Official Page for CdA LODD Massed Bands
Calling all Pipers and Drummers:
We invite you to help us provide a proper sendoff to Battalion Chief John Morrison and Battalion Chief Frank Harwood. Email our Pipe Major to be added to the email list for information and updates on the services. The information below will be edited as information changes. Daily updates will continue to be emailed, but consider this page your one stop shop for all information.
If you are a piper or drummer hoping to attend, please fill out this questionnaire ASAP so we have the information we need to plan logistics. Each individual should fill it out separately. It should only take a few minutes, and your answers can be changed later.
Day/Time: Unknown
Music: Pipe and Drum scores are posted at the bottom of the page
Practice Information:
Full Massed Band Practice: TBD
Practice for Locals: Thursday 7/3 at 6pm at Station 2 on the southeast corner of Ramsey and Kathleen. The parking entrance faces the garage doors for the engines.
Tuning Pitch: TBD
Important Details:
I am aiming to have an evening practice the night before the event that includes tuning and marching practice. I am expecting a large turnout, so we will need to be focused and efficient.
To that end, please refrain from warming up on your own. We will warm up as a group, and I have a team of official Tuners that will adjust drones and listen for and fix chanter issues.
Do not re-tune yourself once you have been tuned as part of the massed band. If something sounds off, ask one of the Tuners to take a listen and check.
I will send out, and post above, a tuning pitch within the next couple days and ask that pipers aim to tune prior to arriving at massed bands practice. We will fine tune as best we can prior to performing. As you know, it's not just about showing up: how we sound and look are important parts of the tribute we offer.
Please bring the following to practices:
1. a water bottle
2. a hat so you can see in the blaring evening sunshine
3. pipers: an extra reed or two, ideally broken in
4. pipers: 2-3 extra pieces of tuning tape stuck to the top of your chanter in case they’re needed
5. pipers: a couple of corks just in case
6. pipers: check that your pipes aren’t having maintenance issues ahead of time.
Tunes and marching:
If we do a procession, it will be the 3/4s at a slower quick march tempo. Amazing Grace will have a solo followed either by twice through with the full band, including seconds, with the E to D ending the second time through or the D ending for both times through with a trailing solo. I'll let you know ahead of time. If we have an opportunity to play Going Home, it could be done as a slow march, please review the video below for an example of what that could look like. If you're not familiar with slow marching, pay attention to the feet. Details are dependent upon the wishes of the families and departments.
Uniform:
I imagine it goes without saying to this group, but just to be safe: please make sure your uniform is in good condition. Shoes polished, hose cleaned, shirts pressed, etc. The most formal uniform you have will be most appropriate.
The Day Of Performance:
Your needs through the performance day will be taken care of. We will have a variety of snack options, water, and Gatorade available. My friend’s scout troop is organizing snacks, drinks, and a Comfort/Aid station for us that will provide items like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids, allergy medication, bandaids, tissues, sewing kits, safety pins, and more. The scouts will be present to help with any additional needs.
Meals:
We are working on arranging meals for everyone. A dinner following the massed band practice, and a dinner following the performance. I expect that lunch and breakfast will be covered by the organizers, but if not, the band will work to provide that. If you have dietary restrictions, please be sure to note them in the questionnaire (linked above). We want to accommodate everyone.
Lodging:
I am working on ways to handle lodging once we have the dates. It may be a challenge, but we’re not going to leave you on your own. You’ll hear from me as soon as I have anything to share.
An Open Door:
We are still welcoming any and everyone who wants to join us. Please continue to put out the word to your piper and drummer friends, whether or not they are part of a service band.
Music Scores
3/4 March Set
Pipe Scores: Green Hills Battle’s O’r Balmoral
Amazing Grace
Pipe Score - Firsts
Pipe Score - Harmony
Going Home
A Note for Drummers:
The intent right now is that snares will play "chips" but that is subject to change.
We will coordinate a "rolls" plan for Amazing Grace in person when the time comes.
A final thought:
Our band recently performed for the Firefighter Academy graduation at our local college. During his address, the college President commented that you know the importance of your event by the number of pipers and drummers that come. Every one of you that joins us is an important asset and we are so very grateful. Thank you so much for helping us honor John’s and Frank's lives. It is my biggest wish right now to offer the families, our departments, and our community an enormous showing of support and the best possible send off for John and Frank. Thank you for helping make that possible.
Jessica Bryant
Pipe Major
Coeur d’Alene Firefighters Pipes and Drums