The band holds weekly practices on Thursdays as well as additional practices as needed for specific performances. We welcome the general public as well as local firefighters. Once a musician has demonstrated the proficiency necessary for performance and met a minimum attendance requirement, that individual will be recommended for performance membership in the band.
We also offer free instruction to the public at all ability levels, with no prior music experience necessary. If you are interested in learning to play pipes or drums, please contact the pipe major or drum sergeant. A word to the wise: being a member of a pipe band requires time and dedication. It can be quite frustrating to learn an instrument, and bagpipes pose particular challenges. It takes many hours of practice at home, and many more to attend regular practices and performances. We feel the effort is well worth it, and hope that you do, too!
Piping instruction:
Pipe Major Jessica Bryant
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Instructor background:
Jessica has taught piping for over 30 years and has a classical music background in piano, french horn, and music theory. She began piping in high school with the Minnesota Police Pipe Band, rising to the role of Pipe Sergeant of their highly successful Grade 3 competition band and developing the band’s extensive instructional program. Jessica has had the privilege of working with some of the best, including Jim McGillivray, Rob Mathieson, Terry Tully, and Jim Kilpatrick. A successful solo competitor for several years throughout the greater midwest and Winnipeg, Canada, Jessica moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2000. In 2009 she helped found the band as Pipe Major and instructor. During her years with MN Police, the band performed at line of duty death funeral services and memorials across the state. This provided a strong background for leading the massed band at services for local fallen first responders CdAPD Sergeant Greg Moore, CdAFD Battalion Chief John Morrison, Post Falls FD Battalion Chief Frank Harwood.