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Bagpipe band adds music to Billings Howl at hospital

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The last few nights, people in Billings have been showing their appreciation for health care workers with howls and cheers.

The Caledonian Pipes and Drums of Billings performed their version of the Billings Howl at Billings Clinic Wednesday night.

The band has not be able to practice because of Montana Gov. Steve Bullock's stay-at-home order.

Part of the band got together near the hospital's healing garden and paid tribute to the hospital workers.

The howl started in Billings earlier this week and has been going on for few weeks nationwide, according the Billings Clinic.

It happens at 8 o'clock each night with howling and cheering for health care workers and those on the front lines.

The Caledonian players added their own special musical touch.

"With everything going in Billings and the new movement of 8 o'clock everybody howling, why not us come over and pay tribute for the doctors and the nurses and the entire staff here and do our own type of howling," said Allan Anderson, band manager. "And so that's what we are here at the Billings Clinic to pay our respects for the entire medical staff throughout the entire state of Montana. And to pay it forward and say thank you. Thank you for everything you're doing for this community. We can't thank you enough for what you've been doing."

"Really nice treat to pay tribute to our healthcare heroes," said Dr. Scott Ellner, Billings Clinic CEO. "Every night at 8:00, as you know, it's been the howl challenge. It's been a nice event for all of our doctors, nurses, the techs working late into the evening. It's a nice thing for our workers who have been really putting service above self and to just spend a few moments thinking about the great work they're doing. They're just absolutely heroes for this time of crisis."

Ellner said the patients at the hospital also had a chance to enjoy the music, with some listening and looking out from their rooms.