took place on 16 September 1966, as a result of an article placed in the Zephyr asking for interested individuals to meet in the basement meeting rooms of the now M&I Bank located at Hilldale Shopping Center. The first person to call 'Jack Cumming'(the founder) was 'James McFarlane', followed closely by 'Don Campbell' (also know as Sarge ). 'Jack Cumming' led the meeting, by demonstrating the Bagpipe, Tenor Drum, and the Snare Drum. He gave a dissertation on each of the instruments and the work that would be necessary to learn to play them.
Those present were then asked to identify the instrument they wished to pursue. Don Campbell (Sarge) was asked to keep notes at the meeting and prepare a roster of those present and the instrument of their choice. An insufficient number of people presented themselves that evening to constitute a respectable Band, so another meeting was scheduled for the following week.
Before the group was dismissed, it was decided that if a band was formed, it should have a set of by-laws to govern the group. Jack Cumming and Don Campbell (Sarge) agreed to meet during the week and have a draft ready for the group to review and adopt. The Band also needed a place to practice, so those present were asked to seek out a location that would cost little or no money and let us know what was available at the next meeting . The reason for this was that we were not recognized as a bonafide Shrine organization, and therefore had no home.
Home and instruments
The next week the group met in the same location as before. More people showed up and expressed an interest in becoming members of the Pipe Band; however, some of the people from the last meeting failed to show up. 'Jack Cumming' conducted this second meeting in the same manner as the previous meeting. It was determined that we had sufficient people to form a Pipe Band. 'Don Puphal' informed us that a heated Storage Shed at the Four Lakes Yacht Club was available to us at no cost. The group then voted in the proposed By-Laws and the Band came into being.
The following week the Band met and were issued practice chanters, practice pads, and practice sticks for the Tenor Drummers. The members had paid for the items the previous week and they were ordered in time, to arrive for the first practice session. 'Jack' assigned 'Ward Pike' as the drum instructor, in that he had previous drumming experience. 'Jack', being an experienced piper, proceeded to teach the Pipe Section. No one learning the pipes had any previous knowledge or experience with piping.
On 5 January 1967, the Band authorized the purchase of instruments and uniforms. 'Jack Cumming', 'Jim Cottrell' and 'Don Campbell' journeyed to Chicago to visit with 'George Hudson' of 'Gaelic Imports, Inc.' to determine what sort of arrangement could be made to supply our Band instruments and uniforms. We were able to convince him that we had the potential of making small, but regular monthly payments and then larger payments after we hit the road as a Band. The deal was struck with the shake of a hand (no paper agreement). The debt was paid off in three years to the satisfaction of both parties.
First performance
The Band had its first mixed party on 4 March 1967 at the Holiday Inn No. 2. Jack Cumming was asked to show up in full dress uniform and play the pipes. This was intended to entertain the ladies and give them a good idea what we would all sound and look like in the future.
As the Band proceeded to learn their instruments, word got out that we were pursuing our training diligently and it appeared as though we might very well perform at the Shrine Ceremonial in December of 1967; however, in order to meet this schedule, the Band agreed to practice twice a week Starting 29 July 1967. It also became apparent that we needed to get outside to practice, for by then we had acquired our drums and pipes. Through 'Bill Jenkins', we received permission to practice in the parking lot of Graybar Electric.
We started to receive new people coming into the Band, so 'Don Campbell' was assigned to teach pipes, so that 'Jack Cumming' could concentrate on the Band proper. The Band members were instructed to present themselves on 12 August 1967 in full dress uniform, for inspection and unit pictures. This took place at the Cherokee High School, on Midvale Boulevard. The primary purpose was to correct any faults in proper dress. Also the occasion provided a photo opportunity for the State Journal Newspaper, as they were going to publish an article on the Band.
The Band's first paid performance came on 30 September 1967 at Sauk City, Wisconsin. The Parade took place at 2:30 P.M. and afterwards we were requested to barnstorm a couple of commercial establishments. Food and refreshments were served to the Band at 'Jim McFarlane's' home after the barnstorming had been completed.
The Band was officially recognized as a Uniformed Unit of Zor Shine on 8 November 1967.
The vote was won by a narrow margin of one vote. The reason for this was prompted by those members of the Divan who were previous members of the Arab Patrol .
When the Band organized, it was formed from a nucleus of nine people who abandoned the Arab Patrol for the Pipe Band.
This act was never forgiven.
First parade
Starting in November 1967, the Band switched location for practice to the Acme Welding Shop, at 521 North Fair Oaks, Madison, Wisconsin. Dick Belshaw (snare drummer) was the owner. The Band utilized these facilities until the Shrine could provide a home at the Masonic Temple. 2 December 1967, the Band was invited to perform at the Shrine Ceremonial to be held in the Auditorium of the Masonic Temple in Madison. The Band also performed at the Potentates Ball that evening. All indoor practice sessions of the Band were conducted at the Masonic Temple from this date.
During our first year and a couple of years following, the band utilized many contrivances to make money to pay off our debt. Raffles were held, lotteries on booze, sale of nick knacks, fines for minor infractions of protocol. Examples of infraction were: If you were late, or missed a practice, you were fined fifty cents. If you forgot to wear your Shrine Pin, you were fined. Everyone paid a dollar each practice for the door prize. These are examples of the frame of mind that we willingly placed ourselves to achieve our goal. The group was completely motivated.
The Charter members of the Band are:
The history of the Band contained a list of the charter members. Some of those had an astrix before their name. They were the nine individuals who left the Arab Patrol to join the Pipe Band.
Special thanks and credit goes to 'Don Campbell' (also known as Sarge ) for providing the history of the band, and how it started.
The future
Our Band 2005 has left a mark on the history of our great state Wisconsin. Many towns and cities in Wisconsin and Illinois are used to our band, so far it has become one of their yearly traditions to have Zor Pipes and Drums among its yearly parades and ceremonies.
As much as many would look at the obstacles that our band went through in the past, yet the Zor Pipes and Drums has risen again, many times, to fill in its place, stronger than before. Due to its nature of Philanthropy and heritage, it is not just an ordinary band. There are no financial gain to join us, and become a member. There are also no fame to gain, as it is NOT what the main stream media is looking for. Finally, there are neither official marketing flagship, nor corporate sponsorship, nor advertising participation campaigns to push for performance.
This means that the band members are connected together with much more ethical bond and freternal love and friendship, that crosses any financial gains.
Under these circumstances, there are many people who would wish to join the band, yet their life schedules and obligations, does not give them the chance. Eventhough, they plan on joining later, and they prepare them selves, and are preparing them selves for the day they respond to the Pipe major military sound to march
No matter what the challanges the future holds for the band, the call of Philanthropy, charity, heritage, and most important, music, will keep this band going and marching.
May the Great Architect of the Universe have his blessing upon you.