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The Pipe Major is the “boss” of the pipe band. The Pipe Major stands in the ranks with the other pipers, occupying the position on the right-hand side of the front rank.
In full dress uniform the Pipe Major wears a distinctive gold-embroider badge of pipes surrounded by a wreath on the right sleeve, and may have other special uniform items as well.
The Pipe Major is always a first class player, and his authority in the band is absolute. The Pipe Major will select repertoire, supervise rehearsals, and set the tempos for parades and competitions. The personality and abilities of the Pipe Major are the biggest factors influencing the success or otherwise, in both the musical and social sense, of a band.
Pipe Major Griff Finch took on the role as first pipe major for the band in 1982. Although not a police officer (he was a bricklayer and chef), Griff was an experienced piper/pipe major with the Medinah Highlanders Pipe Band. Griff was a founding member of our band and the band’s first pipe instructor to tote. He truly was instrumental in getting the band marching in their first parade and even married fellow founding member Melissa Berry. This photo of Griff is the only one that can be found of him in the band uniform…
Pipe Major David Solheim is a founding member of our band and a retired Chicago Police officer. Dave led the band through the years of 1983 - 1986 having to fill the shoes of the first P/M. A job well done was accomplished. Dave’s daughter was married in 2001 and members from the band were proud to have been there for the Solheim family. Thank you for everything you gave to the band Dave - you’re welcome back anytime!!
Pipe Major Ed McCarthy served the band as pipe major from 1986 - 1992. During those 5 years the band made tremendous leaps and bounds in terms of their skill level of playing and cohesiveness as a performing group. In 1992 while the band was boarding a train to perform in New Orleans, McCarthy advised the band that he did his job and they were ready. That was the last time anyone from the band saw P/M McCarthy. He is alive and presumably well.
Pipe Major Don McGrath took over as the Pipe Major from 1992 - 1993. In that short time Donny was given the task by the then band manager, Pat Goodman, to make the band sound the best they could. This goal was achieved and the band proudly honored our fallen through his leadership. Don is presently a Detective with the Chicago Police Department and a Pipe Sergeant in the band. The band celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary under Don’s leadership. McGrath is presently competing in Grade IV with the Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band. Don is pictured with his sons Ryan and Connor McGrath. Thanks for the first opus Don!
Pipe Major Ed Kane took the reigns in 1993 and led the band until 1998. The task of being P/M to a group of spoiled policemen is not and easy one. Eddie is a talented musican who can hear tune and have it in a matter of minutes. His leadership has led the band in many proud moments including the band’s first trip to the Police Memorial in Washington D.C. Ed is an active Chicago Police Detective Sergeant and a band member as a Pipe Sergeant.
Pipe Major Bruce Quintos a.k.a. “the Bruce” donned the sash in 1998. The band has truly reached a pinnacle under his musical direction and instruction. Bruce has brought the Band back to it's Irish roots and added numerous innovative musical sets to the band's repertoire including Freebird and a Celtic Elvis Medley. Bruce was inspirational in the band producing it's first CD and is currently working on the second CD. No other Pipe Major had done what Bruce has musically for the Band. In addition, Bruce has added a vocal/instrumental Celtic Rock Band composed of our own members for major shows. His goal of always Honoring Our Fallen and making the Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Police Department the best show band in the Midwest is being achieved.