Q. Do I have to be a Firefighter to join?
A. Yes. Any professional firefighter active or retired in good standing in or near Pierce County is eligible. Our goal is to have at least one or more members from each professional agency represented in Pierce County.
Q. Do I have to be a local firefighter to join?
A. The Pierce County Firefighters Pipes & Drums would like to extend our invitation to those firefighter within the South Puget Sound Region to join us. We feel it is far more important to support our brother and sister firefighters than limit them to their geographical area.
Q. What will I be required to purchase to get started?
A. Initially, if you are a piping student you will be required to purchase a practice chanter and a tutor book. The cost for these items is approximately $90.00. If you are a drumming student you will be required to purchase a practice pad and drumsticks at a cost of approximately $60.00. This is, of course, assuming that you do not already have these items.
Q. How much will my lessons cost?
A. $15.00 per session.
Q. When will I know when I'm ready to progress from the practice chanter to the bagpipe?
A. The Pipe Major and instructor will decide when you have progressed to the point where you should consider purchasing your bagpipes. Although it depends on the student, most are ready to make this transition in approximately one year. You will be given ample notice, in order to allow you time to research your options. Once you've purchased your pipes, your student lesson will include instruction on the bagpipe.
Q. What's expected of me?
A. We expect the band to receive a reasonable priority when scheduling your activities. If you are unable to attend a band function please contact your section leader (Pipe/Drum Sergeant), the Pipe Major or any member of the board. Some engagements stipulate the number of players, so it is important that we be able to count on you if you have committed to a performance. Attendance is of importance during your student training as well, since special provisions are made to have an instructor available to you at practice.
Q. I already own a kilt in my clan tartan. Am I allowed to wear it when playing with the band?
A. For reasons of uniformity, the band has selected our official band tartan. Once you have a kilt with the band tartan, you will be required to wear it to all band performances.
Q. Who buys the instruments?
A. Due to hygienic considerations and differences in personal tastes, it will be the responsibility of the individual to purchase their own bagpipes. You should expect an outlay of $1,100 - $1,500 for a set of pipes. More expensive models are available, depending upon the extent of ornamentation you desire, but are not necessary to perform with the band. Drums and harnesses are provided by the band and remain the property of the band.
Q. Does the band compete?
A. No. It is not in keeping with the primary goals of this organization to participate in competition as a group. However, should you wish to compete on an individual basis at some point in time, it will be at your discretion and will be encouraged for the learning experience it provides.
Q. Where are the best sources for bagpiping and drumming equipment and supplies?
A. Contact the bands Quarter Master for our reccomended suppliers.
A. Yes. Any professional firefighter active or retired in good standing in or near Pierce County is eligible. Our goal is to have at least one or more members from each professional agency represented in Pierce County.
Q. Do I have to be a local firefighter to join?
A. The Pierce County Firefighters Pipes & Drums would like to extend our invitation to those firefighter within the South Puget Sound Region to join us. We feel it is far more important to support our brother and sister firefighters than limit them to their geographical area.
Q. What will I be required to purchase to get started?
A. Initially, if you are a piping student you will be required to purchase a practice chanter and a tutor book. The cost for these items is approximately $90.00. If you are a drumming student you will be required to purchase a practice pad and drumsticks at a cost of approximately $60.00. This is, of course, assuming that you do not already have these items.
Q. How much will my lessons cost?
A. $15.00 per session.
Q. When will I know when I'm ready to progress from the practice chanter to the bagpipe?
A. The Pipe Major and instructor will decide when you have progressed to the point where you should consider purchasing your bagpipes. Although it depends on the student, most are ready to make this transition in approximately one year. You will be given ample notice, in order to allow you time to research your options. Once you've purchased your pipes, your student lesson will include instruction on the bagpipe.
Q. What's expected of me?
A. We expect the band to receive a reasonable priority when scheduling your activities. If you are unable to attend a band function please contact your section leader (Pipe/Drum Sergeant), the Pipe Major or any member of the board. Some engagements stipulate the number of players, so it is important that we be able to count on you if you have committed to a performance. Attendance is of importance during your student training as well, since special provisions are made to have an instructor available to you at practice.
Q. I already own a kilt in my clan tartan. Am I allowed to wear it when playing with the band?
A. For reasons of uniformity, the band has selected our official band tartan. Once you have a kilt with the band tartan, you will be required to wear it to all band performances.
Q. Who buys the instruments?
A. Due to hygienic considerations and differences in personal tastes, it will be the responsibility of the individual to purchase their own bagpipes. You should expect an outlay of $1,100 - $1,500 for a set of pipes. More expensive models are available, depending upon the extent of ornamentation you desire, but are not necessary to perform with the band. Drums and harnesses are provided by the band and remain the property of the band.
Q. Does the band compete?
A. No. It is not in keeping with the primary goals of this organization to participate in competition as a group. However, should you wish to compete on an individual basis at some point in time, it will be at your discretion and will be encouraged for the learning experience it provides.
Q. Where are the best sources for bagpiping and drumming equipment and supplies?
A. Contact the bands Quarter Master for our reccomended suppliers.
