Friday, December 9, 2011
Debut of our Pipe Major
On October 28th was the Seattle Police Awards Banquet...and the debut of Pipe Major Joe Cepeda!!
Fundraiser and some special pipes
On October 12th, our band had another fundraiser. It was at this one I got to meet Norm Smith. I don’t know a lot about him, but let me tell you what I do know.
Norm used to be a piper, but doesn’t anymore because of a throat injury. He went to High School with Timothy Brenton’s Mother. His father was a piper with the Canadian Seaforth Highlanders…and he wants to donate the use of his father’s 1917 Henderson Bagpipes to our band.
I was exceptionally touched by this generous offer. Norm is a truly wonderful guy and I had quite a bit of fun visiting with him. He’s on the board for the Special Olympics, and has a big heart. He told me that since he can’t play anymore, he would love to see them used in something as meaningful as what our band is about. He’s offering them to specifically honor Officer Brenton and also to honor the Seattle Police Officers who have participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run.
My understanding is these pipes have been carried by a Seaforth Highlander up until his father’s separation with the unit.
They are beautiful.
Yes, they’re very musty smelling. The bag cover has moth holes. They are scratched and some of the ivory mounts are chipped. All of which just speaks to the history of these 93 year old bagpipes.
I took them to Neal and he was very excited about them. He said that they would need restoration before they could be played, and sent me an estimate.
Sadly, the estimate came in around $1000. While these pipes are certainly worth it, I don’t know of too many pipers who would be willing to lay out that kind of cash for pipes they wouldn’t be able to keep.
I sent Norm the bad news. He agreed it was more of a financial outlay than he was willing to make. So sadly, I will be returning the pipes to him at his convenience.
But none of that should dim the generous offer he made. It was wonderful just to handle the pipes for a short while. I felt like I was truly holding a piece of history.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
September 2011 Membership meeting
I’m listening to the 2004 Master so the Scottish Arts CD and figure this might be a good time to catch up a little bit.
Tuesday (9/27/11) we had a general membership meeting. About 27 of us were there. Ryan gave a general overview of where we stood, which included our financial situation. I must reluctantly admit that it was a bit confusing. The numbers he handed around didn’t really seem to have a particular context to them. He tried to answer some of the general questions, but I don’t know if he had the specifics. I email Karla and see if they can’t send out a more detailed breakdown. In short, Ryan Karla and Lt. Hennigan all seemed to think that we were right “on track,” especially for a band that has yet to play a note together. We have been getting corporate sponsorships that (combined with the various fundraising projects) will enable the band to buy most of the uniform pieces for each member. However, each band member will still be responsible for buying their shirt, their hat and their socks. They will have the option of buying the individual uniform pieces if/when they leave the band. Or they could just buy everything themselves anyway, but I don’t know why someone would want to do that.
A local uniform shop (Blumenthals) will be taking the measurements for the kilts. I’m hoping someone from Neokilts gives them some pretty clear guidance one where they should measure.
Joe Cepeda was formally accepted as our Pipe Major. He’ll serve for two years at which point we’ll see if he still wants to do it or if someone else wants the job.
The nice thing about this is that Joe has prior piping experience and will be able to play at the upcoming Seattle Police Awards Banquet on October 28th – in our official uniform. I’m pretty excited about this first glimpse that everyone will get!
It was also pointed out that we’re 8 months into this, and were still shooting for March 17th as our official debut. To that end, we’re at the point where we need to start thinking about bagpipes. Our instructor was kind enough to put together a spec sheet for what we should be shopping for. Ryan Bailey and Steve Nadell did some legwork and located three vendors which have pretty good prices. The closes is just across the border in Vancouver, but of course he has the highest prices of the three. But there is something to be said about having your vendor within driving distance in case there’s a problem.
The price range looks to be between $1500-$2000 dollars, depending on which vendor.
Looking over Neil’s spec sheet, I realized I don’t know squat about bagpipes. I mean I know what they are and obviously we’re learning to play them, but I don’t know anything about the parts or how they fit together. Like a canning drone. What the hell is that? A canister system? When I went to the individual websites, it just raised more questions. How long of a blow pipe? What size bag? Hell if I know…
Fortunately Neil was able to answer some of those questions today at practice. He suggested a medium bag and an adjustable blow pipe. He also (briefly) explained what the various elements were and how they went together.
He explained, for instance, that the bag itself is usually hide, and you have to fill it with this “goop” to make it airtight. This is called “seasoning the bag.” However the bag and canister system he recommends is lined with Gore Tex and doesn’t need seasoning. Good to know!
The other interesting thing to note was that we (the band) are all ready getting requests to march in a variety of regional parades. Again, we haven’t played a note together, and we all ready have gig offers!? Well, no pressure…
Ryan pointed out that not only are we the only single department Police pipe band in the Seattle Area, we are also the only one in all of Washington and possibly the greater Northwest. The Fire Department Pipes and Drums are great, but as has been pointed out elsewhere, Police take care of their own. It’s a good reminder why this unit is being put together.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Enumclaw games
Saturday I was drafted to work the Torchlight parade. I only post it here because the Seattle Fire Pipes and Drums marched in it. While the skirl of their pipes was heard way in advance of their presence, they didn't actually play while passing my post. A bit disappointing. Nevertheless, I couldn't help thinking that if things go right, we'll be marching in the parade as well next year.
Yesterday I was able to get away for a few hours and scoot on down to the Enumclaw Highland Games. These are the biggest games of the region and are almost like an frontier-style "Rendezvous" for all things Scottish. (And Renaissance Pirates apparently. Don't ask, because I don't get it either.)
The important thing was I got to see my piping idol, Aaron Shaw of The Wicked Tinkers.
They started out with Amazing Grace which was perfect, because I know the fingering on that and was able to follow what he did.
That segued into Scotland the Brave and then straight in to Black Bear, which I love.
I don't know what his reputation is amongst other pipers, but I always enjoy seeing him. Watching his finger-work was really impressive. He's very fast and very smooth. I couldn't follow even half the grace notes he was playing. Plus he does this very cool slide from one note to the next. Yes, I'm sure in the future I'll find that it's some sort of common technique and not that impressive to most pipers, but right here - right now - it seems pretty damn impressive to me.
He played with two sets of bagpipes. Both were linked to the speakers. (Who'd have thought that bagpipes needed to be amplified?)
But the second set was linked to a wah-wah pedal. VERY cool sounds from that one. For one set he ran it through some sort of effect which really made them sound more like small pipes than the Great Highland Bagpipes.
My regret was that I wasn't able to stay longer and see the next set.
Afterward I wandered around to where the bands were practicing. I'd wanted to see Simon Frasier University playing, but they weren't doing much of anything while I was there.
I did get to see Dowco Triumph Street Pipe band practicing.
Pipe Major David Hilder was giving the group what for on one of their pieces, stabbing the air with his finger and shouting "Tah, dah BURL! Tah, dah BURL!" It was my first glimpse of what the Pipe Major actually does.
Yesterday I was able to get away for a few hours and scoot on down to the Enumclaw Highland Games. These are the biggest games of the region and are almost like an frontier-style "Rendezvous" for all things Scottish. (And Renaissance Pirates apparently. Don't ask, because I don't get it either.)
The important thing was I got to see my piping idol, Aaron Shaw of The Wicked Tinkers.
Aaron getting out with the crowd
They started out with Amazing Grace which was perfect, because I know the fingering on that and was able to follow what he did.
That segued into Scotland the Brave and then straight in to Black Bear, which I love.
I don't know what his reputation is amongst other pipers, but I always enjoy seeing him. Watching his finger-work was really impressive. He's very fast and very smooth. I couldn't follow even half the grace notes he was playing. Plus he does this very cool slide from one note to the next. Yes, I'm sure in the future I'll find that it's some sort of common technique and not that impressive to most pipers, but right here - right now - it seems pretty damn impressive to me.
He played with two sets of bagpipes. Both were linked to the speakers. (Who'd have thought that bagpipes needed to be amplified?)
But the second set was linked to a wah-wah pedal. VERY cool sounds from that one. For one set he ran it through some sort of effect which really made them sound more like small pipes than the Great Highland Bagpipes.
My regret was that I wasn't able to stay longer and see the next set.
Afterward I wandered around to where the bands were practicing. I'd wanted to see Simon Frasier University playing, but they weren't doing much of anything while I was there.
I did get to see Dowco Triumph Street Pipe band practicing.
Pipe Major David Hilder was giving the group what for on one of their pieces, stabbing the air with his finger and shouting "Tah, dah BURL! Tah, dah BURL!" It was my first glimpse of what the Pipe Major actually does.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Skagit Valley Games
Yesterday I went to the Skagit Valley Highland Games.
This is a smaller venue than the Big Enumclaw one at the end of the month, but it's closer and a little more intimate.
I've been going there the last several years, but this is the first time I've been to the games since I've started lessons.
I've got to say, it was almost like going to the games for the first time.
I spent most of the morning wandering around the solo-piper competition, watching to see what the "pros" were doing. I may have been the only spectator in that section who wasn't competing, or supporting someone who was competing. In fact, I may have made some of the pipers nervous. I definitely got the "who the hell is this guy" vibe from a couple of them. No matter. I watched some of the grade 2 and grade 1 performers (grade 1 is top level) as they performed hornpipes, jigs and pibrochs.
I actually found myself getting excited that, at least half the time, I could follow what they were doing with their fingers. That's a far cry from being able to do it myself, but it was exciting for me nevertheless.
Later I watched as a few of the band competitions. In that setting, it became easier to hear which bands were truly in sync with each other. All it takes is one or two pipers to come in a half beat late, or hold a flourish a hair too long to muddy the overall sound a bit.
I did run into Jeff Mudd, Ryan Gallagher and Karla Cockbain. I also saw Scott our drum instructor.
We started talking about why you don't see Fire or Police pipe bands competing at these games. Ryan said he asked Scott that very question and was told that, quite frankly, fire and pipe bands aren't good enough. The pipers competing here have been doing it since they were kids. Firemen and Policemen just don't put in nearly as many hours practicing.
He may be right, but I think it's a goal to shoot for. If we're going to all this trouble to make a pipe band, shouldn't we strive to be the best?
Ah well. Easy enough for me to say, but Lord knows talk is cheap.
Oh, I did learn a valuable lesson. If you leave your practice chanter in the car on a hot day, it will probably ruin the reed. Found out the hard way on that one. Fortunately I picked up a replacement reed before I left the games...
This is a smaller venue than the Big Enumclaw one at the end of the month, but it's closer and a little more intimate.
I've been going there the last several years, but this is the first time I've been to the games since I've started lessons.
I've got to say, it was almost like going to the games for the first time.
I spent most of the morning wandering around the solo-piper competition, watching to see what the "pros" were doing. I may have been the only spectator in that section who wasn't competing, or supporting someone who was competing. In fact, I may have made some of the pipers nervous. I definitely got the "who the hell is this guy" vibe from a couple of them. No matter. I watched some of the grade 2 and grade 1 performers (grade 1 is top level) as they performed hornpipes, jigs and pibrochs.
I actually found myself getting excited that, at least half the time, I could follow what they were doing with their fingers. That's a far cry from being able to do it myself, but it was exciting for me nevertheless.
Later I watched as a few of the band competitions. In that setting, it became easier to hear which bands were truly in sync with each other. All it takes is one or two pipers to come in a half beat late, or hold a flourish a hair too long to muddy the overall sound a bit.
I did run into Jeff Mudd, Ryan Gallagher and Karla Cockbain. I also saw Scott our drum instructor.
We started talking about why you don't see Fire or Police pipe bands competing at these games. Ryan said he asked Scott that very question and was told that, quite frankly, fire and pipe bands aren't good enough. The pipers competing here have been doing it since they were kids. Firemen and Policemen just don't put in nearly as many hours practicing.
He may be right, but I think it's a goal to shoot for. If we're going to all this trouble to make a pipe band, shouldn't we strive to be the best?
Ah well. Easy enough for me to say, but Lord knows talk is cheap.
Oh, I did learn a valuable lesson. If you leave your practice chanter in the car on a hot day, it will probably ruin the reed. Found out the hard way on that one. Fortunately I picked up a replacement reed before I left the games...
Friday, July 8, 2011
"That" song
Yesterday we started working on THE song. You know which one. The big one. The raison d’être for most pipe bands. The single most recognized song for bagpipes in the world. I refer, of course, to Amazing Grace.
From a technical standpoint, it’s not really that difficult. By that I mean there aren’t a lot of complicated flourishes or finger patterns.
But the fact is, this is the one that has to be perfect. Each and every time, it must be perfect. Even more than the fingering, the timing must be impeccable. All the pipers must be in sync. For unlike most other songs played on the pipes, this one will invariably carry emotional significance.
Granted, the average person who hears it won’t know if a grace note or a D-throw are a little off, but for a band it must have that crisp uniformity – that cleanliness of sound that comes from everyone being in exact time with each other. That (in my opinion) is what helps give this piece it’s gravitas.
Given the purpose of our band, this is the one song I feel we must absolutely get right.
Onoir Do Na Marbh.
Honor to the Dead.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Recognition
Driving in to work today I was listening to Aaron Shaw of the Wicked Tinkers playing a hornpipe set. I really liked the Tinkers before, but now that I'm taking lessons I really have a new appreciation of how impressive his playing really is.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Doublings
Well, I've got my new Korg TM-40 Tuner/Metronome, just like Neil's. But that's the only positive right now.
These doublings are killing me. We're punching through the A,B,C and G doubling exercises which should be easy. I mean the left hand fingerings are essentially identical for each of them. But I can't seem to make it click. Intellectually I think I understand them, but I can't get my fingers to cooperate. I know it's just muscle memory, so I'm drilling it more and more. But the other thing is the rhythm. I pick up the patter okay in class, but it seems to fly out of my head when I'm at home. I know I'm supposed to be able to read the rhythm in the notes on the page, but it's still not connecting with a sound in my head.
I've gotten lax on my practice and it shows. Time to buckle down a little more.
As far as tunes, we're using Barnyards of Delgady as a memorized warm up and are now working on memorized Scots Wha Hae. I'm actually feeling pretty comfortable with this, it's just those damn doubling exercises.....
These doublings are killing me. We're punching through the A,B,C and G doubling exercises which should be easy. I mean the left hand fingerings are essentially identical for each of them. But I can't seem to make it click. Intellectually I think I understand them, but I can't get my fingers to cooperate. I know it's just muscle memory, so I'm drilling it more and more. But the other thing is the rhythm. I pick up the patter okay in class, but it seems to fly out of my head when I'm at home. I know I'm supposed to be able to read the rhythm in the notes on the page, but it's still not connecting with a sound in my head.
I've gotten lax on my practice and it shows. Time to buckle down a little more.
As far as tunes, we're using Barnyards of Delgady as a memorized warm up and are now working on memorized Scots Wha Hae. I'm actually feeling pretty comfortable with this, it's just those damn doubling exercises.....
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Good news!
I just received notification that I've been selected for the Advanced Bagpiper class!
As you may know, we have quite a few beginning pipers. Each class has about a dozen at a time. However, I've noticed that there seems to be a core group (in my class anyway) of about 5 or 6 who are almost always at the rehearsal. The other 6 or 7 seem to come and go on a rotating basis.
We're far enough along now that it's becoming easier to see differing skill levels....or at least who's not practicing as much as others.
At our last lesson there were a couple people who were having enough problems during group play that I couldn't hear whether or not I was hitting the right notes myself. It ended up being a pretty frustrating rehearsal for me.
So Neil has divided the two hour lesson into two, one hour lessons. The students who are "exceeding expectations" and progressing "ahead of schedule" will come in for the first hour and the others will come in the second hour.
I'm pleased and flattered that I've been chosen to join the first group.
From the email:
"...This class is intended for those of you who are exceeding expectations and looking to challenge yourself more. My expectations are that you learn at a pace that will challenge you and propel you into getting your bagpipes much earlier than if we stayed with our current schedule. There will be a pretty strict guideline put in place by Neil before you will be able to move on to your pipes. This test will be administered by Neil and the details of this test will be explained to you by Neil at practice. Now that you have been selected to be in this class you will be expected to keep up with the majority of your classmates and communicate when you feel things are progressing too quickly or too slow. Our goal, although a very big goal, is to have you ready to play this St. Patrick's Day 2012 so we have a lot of work ahead of us...."
I have to admit, I'm pretty excited about the challenge.
As you may know, we have quite a few beginning pipers. Each class has about a dozen at a time. However, I've noticed that there seems to be a core group (in my class anyway) of about 5 or 6 who are almost always at the rehearsal. The other 6 or 7 seem to come and go on a rotating basis.
We're far enough along now that it's becoming easier to see differing skill levels....or at least who's not practicing as much as others.
At our last lesson there were a couple people who were having enough problems during group play that I couldn't hear whether or not I was hitting the right notes myself. It ended up being a pretty frustrating rehearsal for me.
So Neil has divided the two hour lesson into two, one hour lessons. The students who are "exceeding expectations" and progressing "ahead of schedule" will come in for the first hour and the others will come in the second hour.
I'm pleased and flattered that I've been chosen to join the first group.
From the email:
"...This class is intended for those of you who are exceeding expectations and looking to challenge yourself more. My expectations are that you learn at a pace that will challenge you and propel you into getting your bagpipes much earlier than if we stayed with our current schedule. There will be a pretty strict guideline put in place by Neil before you will be able to move on to your pipes. This test will be administered by Neil and the details of this test will be explained to you by Neil at practice. Now that you have been selected to be in this class you will be expected to keep up with the majority of your classmates and communicate when you feel things are progressing too quickly or too slow. Our goal, although a very big goal, is to have you ready to play this St. Patrick's Day 2012 so we have a lot of work ahead of us...."
I have to admit, I'm pretty excited about the challenge.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Doublings and throws
So the last couple of weeks we've been working on F Doubling. Personally, I do all right (not good, mind you. Just "all right") until I get to the E. I seem to be having a mental block making the pattern jump past the F to the G and then high A. Yesterday in class I thought I had it, but trying today it seems to have slipped back away from me.
Maybe part of the problem is my hands are cold. Or dry. Or cold and dry. Whatever the reason is, I can't seem to get a good seal with my right fingers, which throws the whole sound off.
We did start on D throws yesterday as well. I think I'm going to be able to pick those up a wee bit better. Probably because they don't change depending on the entering note.
On the Uniform front, I finally got around to putting together a bit of a primer on Irish style band uniforms for Dave Sweeny. I also suggested we might want to look at the Canadian Police doublet, as opposed to a variation of the Police Beat Blouse that Boston Pipes & Drums wears. Personally, I think it looks sharp, and this is our opportunity to set our tone (pardon the pun) for the look of our band.
Finally, we've got our first big fundraiser coming up! May 18th, 2011. Several of the local pipe bands will be there, and I'm anxious to see what sort of turn-out we get...
Maybe part of the problem is my hands are cold. Or dry. Or cold and dry. Whatever the reason is, I can't seem to get a good seal with my right fingers, which throws the whole sound off.
We did start on D throws yesterday as well. I think I'm going to be able to pick those up a wee bit better. Probably because they don't change depending on the entering note.
On the Uniform front, I finally got around to putting together a bit of a primer on Irish style band uniforms for Dave Sweeny. I also suggested we might want to look at the Canadian Police doublet, as opposed to a variation of the Police Beat Blouse that Boston Pipes & Drums wears. Personally, I think it looks sharp, and this is our opportunity to set our tone (pardon the pun) for the look of our band.
Finally, we've got our first big fundraiser coming up! May 18th, 2011. Several of the local pipe bands will be there, and I'm anxious to see what sort of turn-out we get...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Paddy Coynes
Last night we had our first "social" gathering of the band. Mike Solan put out the email and we descended on Paddy Coynes in South Lake Union.
I would estimate about 30-40 bandmembers and assorted spouses/significant others were there. It was nice to get a chance to meet the pipers from the Monday rehearsal, as well as some of the drummers. I sense a friendly rivalry brewing there...
Plus a few lads from the Seattle Fire Dept. Pipe Band stopped in to support us.
I talked with Carla quite a bit about where we are for fundraising, and got a chance to meet with Mike about the Uniform committee. While there was the inevitable talk about business, a Guinness or two loosened the group up.
All in all it was good craic!
I would estimate about 30-40 bandmembers and assorted spouses/significant others were there. It was nice to get a chance to meet the pipers from the Monday rehearsal, as well as some of the drummers. I sense a friendly rivalry brewing there...
Plus a few lads from the Seattle Fire Dept. Pipe Band stopped in to support us.
I talked with Carla quite a bit about where we are for fundraising, and got a chance to meet with Mike about the Uniform committee. While there was the inevitable talk about business, a Guinness or two loosened the group up.
All in all it was good craic!
Monday, March 28, 2011
A couple catch up items
Well, we had no rehearsal on St. Patrick's day, but we did get together last week. We're through the scales and skip notes, and have started on grace notes (G and E). Plus we've started on our first song - the Barnyards of Delgady.
The shirts, patches and challenge coins have come in, and they look great! I'm going to have to pick up a few more challenge coins as gifts, I think.
Finally, this article made the news this week:
The shirts, patches and challenge coins have come in, and they look great! I'm going to have to pick up a few more challenge coins as gifts, I think.
Finally, this article made the news this week:
Seattle Police form pipe band to honor their own - and the community
Credit: Lauren Hill
The band is the great equalizer, with officers who are brand new to the department on up to lieutenants and captains turning out.
Posted on March 27, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Updated yesterday at 7:12 PM
SEATTLE – Pipe bands have a long tradition in fire departments around the Puget Sound region, but there are no police department bands. That's about to change.
Dozens of Seattle Police officers have joined forces to form the Seattle Police Pipes & Drums. They had their first official practice on Feb. 24.
Officer Ryan Gallagher, the band's founding member, said he was inspired to form a band when he saw the Seattle Fire Department Pipes & Drums play at Officer Tim Brenton's memorial service in 2009.
"They did an amazing job. I was just blown away with how they presented themselves," said Gallagher, who works out of the East Precinct. "When I saw them leading the family I instantly thought 'What a great way to honor somebody, but why aren't we doing this?'"
In East Coast cities such as New York and Boston, police bands are common, but not so much in the West, Gallagher said.
"If you 'YouTube' New York City Police pipes and drums you can watch video of a hundred pipers and drummers come down the road. It's amazing," he said.
After months of research and consulting with the Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drums, as well as the Boston Police Department's bagpipe band,Gallagher came up with a plan and put out the call for recruits.
"We started with 30 people and within a couple of days it grew to 72," said Gallagher.
"It's exciting, just thinking about what it could be – what it could represent, the department could take pride in it."
Band members meet once a week for instruction with a professional piper and drummer. Gallagher says about half the members have played an instrument before but many haven't played in years, and only a few have experience with pipes or drums.
The learning process will likely take up to a year. Pipers learn on a practice chanter, similar to a recorder, and drummers start out on a practice pad. It will be months before they transition to the actual pipes and drums.
"We accept the fact that there are going to be people who are frustrated with this," said Gallagher. "There could be a mass exodus but everyone that's there now is fully committed."
The band is the great equalizer, with officers who are brand new to the department on up to lieutenants and captains turning out.
"And we have people from about age 25 up to 60," said Gallagher.
The band gets no funding from the Police Department.
"This is all police officers doing this on their own," said Gallagher.
He says he hopes the band will allow people to see police officers in a different light.
"I'd like to think that when the community sees the Seattle Police Pipes & Drums marching in, let's say, the Seafair Parade, that they're able to see beyond the badge and see a large group of men and women who care very deeply about this community and being involved in it," he said.
"We eventually hope to represent the City of Seattle and everyone who lives here."
Monday, March 7, 2011
Some inspiration
I came across these two videos showing close up of finger work. The first is from the late Gordon Duncan. The man was considered a piping genius.
The next is of Pipe Major Gordon Walker, who some consider one of the worlds best living pipers.
I've got a long, long, LONG way to go.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Second lesson
First, now that I have a couple people following this blog, I want to say don't worry - I don't plan on making an entry after every single lesson. That would be tedious even to me. But part of the purpose of this blog is to record the formative steps of a pipe band, so I do want to get some of these early lessons in.
Yesterday we had about a two dozen officers in class, and half of them were there for the first time. This is about the same number as last week, so I don't know if the "missing" officers from last week have dropped out, weren't able to make the class or attended Monday's session.
By point of clarification, Neil teaches class twice a week - Mondays at 1700 hours and Thursdays at 1230 hours. We're only expected to attend one of them, depending on our shift hours.
We reviewed and worked on the scales, as well as simple practice tunes and transitions from D to E.
As far as the band itself, we cast votes for the president, vice president, treasurer and board positions. The officers all ran unopposed, so it was really for forms sake. But we did have to choose members for board positions.
Quote of the day: "...you've got to flatten your fingers and feel for the hole..."
I think I was the only one who saw a double entendre in this.
Perhaps I've been working sex crimes too long.....
Yesterday we had about a two dozen officers in class, and half of them were there for the first time. This is about the same number as last week, so I don't know if the "missing" officers from last week have dropped out, weren't able to make the class or attended Monday's session.
By point of clarification, Neil teaches class twice a week - Mondays at 1700 hours and Thursdays at 1230 hours. We're only expected to attend one of them, depending on our shift hours.
We reviewed and worked on the scales, as well as simple practice tunes and transitions from D to E.
As far as the band itself, we cast votes for the president, vice president, treasurer and board positions. The officers all ran unopposed, so it was really for forms sake. But we did have to choose members for board positions.
Quote of the day: "...you've got to flatten your fingers and feel for the hole..."
I think I was the only one who saw a double entendre in this.
Perhaps I've been working sex crimes too long.....
Thursday, February 24, 2011
First Lesson
Today was our first piping practice.
There were about a dozen of us, and we met in one of the Training Section's classrooms. This is likely where all our lessons will occur. The thing that struck me about my fellow band members was that we were all more "experienced" officers. Which is a polite way of saying "old dogs." Most of the pre-practice conversation revolved around how this new crop of officers don't know how to police the way we did. (Most of them have never been in a pursuit!) It was a conversation I remember overhearing when I was new to the department. I find it interesting to be on the other side of the same conversation.
But I digress.
Neil Hubbard is our instructor. He's seems to be a pretty amiable guy. He handed out our practice chanters - a "Tru-Tone." He says he prefers these because the the recessed holes make finding your finger position a little easier. Plus, it sounds like they can really take a beating with little or no upkeep.
We all squeaked out or first note - low G - then stumbled through proper finger position and eventually the scale. It sounded like so many ducks trying to play the kazoo.
My wife is going to love this.....
There were about a dozen of us, and we met in one of the Training Section's classrooms. This is likely where all our lessons will occur. The thing that struck me about my fellow band members was that we were all more "experienced" officers. Which is a polite way of saying "old dogs." Most of the pre-practice conversation revolved around how this new crop of officers don't know how to police the way we did. (Most of them have never been in a pursuit!) It was a conversation I remember overhearing when I was new to the department. I find it interesting to be on the other side of the same conversation.
But I digress.
Neil Hubbard is our instructor. He's seems to be a pretty amiable guy. He handed out our practice chanters - a "Tru-Tone." He says he prefers these because the the recessed holes make finding your finger position a little easier. Plus, it sounds like they can really take a beating with little or no upkeep.
We all squeaked out or first note - low G - then stumbled through proper finger position and eventually the scale. It sounded like so many ducks trying to play the kazoo.
My wife is going to love this.....
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It begins
1/17/2011
Officer Ryan Gallagher announced the formation of the band. First organizational meeting at the Guild on 1/25/11.
1/25/11
First organizational meeting. I was expecting maybe a half dozen officers. In fact, there were about 30 present. Ryan said even more were expected a second meeting to be held later in the week. We met our instructor Neil Hubbard. Neil assisted in setting up the Seattle Fire Dept. Pipe and Drum band.
Ryan laid out his expectations and goals. He's been in contact with Boston Pipes and Drums and they have offered to act as a "mentoring band" to us. It sounds like we will be following their model pretty closely. The issue of uniforms and tartans came up. Ryan said that he intends this to be an Irish style band (like Boston's) so he wants a solid kilt.
All members are to contribute $25.00 to cover lessons. Practice Chanters will cost us $65.00 each.
1/29/11
Email from Ryan. Bagpipe practices (lessons) will be held on Mondays from 1700-1900 and Thursdays from 1230-1430. Pipers need only attend one of these each week. We now have 57 members! It will be interesting to see what our attrition rate is.
1/31/11
Ryan sent out an email announcing Scott Parker as our drum instructor.
Attended the first meeting of the Newly formed Seattle Pipes and Drums
2/16/11
T-shirts, patches and challenge coins are now available for fundraising efforts.
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