The Syria Shrine Band is a Unit of the Syria Temple in Cheswick, PA. The Syria Temple, 122 years old on May 19, 1999, is part of the Shrine of North America. There are 191 Shrine Temples throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama. The shrine is a fraternal organization whose philanthropic activities are directed toward the Shriners Hospitals for Children. There are 22 hospitals that include 19 orthopedic hospitals and 3 burn institutes. All care is provided to children up to their 18th birthday without charge. All the money used to operate these hospitals comes from gifts, bequests, income from the endowment fund, hospital fundraising events and the annual hospital assessment paid by every Shriner.

The Band has a heritage that goes back over 100 years and consists of over 60 musicians from the Pittsburgh areas. It was the first All-Shriner Band in North America. The Band is active all year round and competes with other Shrine Bands in the Mid Atlantic Shrine Association. The Syria Shrine Band has received superior and excellent ratings over the past several years. It has performed in many concerts and parades throughout the Pittsburgh area as well as in New Jersey and Virginia. Their performances have been acclaimed by many as one of the most enjoyable concerts ever attended. One of the Band's main activities is their annual concert with the Syria Chanters and Highlanders to be held on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at 3pm at the Syria Shrine in Cheswick, PA. All the proceeds from this concert will be given to the Shriners Hospitals for Children which are supported from funds received entirely from within the Shrine organization. The Band's repertoire includes music from the classics, pops and familiar marches.

For further information please contact:

J. William Roberts, Secretary

724-746-6906
email: wroberts53@comcast.net