On Mar. 10, students at Rhame Avenue School were treated to a special pre-St. Patrick’s Day visit from Mr. Joe Beyrer, director of Iona University’s pipe band. Mr. Beyrer, whose wife Gail teaches fourth grade at Rhame, gave students an engaging presentation on the history, traditions and music of bagpipe players – from the tartans of Scottish clans to the nine yards of fabric that make a kilt.

Mr. Beyrer arrived with more than just his instrument. He brought a selection of kilts for students to examine, walking them through the distinctive tartans that identify different Scottish clans. He also showed the class a plain-colored kilt, explaining that this style is Irish rather than Scottish.

Among the facts that likely surprised students: the common phrase “the whole nine yards” traces its origins to kilt-making, as a traditional kilt requires nine yards of fabric to produce. Mr. Beyrer also shared that the word “kilt” itself means “little house.” In earlier times, travelers would toss their kilts up into a tree to use as a makeshift tent for shelter—much like a portable roof overhead. The traditional shawls that accompanied the dress served as blankets.

The presentation was a family endeavor in more ways than one. Mrs. Gail Beyrer, who arranged the visit, is not simply a bystander to her husband’s musical life – she plays in his bagpipe band as well, performing on the swinging drum. She also made history with the band as its first female drum major.

Mr. Beyrer credited his father – also a bagpipe player – as his original inspiration for picking up the instrument. That early passion proved transformative: he went on to earn a full college scholarship for his bagpipe playing. Today he serves as director of the pipe band at Iona University, sharing that same tradition with a new generation of musicians.

The presentation concluded with a moment students won’t soon forget. Mr. Beyrer took to the school’s hallways, bagpipes in full voice, parading through the building as classes from across the school stepped out to listen. It was a fitting send-off – and an early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day that brought a little bit of Scotland and Ireland to Rhame Avenue.