Again this week we go to Texas and have a look at the Lewisville Fire Department Pipes and Drums. I am noticing a reoccurring theme in Texas and the theme is “Outstanding Support”. Dallas was able to boast of serious monetary support by their Union and their City. Lewisville can rightfully boast of support by their Mayor, City Council, City Managers and last but not least their Fire Chief. In the near future Lewisville will be the host to an outstanding Pipe & Drum and Honor Guard symposium which you can read about below.
Band Website: http://www.lfdpipesanddrums.com
Your Name and Position?
Scott Thompson
Division Chief
Snare Drummer
Original Members
Pipers
Driver / Paramedic Damion Roberts
Field Incident Technician Gary Apple
Firefighter / Paramedic Todd Carruthers
Bass
Firefighter Conrado “Turtle” Martinez
Snares
Driver / Paramedic Chris Lawler
Division Chief Terry McGrath
Division Chief Scott Thompson
How long have you been in the band?
About 3 years
When did the band form?
The band has been together for about 3 years, the pipers took lesson for about 8 months prior.
Was there an event that led to the formation of the band?
We are a very traditional and ceremonial organization. Prior to our formation, the city hired a pipes and drums band for parades. Chief Lasky had the vision for the Lewisville Fire Department to form a band to play at city events.
How long was the idea of a band talked about prior to actually forming the band?
2 years
Did anyone know how to play an instrument when the band formed?
Yes, our Pipe Major Damion Roberts had an extensive background and our drummers had some past experience
You sought out the help from a very experienced piper how did you convince him to become the Instructor for the band?
He lives in Dallas, and with a Fire Chief like ours, anything is possible. We made him an offer and he graciously accepted.
Do you guys also work with a drum instructor?
No. To this point everything we have done has been on our own and by ear. A few of us did use an instructional CD program, Doug Stronach’s Pipe Band Snare Drum Tutor in the very beginning. We actually made up a 4/4 now known in Texas as the “Lewisville Modified”.
How long was it from the forming of the band until you made your first performance as a band?
8 months
Tell us about your first performance as a band?
Our pipers played at our fire department awards banquet in October of 2005.
The band first played together on July 4th, 2006 for our city’s July 4th celebration.
How where you guys received at your first performance?
When the pipers first performed solo at the banquet, it was amazing. We had firefighters send emails to the department describing how it touched them as a Lewisville firefighter. Words can’t describe the pride we all felt. Everyone realized how hard they had worked to get to that point.
What was the best advice you got when starting the band?
Just get out there and do it.
The advice I would give:
You must have leadership and involve people that can sell the concept. You have to be passionate about it. You have to really believe in what the band stands for and what it represents. Other than that, you need to be patient, work hard and look outside for help and advice. Leave the ranks and the egos at the door. Oh and practice a lot…..
Was there another band out there that helped you guys out?
There really were no other organized bands in the area at the time. We listened to FDNY and the Calendonians. One of our Captains did some research, but is no longer involved. I attended FDIC for several years and tried to pick up what I could. The Indy / FDIC band had the most drumming impact.
On your website you thank the Chief, Mayor, City Council and the City Managers in what way did they offer support?
They supported the band 110%. From day one our Chief and the City stepped up and provided the band with everything we needed…..and they went first class all the way. I believe the support we get from the Department and the City makes being a part of the band all that more meaningful. We truly are ambassadors for the City of Lewisville.
How did you approach all of these individuals about the formation of the band?
Actually Chief Lasky approached one of our Captains and Damion because of his musical background.
Chief Lasky and Pipe Major Damion Roberts did all of the leg work. They formulated the plan and sold it. Chief secured the funding and recruited members, Damion purchased everything we needed and developed our SOPs.
Was a Pipe Band a hard sell?
Yes and no. No because of the leadership in the City of Lewisville. Yes because of all of the budget and research needed. For example, A labor attorney had to be involved so that labor laws were addressed and the issue of when an when not overtime will be paid was defined.
How was it accepted throughout the department?
I would like to believe that every member of the department accepts us and are proud of how we represent the Lewisville Fire Department and each and every member of the department.
How many people where there when the band was forming?
7, three pipers, three snares and one bass drummer
How many members do you have in the band now?
The same 7 with about 12 in training. We are adding pipers, snare drummers and tenor drummers
How many students do you have?
12
Are you guys strictly Lewisville firefighters or do you allow others to join the band?
All active Lewisville firefighters.
Do you have any other requirements to join the band?
We have a policy that outlines few requirements like appearance and conduct, but basically it boils down to commitment.
Is the band able to pay for anything such as uniforms, travel, instruments?
The city pays for uniforms and instruments and local travel. Last year the city paid for the band to go to FDIC. All other travel is up to each member or donations that we receive.
Are you allowed off shift for a performance or do you have to take vacation time?
If it is a city sanctioned event or a Line of Duty Death in the North Texas area, the city allows the time off as city business. The rest is up to each member to cover their shifts.
2007 Everyone Goes Home Whistlestop Tour
You wear a Tartan in Honor of a retired member can you tell us how you guys came to that decision?
Captain Butch Flanagan was a highly respected member of this organization and a leader who retired with 33 years of service. Our pipe major chose the Tarton in honor of Captain Flanagan.
Your band seems to be very dedicated to the community as a whole, after looking at the 2008 schedule of parades and appearances. How do you think the citizens of Lewisville view the band?
It is a novelty in this area. They like what we do and they are proud to have one of the first organized pipes and drums bands in North Texas be from Lewisville The Lewisville Fire Department is highly respected within the community. The band represents the community.
Coming up in the near future you guys are hosting the Inaugural Pipes & Drums and Honor Guard Symposium what made you guys want to hold such an event?
I am a member of the HOTFOOLS and each year we host a firefighter Brotherhood Bash during the Texas Firefighter Olympics. In 2006 the event was in Austin and I suggested to Damion our Pipe Major that we invite Pipers and Drummers from around the State to come together for a mass band event on this night. He did the invites and it was a big success. This was the start of our State Pipe and Drum band. Damion had the idea to come together that next summer in Lewisville for s State practice. During this two day event, Chief Lasky asked the group how big they wanted this thing to get. We started planning the Symposium.
This event really represents what the Lewisville Fire Department is all about. The name of the event is Keeping Tradition Alive. Recognizing that many pipers, drummers and honor guard must pay for their uniforms, equipment, etc, Chief Lasky had the vision to host an event for these dedicated individuals, their only cost being their travel and lodging.
Who came up with the idea to hold a symposium?
Our Fire Chief, Rick Lasky
Chief Lasky seems to be highly involved ever talk to him about joining the band?
Not that I know of, but he is certainly welcome.
How long did it take to plan such an event?
About 14 months. Myself and drummer Division Chief Terry McGrath work Mon. thru Fri. so we help out the other band members who are assigned to shift work with the details of this event.
The event is full how many people are registered?
We limited the registration to 255. It will be bigger next year.
What is the furthest someone is traveling to attend?
California to Connecticut and every place in between. Jim Kilpatrick from the U.K.
The guest speakers and performers reads like an all star list how did you guys get so many guest speakers, instructors and performers to attend?
Damion has a great relationship with Don Shannon, Steve Cameron lives in Roundrock, Texas and the Georgetown FD band turned us on to him, Premier is bringing in Kilpatrick from the UK.
Jim Byers our Honor Guard Commander got the Marine Corps and National Honor Guard Academy as well as Wendy Norris to participate. Chief Lasky also has a few connections…..
What are some of the breakout sessions going to include?
There will be instruction for basic and advanced pipe, snare, bass and tenor players. There will be a mass band event on Thurs. night and Fri. afternoon.
How did you pitch this idea to vendors who are going to be there?
Without sounding arrogant, they know the reputation of Chief Lasky and the Lewisville Fire Department and they know we strive to do everything first class. This will be a first for Texas and I believe one of the largest mass bands in the Country with over 90 pipers and 50 drummers. They see the potential.
Can you give us some names of vendors or reps that are going to be there?
American LaFrance
Miller Beer
Elkhart Brass
Premier Drums
Lone Star Percussion
Hilton
Scotland Forever
HOTFOOLS
Sugar Baby’s BBQ
Is this going to be an annual event or a one time symposium?
Annual. Next year we hope to hold the National Honor Guard Academy on Mon, Tue and Wed, the symposium on Thurs and Fri. and a fire muster on Sat.
What do you hope someone takes from this symposium?
A greater appreciation for Pipes and Drums bands. Why they are a necessity and not an option, that they are a morale builder and the “Blue Angels” of the organization. Info, contacts and the tools to start and operate a band, and finally, improved playing skills.
Will anyone from the band be attending or is everyone going to be busy running the event?
We will be attending. Several members of the fire department have stepped up to help out.
Does Lewisville Fire Department Pipes and Drums have a motto?
Not at this time
What is the most gratifying aspect for you of being involved in a Fire Department Pipe and Drums band?
Being able to in some small way, honor the American Fire Service and all of those who have serve past, present and future.
2007 Christmas Parade
Where and how often do you practice as a band?
It varies
Is there another band out there that you guys like to play with or just hang around with?
We will jam with anyone
Is there an audition, evaluation, or minimum repertoire someone must meet in order to perform with the band?
Not really, we want them to demonstrate their commitment and passion more than anything else.
Where do you see the band in five years?
Bigger in numbers, but with the same ideals and commitment that we have today.
Is there a favorite local event you guys like to play?
The Dallas All Sports Association banquet in Dallas, The Texas Firefighter Olympics and anything in Austin.
Is there an event you guys travel to attend?
FDIC and the Chicago Southside Parade. We hope to get to Colorado Springs for the memorial.
Conrado “Turtle” Martinez FDIC Opening Ceremony
Anyone going to FDIC this year?
Myself and piper Gary Apple
Anything else you want to add?
To this point, not one penny of the band’s funding has come from the general fund. It has been fully funded through the donation fund.
Your funded through the "Donation Fund" how does that fund work is it Fire Department donations from your own members or Community/ Business donations or both?
It is a City fund from a variety of sources. The initial money came from the donation account.
