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This week we head back to New Jersey for a short stop in Newark. Here it is the highly anticipated and frequently asked about Newark Firefighters Pipe Band interview with Ray Montalvo.
Band Website: www.newarkfirefighterspipeband.com
Your name and Position?
My Name is Raymond Montalvo and I am the Pipe Major for the Newark fire fighters pipe band.
What do you play?
I play the bag pipes
Can you give us some background on your playing experience?
The Bagpipes is the first instrument I have ever played.I have always worked with Musicians in recording studios and live music.When I came on the job I went to a LODD in Worcester Mass and actually heard the pipes for the first time. When I learned the band was going to be open to all members of the Newark Fire Department, I decide to give it a try.
I read on your site that the band had been in the mind of one of your founders for some time. What finally pushed this band from an idea to a reality?
Don Gilmartin always had the idea of starting a band for Newark, but being active with the Essex County Police and Fire Emeralds Society and active raising his children he would always find himself putting it off. Several years back a volunteer Honor Guard was put together for LODD and Ceremonial events. Don thought this would be a good time to start putting his idea off and start making it happen. After a great response from all members of the department the band was formed. The bad news was the honor guard took a big hit because we all wanted to join the band.
What year was the band established?
The Band was established in December of 2003
You guys are the only all city fire department band in the state correct?
That’s correct
What made you guys want to strictly have a Newark Fire only band?
Well we wanted to be a little different from the other bands in the area and working in the biggest city in the state we decided that would be the way to go.
Correct me if I am wrong but didn't you guys form up from members of another organization?
Yes some members are from the Essex County Police and Fire Emeralds Society and most of them continue to play with them.
Is there an individual or group that you guys can credit for starting the band?
I would have to say Don Gilmartin our Drum Major, Scott Simms and Eddie McNanny our first pies and drum instructors and Pipers Cove our local instrument and uniform supplier.
So do members of Newark Firefighters Pipe Band still play in the other organization?
Yes they do our schedules usually don't conflict
Was there any animosity or hard feeling with starting a band outside of the organization?
No the Emeralds have been very supportive with us. Both bands still work together at several events a year and we always have a great time together.
How many people could already play when Newark Formed?
Only 5 members were experienced when we formed 20 of us were beginners.
How many of the founding members are still in the band?
Everyone is still with the band .
What was the best advice you guys got when you were forming the band and who gave it to you?
John Bradley one of our instructors said "keep it fun as long as you keep enjoying yourself the fun never stops".
Was there interest from people with no playing experience?
When we formed 90% of the band were beginners.
Did you guys offer lessons at the very start? Do you offer lessons now?
Yes and will still do. I think that is why we have had such a great response since the beginning.
Where did you find your instructors?
Scott Simms John Bradley and Eddie McNanny all came from the Emeralds and helped us out to get started. Now we have Matty Glackin and Bob Wade from the Saint Columkill Band. This band has been blessed with the good fortune of having great instructors since its inception. I really want to thank them all for a great job and having patience in teaching us.
How did you guys get the word out that Newark was going to form a pipe band?
We had some posters printed up and posted them in all the firehouses.
Did you guys approach the Chief about starting if so what was the reaction?
The chief was very excited about the band .
How many people where there in the beginning? How many guys do you have now in the band?
We started with 5 experienced members and 20 beginners. This year we have another 8 guys on chanters and pads getting ready to join us on the streets. How many people are in your fire department? The Newark Fire Department has about 600+ members.
From forming up the band until your first performance as a band. how long did that take?
The Band was on the street in march of 05
Tell us about your first performance as a band?
Our first performance was in the Union County Saint Patrick’s Day parade. I think we had about 7 or 8 tunes down as a band. For some reason all I remember is the Marine Corps hymn. We all had a blast.
How where you guys received at your first performance?
Everyone was cheering and applauding so it seems we were doing something right.
Does Newark Fire Department or your local give you any financial support or time off etc?
The Department has been really great giving guys time to go play LODD for other departments and playing for our members retired or active who pass on.
Was there an idea or a goal of what the band was going to become in the future and has that goal been met?
The Band was primarily formed to be a ceremonial band for all the members of the Newark Fire Department whether retired or active.
How many events, memorials, etc are you guys playing a year?
It seems our performance calendar gets bigger and bigger every year.
Do you guys have a favorite local event you like to play?
One of our favorites is the Blaze on the beach. That is a fundraiser for any member in need. It gets bigger and bigger every year and we have a couple of other bands joining us for mass band performance.
Do you guys ever attend any of the larger events?
We haven't done anything like that yet but sounds good for future trips.
Personally what is your favorite event to play?
I personally love playing at the Saint Florian mass at the Sacred Heart Basilica. Always a great mass band performance.
Is there an event you have not yet played but want to?
Would love to take ride to Savannah Georgia heard its great.
What was the craziest event you guys have ever played?
We played the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC our second year out. Let me tell you when we stepped onto 5th Ave the crowd was 10 to 15 deep for 50 blocks, it was so loud we could not hear our Drum Major Calling the tunes. We came up with a tune list and just kept playing in them in order.
Is there another band out there that you guys hang with or like to play with?
We always wind up with a few of the Emeralds and some of the boys and girls from Middlesex County. When we are up in Northern Jersey we hang out with the boys from Bergen County fire.
Does the band provide uniforms, instruments or travel expenses for the members?
The band does provide uniforms for all the members and drums for the drummers. We had a bus donated to us so this year we will be making use of it.
What tartan do you guys wear and why did you guys pick it?
We wear Ramsey Red we thought it was the best choice for a Fire Department band.
How do you think your band differs other fire pipe bands in the country?
I don’t think we differ much. Everyone is still enjoying it.
What is the overall attitude of the band?
The bands attitude is all about having a great time.
What could someone expect from you guys if they wanted to join the band?
Pretty much you get what you put in.
Do you guys hold fundraisers or any other events to help raise money for the band?
Parades are a big part of raising funds, but we also have a few organizations within the department who have contributed to help us get started. We have The Newark Fire Officers Union, The Newark Firefighters Union, The Newark Fire Historical Association, The F/F Mike Delane Fund, The Streets of Fire, The Hispanic Firefighters Association of Newark, The United Civil Servants Association and The Lawrence Webb Foundation are just a few of the organizations throughout the department.
How do you guys have the band setup as far as management of the band?
We Have a Band Manager, Drum Major, Pipe Major, Drum Sergeant, Pipe Sergeant we also have a secretary and a treasurer.
Where and how often do you guys practice together?
We practice every Tuesday night at Rob Lynchs Kilkenny Ale House in Newark NJ. The Owner Rob has been very good to the band since he heard of us he has also been very supportive to the band. He lets us play upstairs in his hall every week. So If you are ever in Newark stop in and tell Rob the Band Sent you.
Do you guys have any big plans for 2008?
It seems the word is getting out about the band so our performance schedule is filling up. Are very own Don Gilmarin has been elected to be the Grand Marshall for the Newark Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
What is the pre gig drink of choice?
We normally save the drinking till after we play. Then we have a good time.
Do you have any band traditions?
Anyone found wearing shorts underneath buys for all.
Anything Else you want to add?
Thanks and hopefully will see some of you out there in future parades or events.
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