The New York State Corrections Emerald Society Executive Board assigned Kevin Sheridan the challenge of forming a Pipe and Drum Band sometime in January 2000. The establishing of a Bagpipe Band had always been a dream of Kevin’s, so he eagerly accepted the task. There were many hurdles to overcome, the biggest of which was finding the tremendous amount of money needed to start a band.

Through many fundraisers and sponsorships, the money needed was raised. Next, Kevin had to find instructors. Sergeant Mike Durrick stepped in and convinced his mother-in-law, Stephanie Vanderpool, a bagpiper for many years to teach us. Stephanie arranged for our first practice hall, a room above the Rensselaer Police Station. The Rensselaer Police were extremely gracious and allowed us the use of this hall free of charge. Stephanie also convinced her partner, Jack Cassidy, a retired Albany Police Lieutenant and Piper, to assist her in the instruction.

We were now ready for our first piping class. At the first meeting, on March 21, 2000, sixteen men started. Not one person had ever played any musical instrument prior to this night nor could anyone read music. Stephanie and Jack really had their work cut out for them. On July 15, 2000, the band officially formed its by-laws and was recognized as a chapter by the Emerald Society.

The Pipers were off and running, now we had to get the drummers going. Stephanie again knew a few people that could help. Stephanie arranged instruction for the drummers and like the pipers, none of the drummers had ever played any musical instruments nor could they read music. Sometime in November 2000, the band was able to start using the classrooms and gym at the Training Academy for their practices. This was a tremendous boost to the band.

We could now do our training in class rooms and go over to the gym and practice marching. It also provided encouragement to the band members knowing that we now had the support of the Department. On March 17, 2001 the band marched in its first parade, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The band led a contingent of Department Employees up 5th Ave. to the cheers of thousands. It was a culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication and the band has never looked back since. The band takes great pride in representing the Department of Corrections and its Irish heritage. The Band has played in numerous parades, memorials, charitable events, funerals, and retirements. We look forward to many years to come of representing the fine men and women of the NYS Department of Corrections.