Q. Where does the
band meet?
A.
The Band meets every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM at:
2709 E. Hanna Avenue in Tampa
(This is near Hillsborough and 30th street)
6:00 - 6:30 - Lesson time for students.
6:30 - 7:00 - Chanter and practice pad practice for
entire band.
7:00 - 8:00 - Pipes & drums in the circle (includes
tuning time)
8:00
- Personalized help with instruments reeds or equipment
Feel free to stop by if you are interested in
what we are doing or would like to become a part of our band.
Q. Do I have to be a firefighter to join?
A.
Any active,
retired, volunteer or family of a firefighter is eligible. Our
goal is to have at least one or more members from each agency
represented. We want our band to represent the diversity and
camaraderie of the fire service.
Q. Do I have to be a local firefighter to join?
A. The band has
two types of memberships available. Regular membership and for
those outside of our normal area, we have a satellite
membership. Satellite members may perform with the band when
in their area and may wear their local tartan. Some people
have joined as satellite members from long distance just to be
a part of a Florida firefighter pipe band.
Q. What will I be required to
purchase to get started?
A.
Initially, if
you are a piping student you will be required to purchase a
practice chanter and a tutor book. The cost for these items
is approximately $90.00. If you are a drumming student you
will be required to purchase a practice pad and drumsticks at
a cost of approximately $55.00. This is, of course, assuming
that you do not already have these items. No other purchases
will be necessary until you are ready to perform with the
band.
Q. How much
will my lessons cost?
A. There is no
cost for lessons for band members. Teaching is initially done
on a one-on-one basis, until you have progressed to the point
of group sessions. Then you will attend regular practice with
the rest of the band members.
Q. When will I know when I’m ready
to progress from the practice chanter to the bagpipe?
A. The Pipe Major and
instructor will decide when you have progressed to the point where you
should consider purchasing your bagpipes. Although it depends
on the student, most are ready to make this transition in
approximately one year. You will be given ample notice, in
order to allow you time to research your options. Once you’ve
purchased your pipes, your student lesson will include
instruction on the bagpipe.
Q. Will someone teach me how to care
for, and tune, my bagpipe or drum?
A. Such information will be
dispensed in the normal day-to-day operation of the Band.
However, if you have specific questions/issues, feel free to
address these with any senior piper or drummer in the Band. These
are items that can be addressed after normal practice.
Q. What’s expected of me?
A. We expect the band to receive a reasonable
priority when scheduling your activities. If you are unable
to attend a band function please contact your section leader
(Pipe/Drum Sergeant), the Pipe Major or any member of the
board. Some engagements stipulate the number of players, so it
is important that we be able to count on you if you have
committed to a performance. Attendance is of importance
during your student training as well, since special provisions
are made to have an instructor available to you at practice.
Q. How soon will I be able to
perform with the band?
A.
That depends on how
quickly you progress in your training. The Pipe Major
will determine when you have reached the proficiency level
required to perform with the band. However, at any time
prior to your performance debut the band would strongly
encourage you to lend your support by marching in the color
guard. This is an excellent opportunity to participate
and gain valuable experience at the same time. The items
you will need to take part in this way are a
Glengarry (hat), hat badge, black dress slacks
(uniform pants), band uniform shirt with your department badge
and your department patch on the left shoulder, a black tie
and black shoes (shiny finish). The band will provide the
remainder of the color guard uniform.
Q. Does the band provide the
marching uniform?
A. The band
issues certain uniform items and some items that are of a
personal nature must be purchased. The band will issue a
few items but most of the uniform must be purchased by the
band member.
Q.
I already own a kilt in my clan
tartan. Am I allowed to wear it when playing with the band?
A.
For reasons of uniformity,
the band has selected the Leslie Red Modern as our official
band tartan. Once you have a kilt with the band tartan, you
will be required to wear it to all band performances.
Q. Who buys the
instruments?
A. Due to hygienic considerations and
differences in personal tastes, it will be the responsibility
of the individual to purchase their own bagpipes. You should
expect an outlay of $1,100 - $1,500 for a set of pipes. More
expensive models are available, depending upon the extent of
ornamentation you desire, but are not necessary to perform
with the band. Drums and harnesses are provided by the band
and remain the property of the band.
Q. Does the band compete?
A. No. It is not
in keeping with the primary goals of this organization to
participate in competition as a group. However, should you
wish to compete on an individual basis at some point in time,
it will be at your discretion and will be encouraged for the
learning experience it provides.
Q. Where are the best sources for
bagpiping and drumming equipment and supplies?
A. Contact the
Pipe Major, Pipe Sergeants or Drum Sergeants regarding the
sources used by the Band for highland clothing, equipment and
supplies.
Firefighters of Tampa Bay Pipes & Drums
Inc
|
