Band Website: http://www.gbfpd.com/
Your name and Position?
Band Manager & Captain of Malden fire ladder 3
Can you give us some background on your playing experience?
I have played tenor drum for 18 years
What year did Greater Boston form?
Sept 6 2007
Is there an individual or group that you guys can credit for starting the band?
The Harry Kowalski quintet
How many members in your band?
Currently players and students we have around 75
Are there any prerequisites to joining the band or what is the criteria?
By laws permit 80% of the band be firefighters and 20% non firefighters
Do you guys offer lessons?
Yes, we practice every Wed nite 7-9 pm in Boston
Greater Boston at Relay for Life
Any Students?
Approximately 30 at varying levels
Can you tell us which departments are represented in your band?
We currently represent over 22 different Boston area fire depts, the list can be seen on our web site gbfpd.com
You guys formed from members of the Boston Gaelic Fire Brigade why did you guys leave and form Greater Boston?
Administrative differences with the e-board of the brigade forced us to start our own band
How many people left Boston Gaelic to form Greater Boston?
Approximately 85% of that band has joined with us
Does anyone play with both?
Currently that band doesn’t play at all no mgr, no instructors, no direction
Was the split amicable?
We asked for and had 3 separate meetings with the e-board to try and make things work....to no avail
When Greater Boston formed was it like starting from scratch or was it easy to get up and running?
It was easy, but expensive, we have over 30 street ready musicians, fundraisers have helped a lot
From forming up the band until your first performance as a band. how long did that take?
3 months
What was the first event you guys played as Greater Boston?
City of Malden Holiday Parade
Malden Holiday Parade
How where you received?
Very well
How did you financially cope with forming a new band?
As with most bands fundraisers and parades are the main source of income,
How are the management and leadership of the band set up?
Elected every 2 yrs, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Manager, Quartermaster....Manager runs most of it
When Greater Boston formed it was made up of already experienced players correct?
Yes
Did you add any new people when you formed Greater Boston?
Over 30
You had quite a bit of experience playing in a band prior to Greater Boston were there any changes made from past experience or mistakes?
Yes, this band is run democratically as opposed to the dictatorship of our previous band
How did you guys get the word out you were forming a new band?
Fliers in everyone’s firehouse
Did you guys set goals and objectives for the band if so what are they?
Main goal was to be there for any firefighters who die in the line of duty, regardless of what the patch on our sleeve says
Have any of them been met?
Yes
Is there a local must play event for you guys?
South Boston St Patrick’s Day Parade
Personally what is your favorite event to play?
Fanuel hall (thousands of tourists)
You guys played Savannah this year what is that like?
Great weather, freindly people, cold beer
Savannah St. Patricks Day Parade
Does the band provide uniforms, instruments or travel expenses for the members?
Band pays for the drums, and parts of the uniform, no travel exp as of yet
Do any of the Locals or Fire Departments represented in the band help out financially?
Quite a few locals and the PFFM have made donations to our band
Do you guys hold fundraisers or how do you raise money for the band?
Yes, TV raffles, t-shirts etc
What tartan do you guys wear and why did you guys pick it?
Mackenzie modern.....chosen by a vote
What is the overall attitude of the band?
Lets have some fun
What could someone expect from you guys if they wanted to join the band?
Camaraderie and lots of practice
Memorial Day
Does the fact that you come from different departments make practices and playing difficult?
Many of our members drive an hour each way to practice, but with carpooling etc. it helps a lot
Where and how often do you guys practice?
Weekly in Boston
What was the best advice you got when starting the band?
Put it to a vote.....EVERYONE HAS A SAY
What advice would you give someone who is trying to start a band?
Keep it open and keep it democratic
Any big plans for 2008?
Pay some bills!
Anything else you want to add?
Pipers Cove in New Jersey is where we get our uniforms and drums and they have been tremendous in helping get us started!
