History

The Shamrock Club Color Guard originally started as a designated group to carry the Irish and American flags during the Milwaukee St. Patricks Day Parade in 1966.  For sixteen years, Kit Nash led the Color Guard down the parade routes.  Kit announced his retirement after the 1982 parade.

The new Shamrock Club Color Guard made its debut at the 1982 Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade.  In 1983, the unit unveiled a new uniform that included the kilt and a beret.  Over the years, the group has evolved from just a color guard to a full-fledged pipe and drum unit.

In 1988, the unit was one of the few American groups that had the honor to march in the Dublin Millenium St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Other cities that we have appeared in over the years include Savannah, New Orleans, Chicago and New York.  The name of the unit was changed in 1997 to the Shamrock Club Color Guard, Pipes & Drums to reflect our status as a pipe band, as well as a ceremonial honor guard.

In April 2001, longtime director Chuck McLaughlin retired from the unit.  His leadership and vision made us a world class organization.  Jim Dickmann and Rich Pfeiffer both served as directors from 2001 through 2009.  We announced our new director, Rand Harteau, at the start of the 2010 season.  Joining Rand in leading the unit is our pipe major, Dan McCormack.