The Ceol Mor Pipe Band chose to represent an era of the mid 1700s, with their portrayal of the 78th Frasers from Great Britain, due to the Fraser's connection with American history and for preservation of this historical era and it's Scottish heritage.
Who Are the 78th Fraser Highlanders?
In 1745, Charles Edward Stuart led a campaign to put the Stuarts back on the British throne. Clan Fraser fought with Stuarts against the British army. Eventually the campaign failed, "Charlie" fled to France for safety and Nobleman Simon Fraser was executed.
Fraser's son, Simon Jr. created the 78th Fraser Highlanders to fight beside the British armies, in an attempt to regain the Royal Crown's approval. Eventually the 78th Frasers accompanied the British armies to North America to fight in the French & Indian war.
When the 78th Frasers were disbanded in 1763, many of them chose to remain in America and raise their families there.
The uniforms of the Ceol Mor Pipe Band are a traditional pipe band uniform. From the brass-buckled shoe, the broadsword with baldrick to the bonnet with black bear fur and *white cockrade, they are a copy of the uniforms worn by the 78th Fraser Highlanders in the 1760's. The tartan (Black Watch) and the jackets are regimental with buff collar and cuffs, and a red waistcoat.
*(The white cockade that is worn on their bonnet was a Jacobite symbol and was not a part of the original British uniform)
During this time period, musicians wore the reverse colors of the soldiers. However, pipers were not considered musicians. The bagpipes were considered a weapon by law in Great Britain because of their ability to instill fear in the enemy and to inspire bravery in their own soldiers. Drummers however, were considered musicians, hence, their reversed jacket colors.
The Ceol Mor Pipe Band is one of only 6 or 7 bands in the world to wear the uniforms of this time period.
The majority of the music that the band plays was written in the 18th century and the "Charlie Set", including Who'll be a King But Charlie, The Sky Boat Song, Over The Water To Charlie & A Hundred Pipers, is played in honor of Simon Fraser.
Ceol Mor's Members
Pipe Major Brent Van Norman
Pipe Sergeant Linda Sandlin
Drum Sergeant Scott Mcleod
Pipe Corporal Stephanie Yanta
Piper Charlene Williams
Piper Megan Mcleod
Piper Alex Rodriguez
Piper Sunny Nixon
Piper Bridget Cletcher
Piper Adam Toering
Piper Kevin Burns
Ceol Mor's Pipe Major, Brent Van Norman is also a primary pipe instructor and offers lessons. If interested, contact him at (219) 772-3436 or send e-mail to Doug Patton of The Regimental Guard
Both Ceol Mor Pipe Band and The All Region Regimental Guard meet at 6:30pm on Wednesdays at American Legion Post 94, in Valparaiso, and on Thursdays at 6:30 PM at American Legion Post 502 in South Haven
