This week we pay a little visit to the Indianapolis Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and just in time for FDIC. FDIC has become one of the yearly must attend events and Indianapolis Firefighters Emerald Society is the host band. A big thank you to Billy and Clayton for answering the questions and I will see you guys at FDIC.
BAND WEBSITE: http://www.indypipes.org
Answers from Billy in RED
Answers from Clayton in GREEN
Your name and Position?
Billy MacLeod, Piper
Clayton Thomas, Drum Major/Business Manager for the band
What do you play?
Bagpipes
Bass
How long have you been playing?
Four Years
55 Years
Did the formation of the Pipes and Drums happen after the formation of the Emerald Society or did they happen simultaneously?
The Emerald Society was formed in 1993 and the band was started in 1995.
What was the reason for forming the Pipe band?
The Pipe Band started in order to play for LODD Funerals of Lost Firefighters.
How did the band form can you give us the history.
As far as I know, there were 22 Firefighters that started taking pipe lessons and only 10 made it to the first band performance (The St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1996 or ’97.
Are there still charter members in the band?
At present we have 2 of the original members that still play with the band and they are Dan Davis and David Thiesing. David Thiesing actually lives in Texas now but comes back to play from time to time.
Do you have members who are in the Emerald Society but not in the band?
Yes, I think at present there are over 200 members of the Indianapolis Firefighters Emerald Society but only about 20 of those are in the band.
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?
We are a part of the Emerald Society but we have our own leadership and do our own fundraising.
How many people where there when the band started out?
I believe that we had 12 pipers and 2 drummers.
I see you allow members from other departments join your band what criteria is there to join the band?
Most members of the band do have some association with the fire service (firefighter, dispatcher, retired etc.). We have allowed other members to join recently due to needing extra members.
Since the band is so small we have welcomed others to play with us but we have very few who are not somehow involved with Fire Department.
Are there any other Fire pipe and drum bands in the state?
The Band of Brothers in “The Region” (northwest Indiana/ northeast Illinois) and Fort Wayne Fire currently have bands. I believe Evansville has a fledgling band starting, as well as some discussion of one starting in Terre Haute.
How many members do you have in the pipes and drums?
Approx 20 currently
How many events, memorials, etc are you guys playing a year?
Currently we average about 40-50 events per year. We used to do more and travel greater distances but people began to get burnt out on it so we have cut back quite a bit and rarely travel very far with the exception of LODDs.
Is there a must play event every year for your band? The one that everyone loves to go to or play at?
We have a couple. St. Patrick’s Day is always a big day for us, just like everybody else. Some of our other favorites are Rose Hulman Institute of Technology commencement ceremony, recently the Southside Irish Parade, Michiana F.O.O.L.S. tailgate party at Notre Dame in the fall, and some little party we host every year called FDIC.
FDIC 2007
Is there an event you guys have yet to play but want to?
Yes there are still places that we would like to play. We have been asked to go to Germany and play at a Fire Convention in 2010. We also hope to take another trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and play in the 2010 Pipefest Parade like we did in 2000 (www.pipefest.com). There are also cities all around the US that we have been asked to come and play at but we have not been able to. Most of the time it is due to the cost of travel being so high and those type of expenses are out of our own pockets.
Pipefest Edinburgh, Scotland 2000
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?
We are always looking to improve but one of the hardest things for us is getting motivated. We would like to get our second CD recorded with some new sets. We would also like to grow the band some. We have stagnated somewhat as far as new members are concerned. I would like to see us get some of our old members back who have dropped from the band, as well as make a concerted effort to recruit new membership (Ryan I will be calling you shortly for a copy of the letter you sent out during your recent membership drive!)
Does the band pay for Uniforms, Travel, etc?
The band pays for uniforms, drums, and some travel. By some travel I mean if we take the 14 passenger van the band covers the gas, as well as food for those in state day trips. For overnight trips the members usually pay their own way. The new kilts we had made for our non-formal events, however each member had to purchase their own.
Are you still taking on new members?
We’re trying! Anybody want to join?
Yes, we do have a few pipers that are in training but have not joined the band yet.
Do you offer lessons to new members?
Yes. We offer lessons at no cost as long as you agree to join and play with the band.
Yes. We have people that teach lessons every Monday night at 6PM at the Local 416 Union Hall.
Who are your instructors?
Our pipe major Mark Wills, does the piping instruction. Drumming is somewhat loose currently, but I believe Eric Lowe has expressed some interest in teaching the drummers a few things.
Our instructors are Mark Wills, Dan Davis, and Courtney Rice. We have other pipers who also come and help out when needed.
Where and how often do you practice as a band?
We hold regular practices on Monday nights at the Local 416 Union Hall 748 Mass. Ave
Everyone is encouraged to attend the practices on Monday nights but unfortunately not everyone is available all the time.
What would someone have to do to join the band?
Show up and learn to play. ;)
Start taking lessons and then after 6 months to a year be able to but their first set of pipes.
Do the fire departments represented in the band support the band financially?
No. We do not receive any financial backing from any of the departments represented.
No we do not have a sponsorship from any Local Fire Departments.
FDIC is rapidly approaching and has become one of the premier places for other pipe and drums bands to gather, how does it feel to be the host city or band for that event?
Personally I am very proud to be a part of the host band for the event. It has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of people from around the country that I wouldn’t have otherwise. It truly gives me the impression that no matter where we come from firefighters are firefighters, we’re all the same. We have the same interests, the same complaints, but most of all the same desire to help each other out, and be around each other. I joke about it but FDIC to me is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It gives us all a chance to let go of everything else and just have some fun.
Our Band is very proud to be the host band for FDIC every year. I can remember about 5 years ago someone coming up to our Booth and saying that they were in a Fire Dept. Pipe Band and could they play with us if they brought their kilt and equipment the next year and that is how it all started. Last year we had 48 people playing with us from other FD Pipe Bands from around the US and I hope that we have even more this year. It is a very fun week for the Pipe Band every year.
How much planning and preparation is involved in the “Festivities” at FDIC?
To be honest not very much. The leadership of the band (Clayton and Mark) attend a few meetings to determine how things should go. They both attend meetings to figure out our role in the opening ceremonies on Wednesday morning, the Opening of the exhibits on Thursday afternoon and most recently one in reference to the F.O.O.L.S. bash on Wednesday night. For those that haven’t heard, the F.O.O.L.S. brotherhood bash has taken on a new sponsor in Safety Components Inc (the maker of PBI). The plan is for this party to take on a life of its own. This year the featured entertainment will be the FDIC massed band and they only expect this party to get bigger.
We had a few meetings several months ago having to do with the F.O.O.L.S. bash on Wednesday Night of FDIC … the rest we usually play by ear since it doesn’t change much from year to year.
FOOLS Party at FDIC
Why should a piper or a drummer attend the after parties at FDIC?
Because that’s where all the cool people hang out. Seriously though, it is one of the best times you will ever have as a piper or drummer. Not only do we play the parties, but we also crash any bar we can find that is nearby.
I think that by attending the after parties it gives the guys a chance to sit down and really get to know some of the other people that come to Indy for FDIC. It is a brotherhood.
How do you feel about the growth and increased interest in Piping and Drumming in the American Fire Service?
I think it is great. I have noticed recently a lack of interest in the brotherhood that the fire service is all about, a lack of the teaching of traditions to the new members of departments, etc. I believe that if we can generate interest in piping and drumming then we can create renewed interest in the other aspects of the fire service.
The Pipebands in the Fire Service started in the 1800’s and will continue to grow. We have seen a lot of growth over the last 10-15 years and hopefully it will get bigger and bigger as it is a Great way for a lot of us to honor our fallen Brothers and Sisters.
Do you guys get approached or asked advice on running, managing and playing in a Fire Pipe band?
Every once in a while I will get asked a question or two about it but not really.
I heard that Fireman’s Chore Coat is holding a raffle and that proceeds go to your band, how did that relationship come to be?
The owner of Fireman’s Chore www.firemanschore.com is Scottie DeArmond. Scottie is one of our side drummers and has always been very gracious towards the band. It is one of those things where he helps us out and we are able to help him get information out about his coats. I would say that at least half of the members of the band own at least one of his coats (I own three).
Fireman’s Chore is owned by a member of our Drum section and that is why we do this every year. This year we have also been donated a collection of uncirculated States Quarters that we will also be raffling off during FDIC and the money will go to the band.
Is there a band that you guys love to hang and play with?
The Band of Brothers up in the region is our sister band. Any time we get to hang out with them it is well worth it.
Our sister band is the Band of Brothers from the Hammond, Indiana area and also the Nassau County, NY Pipe Band who we have played with now for over 10 years.
Do you guys hold fundraisers for the band if so what are they?
Nothing really formal. We usually peddle our wares at the booth at our various functions, FDIC, St. Patrick’s Day etc/ Stop by the booth and buy a T-shirt. J
We usually just sell items at different functions and this is where we get most of the band money from.
What is 2008 going to bring for the band any big plans?
Just the usual events for this year. Nothing spectacular planned. We have been approached by the Gordon Pipers here in Indy about playing at Pole Day for the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and the new MotoGP race to be held this fall. But that is all in the planning stages for now.
Some of us in the band have talked about going out to Colorado Springs for the National Event every year but we have not been able to afford to go yet.
What Tartan do you guys wear and why was it chosen?
Modern Shaw, and I have no idea.
The band started in 1995 with the Modern Shaw kilt and have used it ever since. I do not know why this was chosen but I am sure one of the guys might be able to tell me. Starting this year during FDIC 2008 we will be wearing a Fire Dept Kilt using the same PBI that is used for fire coats. The material was generously donated to the band.
Is there a pre gig drink of choice or what I like to call “Pipe and Drum Fuel”?
I like beer, all kinds of beer. I used to drink Scotch, Talisker specifically, but after the incident I don’t do that anymore……..
I do not drink but they do drink a lot of beer.
What has been the most memorable experience while in the band?
There’s so many. I have to say though that FDIC is my favorite time to play. The friends I have made while playing FDIC are invaluable to me. I would really like to make it to Colorado Springs some day to play for the IAFF memorial. I hear it’s a good time.
I think that there has been a couple for me. First would be marching down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland with the other 9800 band members from all over the world. The second one would be marching in the Fallen Firefighters National Parade in Washington, D.C. in October 2003 for the 460 Firefighters that were lost. Then the next weekend 55,000 of us pipe band members and firefighters went to New York City to honor the 434 Brothers and Sisters that we lost there on September 11th.
Anything else you want people to know about the band?
I would just like to say that I am happy to have been a part of it so far. I have had a blast thus far and I know the future only holds more of it. I am glad for the opportunities it has presented me. It has made my grandfather immensely proud to be able to point at me at Clan MacLeod gatherings and brag on “his grandson being a piper.” The joy that it brings other people means more to me than any payment ever could. I am also happy to be able to play some small part in the all too many LODD funerals we have been to. As Clayton says in his response to this question we are here to help each other, and most firemen I know would do anything to help a brother (or sister) or their family in a time of need. That is what the band is all about and that is what I hope to keep it about. Make a joyous sound.
I would just like to say that it has been an honor to have just been a small part of being in a Fire Dept. Pipe Band and hope that in the future more departments will put together the time and the funds for these bands to show what our brotherhood is all about. There is not a fireman out there that would not try and do whatever they could to help either another firefighter or their family. They all have a Heart of Gold and a life that they are willing to give to help another.
