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Recruiting
Membership. The
band is primarily a fire department band, meaning that it membership is made
up of volunteer and professional personnel, active or retired. We have
volunteer firemen who are also sworn law enforcement. We welcome high
school students who are in the cadet program as well as Professional or
Volunteers from the region. All members of the band must consent to a
background check.
Cost. There are dues to join the band. It is $10
a year or $25 for a three year membership. This is to offset the costs of
travel, and equipment, etc. However not all things are covered. Members
must buy their own uniforms. Pipers must purchase their own pipes, book,
and practice chanter. Drummers must purchase sticks and a practice pad. A basic uniform set will cost
$600-$800. A set of pipes will generally run $1000 -$1500 depending on
personal preference (we prefer Gibson). However, the band's leadership will
provide guidance regarding purchases. To get started, a new piper must
purchase a practice chanter and book (again, the band leadership will
provide guidance). Depending on choices these will cost about $100-$150.
Pipes and uniforms are generally not ordered until one has spent at lest
six months on the practice chanter. The bottom line is by the time a piper
steps out for his first performance with the band, he or she has spent
anywhere from $2000 to $2500 to get up and rolling.
Time Commitment. There is a direct relationship
between amount of time put into practicing and the quality of one's piping,
as well as the time it takes to get up on the pipes. Less time put in daily
on a consistent basis is better than a great deal of time on a less frequent
basis. Ideally, if one can put in 20-30 minutes a day, things will progress
nicely.
Time to get up on the pipes. "How long until I
can play the pipes in public?" Of course, that is the question all new
members ask. The answer is, "it depends". It depends on how consistent the
student's practice habits are, as well as things like musical background and
talent. We have had members of the band be able to play simple tunes on the
pipes in less than six months; others have taken over a year. It depends mostly on you and the consistent effort you put
into it.
So, if you are still interested, and want to know more
come to one of our Thursday night practices at the Huntingtown Volunteer
Fire Department Co. 6. Practice
starts at 7:30 PM, with members starting to show up around 7:00. Hang out,
ask questions, and see if it’s the kind of thing you'd like to commit to.
Our Next Practice is @ 7:30 pm at Huntingtown, Volunteer Fire Department, Co. 6 on the Second
Floor Banquet Hall. (address: 4030 Old Town Road, Huntingtown, MD
20639)
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