News
December
At the December meeting of the band, several positons on the Board of Directors changed hands. Congratulations and good luck to returning Drum Sergeant Kyle Crutchly, new Vice President Sam Villani, new Quarter Master Rick Blandford, and new Secretary Mike Skidmore. At the same meeting, the band approved the ordering of doublets for all active performing members. If all goes well they will be in before the St. Patricks day performances, and the band will be able to show off the results of the 2007 fund raising efforts in March.
November
The band has started a new piper class with 20 participants. We welcome the new members to the band, and wish them luck. Their premiere performance with the band will be St. Patricks day of 2009.
June
MCFF Pipes and Drums In Ocean City
The band attended the annual Maryland
State Fireman's Convention in Ocean City, MD the third week
of June. The week started with opening ceremonies at the convention
center. Along with The Fire Brigade Pipe Band and DCFD Emerald
Society Pipe Band, we marched into the center among many viewers
honoring the tradition of piping in the fire department and
all firefighters around the state.
The week saw many more activities as
the band participated in the installation of officers, MSFA
beach picnic, and annual parade from the inlet up Baltimore
Avenue. The band led all of Montgomery County and newly elected
President Sterling amid the crowds of people. There were also
many smaller events such as the FOOLS party at Seacrets and
Carroll County Hospitality House.
The most exciting event of the week
was playing at the fallen firefighters memorial along the
boardwalk. Members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department
ended their monthly meeting early to come make way for pipes
and drums. It was a great feeling by all to team-up with The
Fire Brigade and honor all who haven fallen in the line of
duty. As the fog rolled in from the ocean both band lined
up across the boardwalk and began to march. OCVFD and OCPD
heloed clear the way south as the massed band marched through
the many people on the boardwalk looking in awe at pipers
and drummers everywhere.
It was a great time had by all and we would like to thank
everyone who helped support the band throughout the week!
April
MCFF Pipes and Drums Plays For
Brothers Lost in the Line of Duty
Members of the band recently attended the Line Of
Duty Funerals of Prince William Firefighter Wilson and Montgomery
County Police Officer Hoffman. FF Wilson lost his life while
attempting to search for occupants of a home on fire. Officer
Hoffman lost his life after being involved in a collision
while trying to apprehend a drunk driver. The band sends our
heartfelt condolenses to both families and organizations in
their time of need.
Many thanks go to the other area bands who took the lead on
these events. We were happy to assist our brothers and sisters
of the Northern Virginia Firefighters Band for Firefighter
Wilson. There was a large contingent of pipers and drummers
playing at Nissan Pavillion for the funeral and properly laid
to rest one of our own. Another thanks goes out to the Washington
Metro Police Pipe Band for letting us assist in the funeral
of Officer Hoffman. Another well planned and well presented
display of brotherhood.
March
MCFF Pipes and Drums Takes Grand
Marshalls Award in Baltimore
The band appeared for its first time ever in the
annual Baltimore St. Patricks Day Parade on Sunday March 11.
The streets were lined with parade viewers as the band marched
by from the George Washington Monument to the Inner Harbor.
We even won the heart of the Grand Marshall as she presented
us with the Grand Marshalls Award for the day!
February
Fundraiser A Great Success!!
The band would like to thank everyone who came out to support
us this past Saturday night, 02/24 at our annual fundraiser.
A special thanks goes to McGinty's Public House, Miller Lite
and Flying Dog for sponsoring the event! The band raised approximately
$8500.00 during the course of the night. The performances throughout
the night brought on cheers from the crowd and inspired our
motto "Brotherhood Through Music." We plan to keep
rolling into this St. Patrick's Day season and hope to see everone
at our performances.
Pipers Wanted:
The MCFFP&D is looking for persons both
career and volunteer who are interested in learning to play
the bagpipes. We currently have 12 pipers and three students.
We are always looking for more. You don't have to have any
musical background just the desire to learn how to play one
of the most moving and aw-inspiring instruments in history.
If you are interested please contact Pipe Major Scott Doyle
at his email pipemajor@mcffpipesanddrums.org
We meet at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off of Chestnut
Street every Monday from 6 - 8. Hope to see you there!
Pipe Band Opens up the Montgomery County
Firefighters Local 1664 Gala with the Honor Guard
Members of the MCFFP&D performed the opening
ceremonies for Local 1664 on November 11th. The band marched
in behind the honor guard colors and played several sets for
Montgomery County's finest. The band thanks the union for
the great meal and good times afterwards!
Pipers learn from one of the best!
Pipers from the band attended a two day workshop
with Grade I Piping Instructor Paula Glendenning on November
9th and 10th. We fine tuned some very basic skills and looked
further into our upcoming music. We thank Paula and her husband
with the utmost gratitude for helping us along and look forward
to many more chances to learn from her!
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