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As St. Patrick's Day approaches, St. Michael the Archangel parish in South Glens Falls is alive with the sound of music: specifically, the music of the Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums band, which rents space there to practice.

The band has used several Catholic churches in Glens Falls for practice space in its 28-year history. Many of its roughly two dozen members have been Catholics.

Among other facilities, the group used the former St. Alphonsus building for 10 years and then switched to St. Mary's/St. Alphonsus School. For the past two years, it's called St. Michael's home.

"That's a very vibrant parish in the sense that the building is constantly used," said Patrick Dowd, a band member who attends St. Michael's.

When he secured the space, he promised Rev. Tony Childs, pastor, that he'd perform in church if asked. The group does play for churches on occasion and once played at an event attended by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

Mr. Dowd sees a connection between his faith and being part of the band.

Music "is so important to me and it's so important to who I am that I would certainly consider it to be communication with God [and] part of my spiritual well-being," he said. "I believe that everything I do is prayer to some extent or another."

Bagpipes, in particular, "have a very uplifting kind of tone," he said.

Mr. Dowd and others stressed that the group is family-oriented and "promotes a kind of deep friendship.

"I think for me music is as much about my faith as it is about my family," Mr. Dowd said. Four of his children play for pipe bands; his oldest son's drum lessons drew him into the pipe world. "It is so important for all of us. It had to be the Holy Spirit moving us in that direction."

Galloway Gaelic practices weekly and performs at parades and competitions year-round. It is seeking new members. Contact Michael Miller, president, at [email protected] or see www.gallowaygaelic.org.[[In-content Ad]]

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