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.....
Thursday, February 24, 2011
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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