Mr. January is....

We’re just past the halfway point with band profiles, this is exciting!
 
Meet Kyle Dawson, of the newly formed New York Caledonian Club Pipe Band, formerly the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums, formed in 1989.

One month before Kyle’s 40th birthday, he was beginning to feel a bit complacent in life (I think many of us can relate!) and wanted to try something new that would challenge him.  He had always enjoyed the bagpipes, so he decided to look into learning the instrument.  
 
After a quick Google search, he found a pipe band in New Jersey called St. Brendan the Navigator Pipes & Drums. It wasn’t far from where he lived at the time, and the website boasted FREE bagpipe lessons!  He made the phone call, went to practice and was quickly hooked, practicing every chance he could.  In 7 months, he marched in his first parade playing the bagpipes.  In another year and a half, he found himself elected Band Vice President. Talk about a quick study!

Kyle (3rd from left) with Howie Nicholsby and his models from 21st Century Kilts, NY Tartan Day, 2014

 
Kyle still plays with St. B’s and many of them will join the brand new New York Caledonian Club Pipe Band.  
 
The New York Caledonian Club Pipe Band is a non-competition Memorial band.  Participating in all types of charity events held by the New York Caledonian Club, they intend to do parades in the future, but right now their limited membership only allows for a small amount of gigs.  They will use the revenue from calendar sales to acquire new kilts in the gorgeous New York Caledonian Club dress tartan designed by Brian Wilton and for other funding that is needed while forming the new band.
 
The New York Caledonian Club is part of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, where Kyle is also the treasurer.