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This past October I played alongside some of the members of the Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums of Greater Baltimore at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD. This was my first of hopefully many annual trips to Emmitsburg to help honor our fallen. While there I met Robert McCurdy. After speaking with him for awhile it just reconfirms how great the brotherhood in the fire service and fire department pipe band world is. I hope that you'll enjoy his interview and take a few minutes to visit his band's website.
Mike “Country Fry” Bishop
Tenor
Wake and District Public Safety Pipes and Drums
Band Website: www.thefirebrigade.org
Your name and position?
Robert McCurdy - Piper and Business manager
How old is your band?
4 1/2 years old, we formed in February 2004. We are Maryland's 1st Fire Service Pipe and Drum band.
How did you all get started?
A few of the members belonged to other bands and saw the need for a fire service pipe band in the area.
Are any of the charter members still around playing in the band?
The majority of the charter members still play.
How long did it take from forming the band until you guys played your first public appearance?
It took the core group only a couple months since they played with another band previously
What was your first public appearance with the band?
A retirement party for a Baltimore City Battalion Chief.
How were the nerves prior to your first gig?
My first band gig was as the fill in bass drummer and it wasn't too bad. My first major gig as a piper was for the Baltimore City Fire Dept Emerald Society Bull roast where I also had to solo and my nerves were pretty bad.
2005 Baltimore Emerald Society Bull Roast
How many members in the band?
Right now we have 11 pipers, 15 drummers and 8 students
Do you take people with zero musical experience?
Yes we do.
Can someone take lessons with your band?
Yes, we will provide lessons to those who are interested.
Is the band strictly Baltimore County firefighters or do you have civilians?
The band is made up of firefighters and family members from Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Harford and Howard Counties. We do have a couple of civilians who were invited to play.
Do you receive any financial support from the depts that you represent?
Not directly. Baltimore County FD does provide the uniform shirts for us if we can't get them from our own department.
If not what do you do to raise funds for the band?
Mostly fees from parades. We also hold an annual basket bingo; sell T shirts, a couple fundraisers at bars. We are in the process of sending out donation letters to area businesses.
How did you first raise money when you guys were starting out?
Fees from parades.
How can the readers support your band?
Right now we have T shirts for sale and hope to have more items in the near future. They can also make a donation via our website.
Does the band have a favorite tune?
Each member has a favorite or 2 that they like, but there’s no real band favorite.
Any Advice to bands right now who are just starting?
It's a long hard road, there will be some discouraging times but don't give up. Make small, realistic goals and most of all, have fun playing.
Was there a defining moment for your band, the moment you guys knew you were doing great things?
When we were able to be the 1st pipe band in the Baltimore St Patrick’s Day parade.
What is the best answer for someone who asks "What's under the Kilt"
"Nothing's worn underneath, everything works great" or "My shoes and hose"
What Tartan do you guys wear?
Modern Anderson
Sprint Cup Race in Dover for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
What do your band members have to do to get kilted?
They need to be able to play the instrument or at least be active in assisting at band functions (ie: color guard).
How were you received by the rest of the fire department when you guys were forming especially with the Irish community in and around Baltimore?
Members of the different departments have been very supportive of us.
How does the new Baltimore City Chief feel about the pipe band?
I feel he's appreciative of us being there.
Do you guys have a favorite event to play?
The Baltimore City Fire Dept Emerald Society Bull Roast
What is the most memorable or moving event that you have played so far as a band?
I would think it would be the LODD funeral of Baltimore City Firefighter Allan Roberts. It was the 1st high profile LODD since the band formed.
Do you get time off to play at events or do you have to burn vacation time?
It depends on the event and what department you work for.
What is the most moving event you have ever played personally?
Allan Robert’s Funeral, I had worked with him in the department. I piped the casket down the aisle in the church.
Is there a band you guys would love to play with?
A couple members stated they would like to open for Dropkick Murphy’s.
What's the biggest crowd you have played in front of?
That would be prior to the September Sprint Cup Race in Dover for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation where we played in front of about 20,000 people.
Sprint Cup Race in Dover for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
What made you pick up the pipes?
I started out as a tenor/backup bass drummer. After a while, I decided that Baltimore City needed to be represented in the pipe section.
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