SERVICE & TRADITION
Pipes & Drums
Pipes & Drums is a volunteer service unit operated by Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) to honor the firefighter tradition throughout central Missouri.
FORMED
1997
Created through the efforts of an assistant fire chief who had seen strong pipe band traditions in fire districts across the United States.
FIRST PARADE
Memorial Day 1999
The band began with six pipers and several drummers before its first Memorial Day parade.
SEASON
Late August through May
The band performs approximately 20 times annually during its active season.
ABOUT
Volunteer service rooted in firefighter tradition.
Pipes & Drums is a valued, volunteer service unit operated by Boone County Fire Protection District to honor the firefighter tradition throughout central Missouri.
Our goals are to assist BCFPD in serving the firefighter community and its constituents, to represent BCFPD at local and state-level historical and ceremonial functions, and to uphold high standards of Scottish and firefighter decorum and music.
HISTORY
Formed in 1997
Boone County Fire Protection District Pipes & Drums was formed in 1997 through the efforts of an assistant Fire Chief who had visited many fire districts throughout the U.S. where pipe bands were a strong tradition.
TRADITION
Ceremonies, parades and memorials
Historically, fire and police departments, manned largely by the Scots and Irish, incorporated pipes and drums in their ceremonies, parades, and memorials for fallen firefighters.
GROWTH
Statewide performance requests
The events of September 11 furthered awareness of the role pipes and drums play in honoring our heroes. The band expanded over the next two decades to become the largest firefighter and civic service bagpipe band in Missouri with ever-increasing requests for performances.
INTRODUCTORY VIDEO
Watch the band introduction.
This introductory video helps visitors learn more about the band, its service role and opportunities to become involved.
VIDEO LINK
EVENTS
An active season of service and ceremony.
The band season is active August through May of each year with approximately 20 performances annually. When the band is on break during the summer months, individuals and small groups are available for service or invited performances.
No events at the moment
PRACTICES AND MUSIC
Service, rehearsal and repertoire.
The band plays traditional Scottish and Irish tunes as well as patriotic and ceremonial music. The band is continually growing and learning new repertoire to be performed for parades, in smaller group settings, and as private solo work for weddings, funerals, celebrations, and other events.
BAND ACTIVITIES
Service events and ceremonies
Parades, memorials, civic events, charity runs, service ceremonies and fallen firefighter honors.
PRACTICES
Tuesday evening rehearsals
Full band practices are held at BCFPD Headquarters from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
EDUCATIONAL DEMONSTRATIONS
Schools and organizations
Members provide educational demonstrations for schools and organizations upon invitation.
SEASON AND SUMMER PRACTICE
Late August through May
Periodic summer practices may be arranged for new personnel or upcoming events.
MEMBERSHIP
A clear path for musicians who want to serve.
The band welcomes people interested in traditional Scottish and Irish music and supporting firefighter services. Members come from many walks of life, including students, homemakers, employed staff and professionals, retirees and BCFPD volunteer firefighters.
CURRENT BAND
8 pipers and 5 drummers
The band includes pipers and drummers serving under the leadership of the pipe major and drum major.
LEADERSHIP
Caryl Easton and John Cunning
Caryl Easton serves as pipe major. John Cunning serves as drum major.
PRACTICE REQUIREMENT
Tuesday Evenings
Membership requires attendance on Tuesday evenings for practice and availability for events during the active season.
JOINING AND LEARNING PROCESS
Experienced musicians and beginners both have a pathway.
The band always needs pipers and drummers with experience who can join after demonstrating basic mastery of band repertoire, and it also offers learning pathways for beginning pipers and interested drummers.
JOINING
Experienced pipers and drummers
We welcome inquiries in joining Pipes & Drums. Experienced pipers and drummers can join the band after demonstrating basic mastery of band repertoire.
LEARNING PIPING
6-9 months on practice chanter
A beginning bagpiper typically spends 6-9 months learning technique and tunes on a practice chanter before moving onto the Great Highland Bagpipe.
LEARNING DRUMMING
Bass, tenor and snare
nterested drummers work individually with the drum major during practices. Online learning materials support learning new tenor drum techniques.
REQUIREMENTS
Member expectations at a glance.
Service
Memorials, funerals, civic events, parades and requested memorial support.
Musicianship
Core band tunes, weekly practice and continued improvement.
Uniform
Major uniform items are issued. Members purchase smaller items.
Equipment
Pipers provide bagpipes and chanter. Drummers are issued drums and carriers.
Fire & EMS
MO-TF1
Resources
Contact
