Band Website: www.firemeninkilts.com
Your name and position?
Mike Stallings Pipe Major Orlando Firefighters Pipes and Drums (OFP&D)
How many years have you been with the band?
The band was established in 2005, I have been with the band since its inception.
Where you one of the founding members?
Yes, as well as (Pipers) Walt Lewis, Scott Hammond, Mark Austin, (Snare Drummers) Matt Negedly, Derek Schaumann, Jason Revoldt, (Bass Drum…but now on the pipes) Al Castanon.
Several founding members of the band are also Founding FOOLS do you guys hope that Fire Service Pipe and Drums bands will spread like the FOOLS did?
I think it is well on its way. Just looking through your website the other day, I noticed many pipe bands have formed in the past ten years or so, many within the past five. That is attributed mainly because there is that need, that desire to make this profession the best it can be, no matter what department you belong to. It is this drive, this fire, this passion that makes our vocation so special, and it because the fire service is so important to us that we sacrifice and learn to play the pipes and drums.
What drives a guy like you and the other members of the band to devote so much time to preserving and upholding the Traditions of the Fire service not just with the Pipe and Drums but with the whole philosiphy and mission of the FOOLS?
The way we look at it is we have been fortunate enough to be given something so special. This profession that we belong to is so much more than that, it is a calling. Unfortunately not everyone sees it this way, but the truth of the matter is this time in our lives will be the best time of our lives. From the humble beginnings of the Fire Service, our forefathers fought hard, lived and died this line of work, and it is our responsibility to leave this job better than we have found it. We only have one chance in life to make the most of what God gave us, and we feel that if we can devote our time, our money, our energy to forming a pipe band, or a fraternal firefighting organization (FOOLS), the Fire Service will benefit it as a whole. When we are dead and gone, hopefully, the next group of firefighters that follow us will feel the same way, and work to better the service even more.
How many years have you been playing?
3 years.
What made you want to start playing in a Pipe and Drum band?
A group of us that work for the City of Orlando Fire Department felt it was time to bring the Fire Service tradition of having a Pipes and Drums band for our department. I have wanted to learn the pipes for years before that, but it took a group of us, to make a commitment, and stick by it.
When was the band established?
2005, our first gig was the annual Citrus Bowl Parade, on December 30 2005.
Was there a specific event that led to the forming of the band?
The numerous memorials and funerals after Sept. 11th helped fuel the desire to have our own band, but mainly it is because we work for a very traditional fire department who believes in history and heritage, and we felt that it was the next step to keep the Orlando Fire Department the organization that it has been for the last 123 years.
Can you give us some insight as to some of the planning you guys went through when you started?
We were very lucky. We had one member of OFD (Mark Austin) who had been on the pipes for a number of years. We also had a fellow police officer for OPD (Pete Linnenkamp) who was also a bagpiper for a decade or so who was willing to help us get on our feet. We are also fortunate to have a number of Pipe Bands in the area (Rosie O'Gradys, City of Melbourne Pipes and Drums) who helped us get started with instructors, and advice. With all of these resources close by, many questions or problems that we came across were easily handled by utilizing these resources.
There was only one person that could play when the band formed where did he get all of his playing experience?
Mark Austin was brought up with Scottish heritage in his family. Mark, and is brother Grant (who is an incredible piper) played in pipes and drums bands since high school, with Mark being a drummer originally. Mark wanted to learn the pipes mainly because he wanted to be able to teach his son how to play. Mark’s mother ( Valerie Gray) is a kilt maker and his step father(Jim Gray ) a Drum Major. The Austin Clan has been an integral part of the Scottish community in the Central Florida area for years.
Did he ever play at Department functions prior to the band forming?
Yes, Mark was the go-to guy for everything from funerals, to parades, to firehouse functions. Mark now enjoys letting us "lesser" pipers pick up some of the gigs for him.
How many people are in the band?
We have 20 members in the band that are members of OFD. We also have other pipers that play with us on occasion that are part of our family.
2007 Citrus Bowl Parade
How many would you like to see in the band?
20 is a good number, we have members that are still working on getting up on the pipes, and we have some new drummers on the roster. I have always told our guys that I would much rather have a small group of dedicated members than have a large roster with people that may not be as dedicated. It would be nice to eventually have a roster of 30 dedicated members, and I do believe that we will get there one day.
Are you taking on new members?
We always welcome new members.
How was the interest when you guys were first starting out?
Probably like most bands, we had close to 50 people show up for our first meetings, and show interest. As time went on, and it was evident how much time was needed to spend on learning the pipes and the drums, our numbers dropped. It was a bit frustrating, but it was refreshing that there were so many people interested in seeing a band like our come into fruition and that in itself kept the focus on making sure the band was formed.
What was the Departments reaction to forming a band?
It has been nothing but positive. The members and the officers of the Orlando Fire Department have been appreciative in what the band does, what it stands for, and I think most of them realize the time and commitment we put into the band. Of course, we always here the comments.....When I was learning the Pipes, I was assigned to Firehouse 2, the city's busiest fire station. The boys at 2 would hear me squawking in the parking lot and ask.."can you play that tune Far, Far Away.......no, I mean can you play that thing Far, far away!" It was funny the first couple of times they zinged me with that one....
What was the Chiefs response?
Chief Jim Reynolds has always supported the band, and he has come out and supported the band at more than one occasion.
Do you guys get time off to play events or are you forced to use your vacation/comp time?
The department is good about giving us time off for events and practice. If it is possible, the department will let us off duty for events, however there are times where members need to use vacation time. We are lucky to have the department support us, however, we do no take advantage of the department's generosity.
Does the Department support you financially?
The City has been generous, and has helped us with getting our members some new uniforms, which are being made at this present time.
Does the Local support you financially?
We have not approached the Local as of yet, but I am sure if they were approached, they would support us.
How did you get the word out that a band was forming?
Mainly by email and word of mouth.
Did you have a certain goal in mind when the band formed?
It is simple... The history of the Fire Service in our nation originates in the Northeast. It is this part of the country where tradition is the strongest. In New York, the FDNY Emerald Society has the oldest Fire Service Pipe band in the country, but not only do the firemen and the cops have a pipe band, the EMS Division, the Sanitation department, the corrections department also have pipe bands. It’s incredible! Unfortunately, living in Florida, there isn’t much tradition in any occupation. As I said before, OFD tries very hard to maintain our heritage and keep our tradition alive, so in this spirit, the members of the Orlando Firefighters Pipes and Drums feels that it is our duty to bring the Pipes and Drums to fire department functions, and have that extra element that defines the Fire Service in our Nation.
Skip to today have you guys accomplished that goal?
I feel that we have to a point. There is so much that we want to do, but the band has made OFD ceremonies more meaningful for those involved. We have also been a resource for other fire departments and police and sheriff agencies to use for their events as well. We like to help out and lend a hand anywhere we can. Our band has played at Fire Rescue East, the Orlando Fire Conference (OFC), and the annual Florida Firefighters Roll Call that happens at the conclusion of the OFC each year. This is an event that we created, a chance for Florida Firefighter Pipe Bands to come together and play as one massed band. It is the perfect ending for the OFC, and allows all firefighters that participate in the OFC to experience the Fire Service tradition and camaraderie that we were all meant to be part of.
If not what’s left or what else do you guys want to accomplish?
We want to go to Scotland next year for the great Clan Gathering. In order to do that, we need to work on some fund raising events. We have already attended the Sandy Jones Bagpipe and Drum school in Valle Crucis, N.C. two summers ago, and that was a great experience. We would like to continue to do events with the members of the band, not only to strengthen the tight knit fabric of the band, but to solidify ourselves as brothers of the fire service as well.
2006 Citrus Bowl Parade The One Year Anniversary
Are you guys strictly Orlando Fire Fighters or do you allow others in the band?
Our Bylaws state that we have two types of members of the OFP&D. The Primary Members must be employed by the Orlando Fire Department, either active or retired. These are the members that will dictate the direction of the band. Any other firefighter or bagpiper or drummer that is not part of the OFD is considered an Associate Member. This gives them no voting power; however, they will be included in all activities of the band.
We have made this decision mainly because we want the mission of the band to be true to keeping the history of OFD in the forefront. However, we welcome all FD’s to play and practice with us at any time.
Are there any stipulations for people that want to join the band?
We mainly ask that members make the practices. There is a financial responsibility for individuals that want to join the band. Each person must purchase his own uniform, and participate in band practices, and help out with band events. Once an individual shows dedication to the band, they are encouraged to participate in gigs and other social gatherings.
How did you guys come to have a relationship and get help from Jamie Holton of Off Kilter fame?
Scott Hammond, one of our original pipers has been friends with Jamie Holton for a number of years. Scott came to know Jamie by riding horses (Scott if the official Cowboy for the band). Jamie has been integral in getting our band together, and is our lead instructor for the band. It is very exciting to have someone of Jamie’s caliber willing to help a bunch of tone deaf firemen out.
Jamie Holton from the band Off Kilter
In what way did he help you guys out?
Jamie has been the go to guy from everything from teaching me how to be a Pipe Major, to what jokes to tell at the pub after the gig. Jamie taught our guys how to march, bagpipe maintenance, tuning, calling the tunes, and everything in between. Every time we have a practice with Jamie, he teaches us something new. I think one of Jamie’s best qualities is that he is very patient, and that puts our guys at ease when he is trying to teach us something new.
Sounds like Jamie has invested a lot of time into you guys, is he a official member of the band?
Jaime is our official Pipe Instructor, but does so much more than just help us on the pipes. He helps the drummers, works on our marching formations, gives us ideas for certain tunes, and even passes on great Scottish jokes that we can use in the pubs. His interest in the band is sort or a two way street. We are learning a lot from him about traditions and proper protocol when it comes to the Highland pipe bands, and he gets to have an idea what the Brotherhood of our profession is all about. He really enjoys teaching our guys, and we enjoy having him.
Does he play events with you guys?
He plays certain events if his schedule allows it.
The Band formed in 2005 and you guys played your first appearance in 2005 how did you guys pull that off?
With a lot of help. Scott Hammond, Walt Lewis and I all purchased our pipes on the same day (Gibsons). We received our pipes in late October, and we had already committed to play our first gig at the end of December to mark having the Pipe Band on the 120th Anniversary of the department. Needless to say, we had our work cut out for us. Luckily, we had individuals that had high school drumming experience (Matt Negedly, Jason Revoldt, Derek Schaumann) and they picked up the Highland drumming real quick. With the help of Pete Linnenkamp (OPD), Mark Austin who already played pipes, Jaime Holton, and members of Rosie O Gradys as well as the Law Enforcement Emerald Society of Central Florida we had an impressive showing for that first gig (2005 Citrus Bowl Parade).
What was it like to play in public for the first time, to see the fruits of your labors?
It was great. We, the band, always knew what a great thing the band would be for the department, but it was great to hear the other firefighters that marched with us how much they enjoyed us playing, and how great we sounded (at least they thought we sounded great).
How did you guys come to play prior to a Rod Stewart Concert?
We were contacted by the Rod Stewart front office to play before his concert (January 16, 2007). It was a good experience, and the wives enjoyed seeing Rod in concert.
What is the largest crowd you have played in front of?
I would say between the Citrus Bowl parades, Rod Stewart, and the Florida Music Festival where we opened for Flogging Molly (May 2007).
Is there an event that really stands out in your mind?
One of the most memorable events for me, anyway, is playing for the funeral of Fire Patriot, and friend Tommy Brennan. Tom was an unbelievable force in the fire service community who showed such a love for the job and his brother and sister firefighters. Tommy lost his fight to cancer in April of 2006. We played the funeral with members of the Tampa Bay Firefighters Pipes and Drums. It was an honor to be there for Tom’s funeral.
Playing for the Florida Music Festival, both in 2007 and this year (May 15th, 2008) has been a great experience. To bring this type of music to a whole new group of people is a great, and to be a band in the midst of rock, country, alternative, r&b, industrial and acoustic bands is an experience that is hard to beat.
Members of our band went to the last Dropkick Murphy’s concert at the House of Blues. The band gave us VIP tickets, and we were able to hang with Scruffy Wallace and Ken Casey after the show, and that was pretty cool. It was good talking shop with Scuffy, and he was very appreciative of our profession, and we were asking him all types of pipe questions…
Orlando at the 2007 Florida Music Festival
Was there a defining moment for the band one that still sticks in your mind?
Our band plays for our annual September 11th Candlelight Memorial held each year at Firehouse 1. It is always an honor to be part of this very important event. We have quite a bit of retired FDNY members that participate in this event, and it’s an honor to play for our 343 brothers who gave their lives on that horrible day.
September 11 Candlelight Memorial
What was your first big event you guys attended as a band?
OFC, Roll Call, FMF
How did you guys come to decide you would hold the Florida Firefighters Pipes and Drums Roll Call?
We felt once our band was established, what better way to celebrate all the Florida Firefighter Pipes and Drums bands then to have an event in which they all get together once a year and play together? We were the third Fire Department Pipes and Drums band in the state (Palm Beach County was the first, Tampa was the second), now there is a band in Broward County, and there are firefighters in Brevard, Osceola, Seminole, and of course Orange County that have taken an interest in the Pipes and Drums. It’s good to think that having the Roll Call may have played a part in having these firefighters want to start their own band. It’s all about passing on our fire service tradition, to all fire departments in our state, and nationwide.
How did you get the word out that you were going to host that event?
We passed on the event through our Brother firefighters from Tampa, and Palm Beach county, as well as having the info on our website (www.firemeninkilts.com)
How many bands showed up?
The first year, we had 3 bands (Palm Beach , Tampa , and Orlando). This past year we had a special guest attend the Roll Call. The Calgary (Alberta, Canada) Fire Department Pipes and Drums made a trip down to Orlando just to play in our Roll Call. We also had members from Tampa, Palm Beach County, the newly formed Broward’s Bravest (Broward County Fire), and Northport Fire Department attend.
Is there a must play event every year for your band?
Florida Music Festival, Orlando Fire Conference, Citrus Bowl Parade, Annual Blue Mass (at St. James Cathedral near September 11th each year).
Is there an event you guys have not yet played but want to?
I personally have wanted to open for more rock bands. The Black Crowes are coming to town in November…… I’m a huge fan, I think it would be a great experience.
We hope to make the “Keeping Tradition Alive” symposium in Lewisville, TX next year.
Where and how often do you guys practice?
We have 3-4 practices a month, and we utilize the fire department’s Fire Museum for our practices.
How many events do you guys play a year as a band?
I would say between 60-70.
Do you guys have a favorite local event you like to play?
Saint Patrick’s Day is always a great time.
Are you guys involved in any charities as a band?
We just recently played for the Academy for Autism Florida this past Friday for opening ceremonies. We also play for the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. These events are usually held at a high school, and we do a memorial lap around the school’s track playing Amazing Grace. It is a very meaningful event, since we have members of OFD that have died of cancer, as well as members of our families and friends.
We also help raise money for the Saint Baldrick’s organization with putting a team together to shave their heads to raise money as well as playing at the event itself.
St. Baldricks
How do you guys raise money as a band?
We have had fundraisers such as book sales, beer sales (at our annual department Chili Cook-off), and T-shirts, but performances are our bread and butter.
Is the band able to pay for any expenses?
We keep our heads above water; however, the band is working on developing ways on making more money.
You have an interesting Pipe and Drum uniform belt, how did that come about and why?
As I said earlier, OFD is a traditional organization. One of the things that defines our department is the OFD Truck Company. Our belts are known as “Truck Belts” and were made by one of our Engineers Brian Mathis, who makes fire service radio straps and belts www.firehouseleather.com. The belt is our addition to our uniform that reminds us of the reason we started this band in the first place…for our department, and our members of OFD.
OFP& D Piper Walt Lewis wearing the signature "Truck Belt"
Is there a band out there you guys love to play and hang with?
We love playing with any firefighter pipes and drums bands. Especially our brothers in Palm Beach County, Tampa, Broward and all points in between. We really enjoyed playing with the Calgary guys as well.
What tartan do you guys wear and why did you choose it?
We chose the Black Stewart mainly because the colors in the tartan best represent our department. Black and red represents the colors of our rigs, as well as the color of our helmets. The white and blue represents our uniform colors, and the gold represents the dignity of the profession.
Anything else you want to add?
It’s an honor to be on your website. It’s great to read about other fire department pipe bands and to see the similarities with them and us. Keeping our Fire Service tradition alive is so very important, and I hope to see the formation of more fire department Pipes and Drums bands to continue in years to come.
