June 24th, 2010
One of the joys/privileges/honors of being a bagpiper is that you are often asked to be a part of the most intimate part of people’s lives. Be it playing at a wedding where the mood is upbeat and joyful or playing for a funeral where things are more solemn and mournful, pipers are often the soundtrack to that event and more often than not one of the things people tend to remember about the event. There are other events such as church services, memorials, birthday parties and such but weddings and funerals seem to be the biggies.
There have been instances where the entire band has played both weddings and funerals others where a single piper has been requested. In either case as members of SALPD we try to provide the proper look and tone from the band members in attendance. It has been said by certain crusty old Pipe Majors (and even crustier Drum Majors) that the pipes do two things remarkable well mourn the dead and rouse to battle. (That said I’ll let you draw your own references as to their place at weddings) As stated before it really is a privilege and honor to perform at these events and we want you and your guests to remember the piper/s for the right reasons not the wrong ones.
Pipe Major MacLeod recently piped at a funeral and the band was sent this email:
Tim…
We didn’t have a chance to talk at my brother’s funeral, but it should not be left unsaid that your part was as dramatic, excellently presented, and respectful as it was hoped to be. Thank you for being on time, for taking our request on such short notice, and for doing a job worthy of the man we honored.
Ed attempted to learn the bagpipes and he always had a fascination with all things Celtic. In his 30′s and 40′s, Ed was a large, robust man and once sported a big, bushy red beard. As we pulled up to the grave site, my wife remarked how much you looked like Ed at that point in his life. It was serendipitous how seeing you completed the whole image. Ed had requested a piper at his funeral once we learned that his cancer was going to be terminal. You fulfilled his request in grand style. It could not have been better.
Thank you.
Pat Robson
Ed’s big brother
Our condolences go out to Pat and the entire Robson family. No matter what the event or when it is please feel free to contact us for all your piping needs. You can book the band with the previous link. Thanks for all your support and we’ll see you all soon.
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Posted by From Dark Water
June 20th, 2010
Happy Father's Day
Wanted to take a quick second to say Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there. Thanks to all the Dad’s out there for everything you’ve done and will do.
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Posted by From Dark Water
June 19th, 2010
OK so it was like a million degrees today and what a better thing to do than march and play bagpipes. Today St. Andrew’s Legion led the Firetruck parade into the Farmers Market and helped support our local firefighters. Today was the second annual Burning Up the Bottom Firefighter Festival. There was food, music, beverages, games and good times. Sean Gregory from Halligan’s started this last year to raise money for local charities and honor the area fire and EMS. It’s a really great event that was bigger than last year.
I know from my family’s perspective it was a great time. My kids had a ball, wife was there to support not only my self but her brother’s band Crashing Reality. Not to mention that when we got there we found another face we knew up on stage performing in Scott Harris. I did my part to help out and signed up for a raffle ticket to win a Harley. I know I’ll disappoint some members of the band as I don’t remember what kind it was and won’t know what to do with it if I win it, but it was to help a local area firefighters family deal with his loss. Not to mention one of the best bowls of shrimp and grits I’ve ever had from Bistro 41.
After marching the three/three and a half blocks in and playing while all the fire apparatus and the Red Knights rolled in and set up we were done. Quick easy and to the point. Once the trucks were set up people could come up and look and them. The guys and gals in the fire department are always so friendly and entertaining with the kids, and over sized kids who come up to look at the trucks. There were many kind words about our performance and support for what we do. After a quick tour around Justin and I ducked in to Rosie’s for a pint in the cool air. Then it was back out to catch up with the family and cheer Eddie on as kept the beat for Crashing Reality.
Go ahead now and pencil next years Burning Up the Bottom in as I’m sure it will only get bigger and better. Not to mention is a great time for a great cause. If you couldn’t make it this year next time you see any fire or EMS folks make sure to thank them for the job they do. I’m going to start working on cooler weather for the next one and who knows maybe I’ll get to drive up on my new Harley. I wonder if you can carry bagpipes on one of those things.
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Posted by From Dark Water
June 15th, 2010
It’s been a while since our last post so here we go. Since the last post we have been working hard on learning new tunes and improving our marching. We have added some new members and they are jumping right in and even learning the marching right away. We even added a couple of members to the Regimental Band part. It’s been a while since we’ve had other instruments with us so it should prove interesting. In addition to the personal growth we also managed to perform at two of our more important events.
Last Monday we played at the Virginia War Memorial to help honor those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I swear the crowd gets bigger each year. Next year the event will be held in the new amphitheater they are currently constructing so hopefully there will be even more people. I am always blown away by the people who attend this event. It is really great to meet some of the men and women who have served our county. They are always grateful for our efforts on the day but I tell them thank you for having us. I know I am constantly saying it’s an honor and privilege here but it truly is just that. I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t been said or I’ve even said before but this part bears repeating. THANK YOU.
This was followed by the Virginia Fallen Firefighters ceremony this past Saturday. Members from our sister band, The Old Dominion Emerald Society, were there as well and led us in with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect at this type of event. Again it is an honor and privileged to participate in this event. The ceremony is always nice and pays great honor to those who gave their lives in protecting us. We were joined by a member of Tidewater Pipes and Drums who played with us last year as well. You could see and hear our hard work paying off and we we all in lock step and sounded very good.
The one thing that most people ask about this event is, “What do bagpipes have to do with firefighters/police?” This actually comes from the migration of Irish and Scottish to the states and the fact that no one would hire them for any jobs. During this time NINA (No Irish Need Apply) signs were everywhere. The only jobs they could get were the ones people didn’t want which were the firefighters and police. The custom of mourning the dead with the pipes came with them and as the department grew the pipes were carried forward. So there is the link to bagpipes for police and fire.
You should see a couple of rapid fire posts coming as I have some things to put up. July is pretty quiet for the band as we only have two gigs. Port Royal on July 3rd and the Brand Station parade on July 29th. Rest assured we’ll be hard at work trying to improve what we love doing. Just because we don’t play as much in the summer doesn’t mean the blog will be neglected I hope to post at least every other week. I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer and I hope we’ll see you soon. One last thing a big thank you to David Ramsey. He’s our resident camera guru who has the impossible task of trying to make us look good in photos and videos. In addition to blogs you should see some more of David’s hard work posted on our site and on youtube very soon. Thanks again.
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Posted by From Dark Water
