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BAND WEBSITE: www.dcfdpipesanddrums.org
Your name and Position?
Peter Elliott, Band Manager
What do you play?
Pipes
How long have you been playing?
6 years
What year did the Emerald Society Form?
November of 1979.
What year did the Pipe Band form?
Attempts in the late 1980s and 1990s were unsuccessful. In February 2002, approximately 40 DC firefighters turned out for the first band practice.
What was the reason for forming the Pipe band?
It was the tragic events around September 11 that would serve as a catalyst for this most recent and successful attempt. Members watched the sincere devotion of the musician-firefighters of the New York City Fire Department Pipes & Drums as they served at 343 funerals to honor their own, including Durell “Bronko” Pearsall, a drummer in their band, and Father Mychal Judge, the band’s Chaplin. The call was heard again, and this time it was answered.
There were several attempts to form a band prior to 2002 why did those attempts fail? The challenges of putting together a Pipe and Drum band is incredible. I think we could find many start and fail bands in the past. September 11th was not only a turning point in our Country but to the Members of Washington DC Fire Department.
Why do you think the band took off in 2002, how was it different than the previous attempts?
I feel the dedication was the same in 80’s, 90’s. In 2002 the information for piping and drumming is much more available to help kick off a band.
How many charter members are still in the band?
Only a handful have left, mostly due to time commitment with their families. We still consider them part of family and welcome them back at any time.
How many members are in the pipe and drum band?
42 active, 20 new students for 2008 and we have 2 life members
I know you are in the Emerald Society but how does that work are you a separate entity or are you one in the same?
The Emerald Society is our foundation, we share membership to both. You must be a member of the Emerald Society before joining the band. The band has different leadership due the complexity of a Pipe and Drum Band. We do have several band members that share a leadership role in both.
How many people where there when the band started in 2002?
40 members both active or retired members
Is the band strictly DC fire fighters?
Yes, active or retired only. We model the band as a service band.
Are there any other stipulations or requirements to being in the band?
New members must be off fire department probation (approx. 1yr on the job) and must be a member of the Emerald Society.
How many events, memorials, etc are you guys playing a year?
With out giving a number, it is many, very many. I would break it down into months and we play each month, many times. This could easily turn into a full time job.
Are there any special Fire Department events you guys play at?
In the past, we were honored to play at the Annual US Fallen Firefighters Memorial Family dinner held in Washington each year. This has moved up to Emmitsburg, MD and its role has changed to a degree. We play at Maryland Firefighters convention held in Ocean City, MD. Congressional Fire Caucus held in Washington DC, the list continues to grow!
What was the first event you guys played as a band?
2003 Belmar, Delaware Parade. It rained terribly that day and not to disappoint the Parade Committee we played for an Audience inside the firehouse. It was very nice and appreciated.
You guys played that one wearing the fire department dress uniform, why?
Partly, the kilts had not arrived in time and we wore our band sweater with dress uniform pants.
DCFD Emerald Society at the 2003 Belmar Parade
 
Can you tell us about the fire department patch you guys wear?
On the left shoulder, the band wears the previous DCFD uniform patch that had been retired by the Department. This older patch is worn by the band as a sign of tradition in the fire service and in respect to the many who served wearing this emblem.
DCFD Emerald Society Left Shoulder Patch
Can you give the history of the Pipe Band patch you also wear?
On the right shoulder, the band wears our own custom patch in the shape of a Maltese cross, the symbol of firemen, with an American flag and shamrock encircled by a Celtic belt, a symbol of family.
DCFD Emerald Society Right Shoulder Patch
What is the significance of the gold cap badge you guys wear?
The gold metallic badge worn on the band glengarries and sporrans is cast from the traditional service badge given to DC firefighters with the addition of the words “Emerald Society” for our patron organization. The original F.D.D.C. dress uniform button is affixed in the center where the firefighter’s individual badge number was once set. P/M Henry Welsh designed both the band patch and badge with contributions from artist-snare drummer-F/F Technician Joe Baka (Engine 11).
Is there a must play event every year for your band? The one that everyone loves to go to or play?
Savannah, GA St. Patrick’s Day Parade – We’ve been 3 times now, going every other year. The people in Georgia are great. The parade is long but well worth it, it’s packed with people. The after parade is nothing like anything else. We have notice a lot more bands are coming, we guess the word is out on this gig.
Ocean City Maryland, for the Maryland Firefighters Convention. It’s a fun crowd and a honor to open up their ceremonies. We have a DCFD day at one of the local “watering hole” and many make the pilgrimage from the City to have fun that day.
DCFD Emerald Society at Savannah Parade DCFD Day, Ocean City Maryland
 
How did you guys come to have a close relationship with the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums?
Through our Emerald Society. Before the band was formed, many of our Fire Department Members (some in the band) made a trip over the pond to march in their St. Patrick’s parade. It was a blast for those who went and created a relationship with a group of outstanding people, Dublin Fire Brigade and their families.
Is there an event you guys have yet to play but want to?
If there was an event to honor our Military, that would be it hands down.
You guys are one of the more established bands in the United States is there anything more you guys where you want to be or are there things you guys want to accomplish?
Right now our goal is continue to build the bands foundation so it may live on for many years. Our Fire Department is rich in tradition and we must do the same for our band.
Does the band pay for Uniforms, Travel, etc?
Yes, we do help pay for members costs. Like most Bands, we struggle to find sponsorship and work hard on our fundraising. Members do contribute to uniforms, travel and must buy their own instrument.
Are you still taking on new members?
Yes, each year we take on new students. 2008 brought on 20+ members for both Pipes and Drums. There is a cut off time to achieve a certain level of ability and if they do not make that level, they are welcomed to try again next year.
20+ Students in 2008, why the sudden spike in interest?
The department has had a huge influx of new firefighters and now this group has passed there probation year. We saw the same in 2003. Not all students make the cut, as most of you know this is not easy. From 2004 to 2007 we did not accept many new students due to the band status. During those years we increase our music selection and focus on refining the business side of the band but manage to bring on 2-3 members each year. That was really hard and trying at times.
Do you offer lessons to new members?
Yes, we teach our own at this point.
Who are your instructors?
Mark O’Donnell - Grade 1 Piper as an instructor who has many years, played with City of Washington Grade 1 band, and was born with a set of pipes in his hands.
Tom Hayden – Drum instructor who comes to us as a top shelf drummer and person. He is a BFC in PG County.
Our P/M Henry Welsh, P/S Doc Purdy who also teach, both have many years of experience prior to the band forming. We are also at a point where many of our A level Members can now teach new and existing members. We are very proud of that.
Does a new member or one that is taking lessons have to prove profiency or audition for the band to become a performing member?
Not at this point. New students are advised that you must have some musical ability or you just won’t make it. It’s a tough reality but you must be up front with this.
Who makes the decision that a person is ready to perform in public with the band?
Pipe Major, Sgt’s and Corporals.
Where and how often do you practice as a band?
We meet at a Knights of Columbus each Monday. The K of C treats us like family and they go over and beyond to help the band.
Practice in the snow? Not a problem
Does the fire department or the local support the band financially?
The Fire Department can not legally financially support our band; they do help out in staffing for events. Our Local (local 36) does help out financially each year.
Do you guys have any private sponsors?
Yes, many family members or friends continue to help support the band. Example, brass plaque mounted on our base drum as a sponsor, to be forever displayed. Most are in “memory of” and we are very grateful.
How do you feel about the growth and increased interest in Piping and Drumming in the American Fire Service?
In the last 5 years we have seen numerous bands form; it is amazing to see the growth on the East Coast. It is good as long as honor/music continues to be the focus with service bands. A Pipe and Drum band can bring enormous pride to a fire department and that should be the single goal and continued motto.
Do you guys get approached or asked advice on running, managing and playing in a Fire Pipe band?
It really has caught on, I get emails each week on how to start a pipe band, no kidding..
My advice is to take a deep breath and think through the process, you need a group of very dedicated people to make this happen. You must be in it for the long haul.
Is there a band that you guys love to hang and play with?
I think we are friendly with any FD band and its members. We tend to perform by ourselves because of regiment we have.
Do you guys hold fundraisers for the band if so what are they?
We have several, one being a fall football sweepstakes. It’s different than most fundraisers because winners can win cash and goes on for several weeks.
What is 2008 going to bring for the band any big plans?
We have several big festivals and events scheduled already. I continue to receive numerous requests each week. It’s a good problem and we must watch out not to over “tax” our members with performances. Yes, we are honored for all these request!
Is there a signature song that lets everyone know DC has arrived?
If I were to guess, most of our non band members will recognize our first set, named after our good friends in Ireland, “ Dublin Fire Brigade” set, which leads off with Dawning of the Day.
What Tartan do you guys wear and why was it chosen?
After much searching, the Inglis Tartan was selected for our uniform kilt. The colors of this beautiful tartan are important to the members as they nearly match those of the DCFD uniform patch, but there is also a deeper and more meaningful significance. The Red and White stripes on a Blue field are the colors of our American flag, whose nation's capital we protect. The Green background represents the color of Ireland, our heritage. The Gold stripe is a reminder of the long line of DC firefighters who have served the city and it's citizens before us.
Is there a pre gig drink of choice or what I like to call “Pipe and Drum Fuel”?
Miller Lite is a band favorite but most post gig. Maybe few for “elbow juice”.
What has been the most memorable experience while in the band?
There were many important and memorable events that this band has perform at:
I would say the top of the list was on July 7, 2007 F/F-Tech James McRae III of Truck 12 died after being admitted to the hospital suffering shortness of breath at the quarters of Engine 20 while on duty. This was the bands first DCFD Line of Duty death.
When a Firefighter Kevin McMullen a Sergeant in the Maryland National Guard was killed in Iraq and the band perform just outside Arlington National Ceremony.
When Firefighter Kyle Wilson of Prince William County, VA died in the line of duty, the band performed with several other local bands. All of these were a true honor and I really could go on for pages.
McMullen Funeral
Anything else you want people to know about the band?
We are nothing more than a group of dedicated fireman trying to establish rich traditions in the fire department through a Pipes and Drums band. That is our focus we have a lot of fun doing so.
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