For many years, Wantagh American Legion Post #1273 talked of forming some sort of band to lead its members as they marched in parades. In the summer of 1992, Legionnaire Steve Ruggles offered to finally act where others had only talked. Steve spread the word that the Post would be forming a pipe and drum band, and needed volunteers to fill its ranks. He then located a young bagpipe instructor, Jim Ryan, to teach the band's recruits how to play the pipes. In October of 1992, an initial group of eighteen potential students began their chanter instruction. This group soon evolved into a core of six intrepid students who dedicated themselves to learning how to play the pipes. This small group soon expanded as new students joined and in May of 1993 the transition from chanters to bagpipes began.

The band decided that it wanted to debut in Wantagh's Memorial Day parade in 1994. The successful completion of four prerequisite goals was required for their target debut date to be realized. First, the novice pipers would have to invest a great deal of their time in the mastery of their new instruments. Second, a drum core would have to be formed and trained. Third, uniforms would have to be decided upon and purchased. Additionally, funds would have to be raised to pay for the band's new uniforms.

The first goal was achieved through dedicated attendance at weekly practices and participation in many informal ad hoc practices. The pipe corps was aided further with the addition of its first experienced piper, John Puvogel, who became the band's first Pipe Major.

A drum corps was formed under the instruction of NYPD Emerald Society snare drummer Jay Levey. The dedication of the drum corps paralleled that of the pipe corps, resulting in the achievement of the band.

BAND MEMBERS OF THE YEAR:

2010-

2011- Bari Leistner, Drummer

2013 Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band Officers

Pipe Major: Chris Murphy  

Drum Major: Vinnie Mannino 

Pipe Sargeant: John Stone 

Drum Sargeant: Tom Ryan 

Pipe Corporal: Jack Sullivan 

Drum Corporal: Conner Ruggles