National Tartan Day
Mar-29-2006 20:44 |
Miscellaneous
Scottish | Permalink
I know we are
an Irish Pipe Band, but that doesn't mean we can't
commemorate
National Tartan Day
on April 6.
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National Tartan Day
on April 6.
===============================================================================
|
Newport News Pipers
Read more here.
Korff, an 83-year-old Newport News resident with a high energy level and sharp wit, gives free bagpipe lessons. Korff prepares novice pipers for the Newport News Police Pipe and Drum Corps, which performs free at police academy graduations, fund-raisers and funerals of fallen police officers and firefighters.
"We all come together for a common cause," said Thomas Crouch, a detective with the Newport News Police Department. He plays bagpipe in the band and serves as president of the organization. "It's about promoting heritage and culture and honoring the fallen."
But there's a test for students' dedication: They have to train for about two years before they can perform with the band.
They take lessons with Korff for about a year and a half, playing on a practice chanter - a long black instrument similar to a recorder. Then they can advance to the full bagpipes and start practicing with the pipe band. But they must take about four months of lessons before they can perform.
"Whoever sticks with it is obviously dedicated," Crouch said.
[...]
The band consists of eight pipers, five drummers and one drum major. One piper is a retired New York police officer who played in close to 90 funerals after Sept. 11, 2001, he said.
"I think the bagpipes have a way to stir the soul," he said. "Everybody knows 'Amazing Grace' on bagpipes."
He hopes to expand the band to consist of 20 pipers. To achieve that, Korff's lessons are open to anyone with the goal of joining the pipe band. They have to pay $25 annual dues and about $140 for a chanter and music book. And they need to be ready to pay more than $1,000 for a bagpipe from Scotland.
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Korff, an 83-year-old Newport News resident with a high energy level and sharp wit, gives free bagpipe lessons. Korff prepares novice pipers for the Newport News Police Pipe and Drum Corps, which performs free at police academy graduations, fund-raisers and funerals of fallen police officers and firefighters.
"We all come together for a common cause," said Thomas Crouch, a detective with the Newport News Police Department. He plays bagpipe in the band and serves as president of the organization. "It's about promoting heritage and culture and honoring the fallen."
But there's a test for students' dedication: They have to train for about two years before they can perform with the band.
They take lessons with Korff for about a year and a half, playing on a practice chanter - a long black instrument similar to a recorder. Then they can advance to the full bagpipes and start practicing with the pipe band. But they must take about four months of lessons before they can perform.
"Whoever sticks with it is obviously dedicated," Crouch said.
[...]
The band consists of eight pipers, five drummers and one drum major. One piper is a retired New York police officer who played in close to 90 funerals after Sept. 11, 2001, he said.
"I think the bagpipes have a way to stir the soul," he said. "Everybody knows 'Amazing Grace' on bagpipes."
He hopes to expand the band to consist of 20 pipers. To achieve that, Korff's lessons are open to anyone with the goal of joining the pipe band. They have to pay $25 annual dues and about $140 for a chanter and music book. And they need to be ready to pay more than $1,000 for a bagpipe from Scotland.
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Wail of the pipes to go high-brow at Carnegie Hall
date
Only fourth time bagpipes have been featured in orchestra at august venue
By ANTHONY RAMIREZ New York Times
Read more here
NEW YORK — For centuries, the drone of the bagpipes has been a cry to battle. It was an instrument of war, accompanied by drums and a dagger in the piper’s sock. More recently, especially, after Sept. 11, 2001, the bagpipes have been more visible as an instrument of lamentation.
At the funerals of police officers and firefighters, as well as of national figures like President Ronald Reagan, the bagpipes’ wail has become a cry from the heart.
What the bagpipes have rarely been, however, is an instrument used for classical music. On Tuesday, the bagpipes, typically heard outdoors, will be heard inside Carnegie Hall, the hushed venue of Casals, Horowitz and Rubinstein.
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Good Irish Book
Mar-28-2006 16:45 |
Miscellaneous
Irish |
Permalink
I just finished a book called Ireland written by
Frank Delaney and highly recommend it for those
interested in Irish history and storytelling.
You can check it out here at Amazon.
Review:
BBC reporter Delaney's fictionalized history of his native country, an Irish bestseller, is a sprawling, riveting read, a book of stories melding into a novel wrapped up in an Irish history text. In 1951, when Ronan O'Mara is nine, he meets the aging itinerant Storyteller, who emerges out a "silver veil" of Irish mist, hoping to trade a yarn for a hot meal. Welcomed inside, the Storyteller lights his pipe and begins, telling of the architect of Newgrange, who built "a marvelous, immortal structure... before Stonehenge in England, before the pyramids of Egypt," and the dentally challenged King Conor of Ulster, who tried, and failed, to outsmart his wife. The stories utterly captivate the young Ronan ("This is the best thing that ever, ever happened"), and they'll draw readers in, too, with their warriors and kings, drinkers and devils, all rendered cleanly and without undue sentimentality. When Ronan's mother banishes the Storyteller for telling a blasphemous tale, Ronan vows to find him. He also becomes fascinated by Irish myth and legend, and, as the years pass, he discovers his own gift for storytelling. Eventually, he sets off, traversing Ireland on foot to find his mentor. Past and present weave together as Delaney entwines the lives of the Storyteller and Ronan in this rich and satisfying book.
===============================================================================
You can check it out here at Amazon.
Review:
BBC reporter Delaney's fictionalized history of his native country, an Irish bestseller, is a sprawling, riveting read, a book of stories melding into a novel wrapped up in an Irish history text. In 1951, when Ronan O'Mara is nine, he meets the aging itinerant Storyteller, who emerges out a "silver veil" of Irish mist, hoping to trade a yarn for a hot meal. Welcomed inside, the Storyteller lights his pipe and begins, telling of the architect of Newgrange, who built "a marvelous, immortal structure... before Stonehenge in England, before the pyramids of Egypt," and the dentally challenged King Conor of Ulster, who tried, and failed, to outsmart his wife. The stories utterly captivate the young Ronan ("This is the best thing that ever, ever happened"), and they'll draw readers in, too, with their warriors and kings, drinkers and devils, all rendered cleanly and without undue sentimentality. When Ronan's mother banishes the Storyteller for telling a blasphemous tale, Ronan vows to find him. He also becomes fascinated by Irish myth and legend, and, as the years pass, he discovers his own gift for storytelling. Eventually, he sets off, traversing Ireland on foot to find his mentor. Past and present weave together as Delaney entwines the lives of the Storyteller and Ronan in this rich and satisfying book.
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Weekly Update - 3/28/06
Mar-28-2006 16:44 |
Weekly Update
| Permalink
Greetings
All,
It was a small but enthusiastic group that gathered at the Academy last night for practice.
STUDENTS: Patti Blankenship & Scott Philben
PIPERS: Kevin Byrne, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Phil Nannery, Ed Snyder & Gary Winemiller.
DRUMMERS: Jay Rubin & Sean Nannery (Phil's son)
The main part of the evening was spent catching up on recent events and talking about up coming events and the music we hope to have ready for those events.
The next event we have is the Sikh Parade on Saturday April 15th. Unfortunately this is on the Saturday before Easter which is putting a crimp in our style and we have a very limited number of people who have committed to the event so far. Right now, we have five pipers & a maybe and one side drummer (& a maybe bass). This is our second big money maker of the year. With what we can make from this parade we can buy three kilts, or three new tunics, or a dozen sporrans, etc. so if you haven't signed up and can commit an afternoon, please let me know.
The other two events that we have coming up in the vary near future are the Rolling Thunder parade on Sunday, May 28th (just two months down the road) and the Fairfax City 4th of July parade (which coincidentally is on July 4th).
New Music: Last weekend we played at the Lockheed Martin awards dinner and there we played the five service tunes: The Army Goes Rolling Along, Anchors Away, The Marine Hymn, Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder & Semper Paratus. That went over so well, that everyone wants to make this a regular part of our tune list and play it at the Rolling Thunder event. Updated music will be available at next Monday's practice or I will mail it to you out of towners.
The other bit of new music comes from a suggestion from Phil that we try to get our George Cohen Set off the ground. The consensus last night was to build a set of Yankee Doodle Dandy and Grand Old Flag. Thanks to Kevin Donnelly for having a copy of the Chicago Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society music, those are the settings we will use. These will also be made available at next practice and mailed to the away group.
Looking even further down the road towards Emmitsburg and the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Weekend, we are going to be adding The Dawning of the Day into our street routine and we are continuing to work on Suo Gan. Jeff Burton and Kevin Donnelly have both agreed to play harmony on Suo Gan but I would like to have one or two more who know it as well.
There is obviously a lot of work to be done if we are going to accomplish these ambitious objectives. The group that was at practice last night feels that it can be done, but if that is going to happen, we need everyone to make as many practices as they possibly can. Pipers, if you can't make practice, give me a call and let me know, drummers call Odie.
Important items are highlighted.
See you all next Monday.
Slān,
Steve
703.967.6728 - Cell
Odie
703.244.7594 - Cell
===============================================================================
It was a small but enthusiastic group that gathered at the Academy last night for practice.
STUDENTS: Patti Blankenship & Scott Philben
PIPERS: Kevin Byrne, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Phil Nannery, Ed Snyder & Gary Winemiller.
DRUMMERS: Jay Rubin & Sean Nannery (Phil's son)
The main part of the evening was spent catching up on recent events and talking about up coming events and the music we hope to have ready for those events.
The next event we have is the Sikh Parade on Saturday April 15th. Unfortunately this is on the Saturday before Easter which is putting a crimp in our style and we have a very limited number of people who have committed to the event so far. Right now, we have five pipers & a maybe and one side drummer (& a maybe bass). This is our second big money maker of the year. With what we can make from this parade we can buy three kilts, or three new tunics, or a dozen sporrans, etc. so if you haven't signed up and can commit an afternoon, please let me know.
The other two events that we have coming up in the vary near future are the Rolling Thunder parade on Sunday, May 28th (just two months down the road) and the Fairfax City 4th of July parade (which coincidentally is on July 4th).
New Music: Last weekend we played at the Lockheed Martin awards dinner and there we played the five service tunes: The Army Goes Rolling Along, Anchors Away, The Marine Hymn, Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder & Semper Paratus. That went over so well, that everyone wants to make this a regular part of our tune list and play it at the Rolling Thunder event. Updated music will be available at next Monday's practice or I will mail it to you out of towners.
The other bit of new music comes from a suggestion from Phil that we try to get our George Cohen Set off the ground. The consensus last night was to build a set of Yankee Doodle Dandy and Grand Old Flag. Thanks to Kevin Donnelly for having a copy of the Chicago Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society music, those are the settings we will use. These will also be made available at next practice and mailed to the away group.
Looking even further down the road towards Emmitsburg and the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Weekend, we are going to be adding The Dawning of the Day into our street routine and we are continuing to work on Suo Gan. Jeff Burton and Kevin Donnelly have both agreed to play harmony on Suo Gan but I would like to have one or two more who know it as well.
There is obviously a lot of work to be done if we are going to accomplish these ambitious objectives. The group that was at practice last night feels that it can be done, but if that is going to happen, we need everyone to make as many practices as they possibly can. Pipers, if you can't make practice, give me a call and let me know, drummers call Odie.
Important items are highlighted.
See you all next Monday.
Slān,
Steve
703.967.6728 - Cell
Odie
703.244.7594 - Cell
===============================================================================
Weekly Update - 3/26/06
Mar-26-2006 20:40 |
Weekly Update
| Permalink
Greetings
All,
What a wonderful and profitable evening we had last night thanks to PHIL NANNERY, KEVIN BYRNE, KEVIN DONNELLY, PETE O'BRIEN, STEVE COCHRAN, ROB AGNEW, JAY RUBIN AND ALEX KULDELL!
The Lockheed Martin event went off well, in spite of last minute changes in program. Everyone who attended followed the Band's unofficial gig motto of "Semper Gumby" and the folks loved us. The revised program, when we got there, was that we would come in as single pipers, one through one door, another piper through another door, and so on, playing something soft and quiet ... yeah right, soft and quiet on the pipes ... so we played Balmoral. As each piper entered they would join the ones already playing and thus the sound would gradually build. When all the pipers got in we would end the tune. Then, they would open two other doors and the drummers would strike in a roll off and we would all play a rousing chorus of Scotland the Brave. The the speech's would start, followed by each of the five pipers playing one of the five armed service tunes one at a time: The Caisson's Go Rolling Along, Anchors Away, The Marine Hymn, Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder and Semper Paratus. Sounds like a plan. We sort of did that. Steve came in from a door in the back (opposite the stage) playing Balmoral and worked his way through the tables, Phil started in through a different door in the back of the hall, and was to join in. Unfortunately he couldn't hear Steve until he got close to the stage. After those two were in place, Kevin, Kevin and Pete would come in through doors on either side of the stage and join in. That part worked pretty good. We finished the tune and cut. They then opened the doors for the drummers who started their roll off and the MC started his speech. The pipers held and didn't play as they would have drowned out the speaker. Scratch that part. We did play the five service tunes, and that went well. All agreed that this is a set we need to work on and have ready for Rolling Thunder as all the service connected people in the hall commented how wonderful that was.
After this opening ceremony the band was cut loose to a separate room where we were fed like kings. Excellent food!
The second part of the evening was that we were to come back into the hall after the dinner and awards were handed out and play one verse of God Bless America and then parade everyone out of the dinning hall into the dessert and dancing hall. This was done to the First Set (Let Erin Remember, Bonnie Charlie & Minstrel Boy). By now it was 10:30 p.m. and everyone headed for home.
I would like to give special Kudos to those who made this event possible, especially to Phil Nannery who was the initial contact and Jay Rubin who took the extra effort to get Alex Kuldell out to play the bass drum at the beginning of the evening and then to took over the bass for the last part (as Alex had to go home early). Also, to Pete O'Brien who came out and played, even with a bad back.
REMINDER: There WILL be practice tomorrow (Monday) night. Beginners at 6:30 and everyone else at 8:00 p.m.
Also, we have two up-coming events that we have to get ready for:
The SIKH PARADE, on April 15, 2006.
The ROLLING THUNDER PARADE, on May 28, 2006.
A special note to our colleagues in the Sheriff's Dept. Pipe Band; you are more than welcome to join us on either of these two events.
See you all tomorrow night.
Slān,
Steve
===============================================================================
What a wonderful and profitable evening we had last night thanks to PHIL NANNERY, KEVIN BYRNE, KEVIN DONNELLY, PETE O'BRIEN, STEVE COCHRAN, ROB AGNEW, JAY RUBIN AND ALEX KULDELL!
The Lockheed Martin event went off well, in spite of last minute changes in program. Everyone who attended followed the Band's unofficial gig motto of "Semper Gumby" and the folks loved us. The revised program, when we got there, was that we would come in as single pipers, one through one door, another piper through another door, and so on, playing something soft and quiet ... yeah right, soft and quiet on the pipes ... so we played Balmoral. As each piper entered they would join the ones already playing and thus the sound would gradually build. When all the pipers got in we would end the tune. Then, they would open two other doors and the drummers would strike in a roll off and we would all play a rousing chorus of Scotland the Brave. The the speech's would start, followed by each of the five pipers playing one of the five armed service tunes one at a time: The Caisson's Go Rolling Along, Anchors Away, The Marine Hymn, Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder and Semper Paratus. Sounds like a plan. We sort of did that. Steve came in from a door in the back (opposite the stage) playing Balmoral and worked his way through the tables, Phil started in through a different door in the back of the hall, and was to join in. Unfortunately he couldn't hear Steve until he got close to the stage. After those two were in place, Kevin, Kevin and Pete would come in through doors on either side of the stage and join in. That part worked pretty good. We finished the tune and cut. They then opened the doors for the drummers who started their roll off and the MC started his speech. The pipers held and didn't play as they would have drowned out the speaker. Scratch that part. We did play the five service tunes, and that went well. All agreed that this is a set we need to work on and have ready for Rolling Thunder as all the service connected people in the hall commented how wonderful that was.
After this opening ceremony the band was cut loose to a separate room where we were fed like kings. Excellent food!
The second part of the evening was that we were to come back into the hall after the dinner and awards were handed out and play one verse of God Bless America and then parade everyone out of the dinning hall into the dessert and dancing hall. This was done to the First Set (Let Erin Remember, Bonnie Charlie & Minstrel Boy). By now it was 10:30 p.m. and everyone headed for home.
I would like to give special Kudos to those who made this event possible, especially to Phil Nannery who was the initial contact and Jay Rubin who took the extra effort to get Alex Kuldell out to play the bass drum at the beginning of the evening and then to took over the bass for the last part (as Alex had to go home early). Also, to Pete O'Brien who came out and played, even with a bad back.
REMINDER: There WILL be practice tomorrow (Monday) night. Beginners at 6:30 and everyone else at 8:00 p.m.
Also, we have two up-coming events that we have to get ready for:
The SIKH PARADE, on April 15, 2006.
The ROLLING THUNDER PARADE, on May 28, 2006.
A special note to our colleagues in the Sheriff's Dept. Pipe Band; you are more than welcome to join us on either of these two events.
See you all tomorrow night.
Slān,
Steve
===============================================================================
What are Irish bagpipes
Read more
here
The Irish bagpipes are known as the uilleann pipes.
"Uilleann" means elbow in the Irish language.
They are the latest evolution of the pipes, reaching their current design in the mid-1800s.
The pipes are different from Scottish pipes in a number of ways. First off, you don't blow into them to produce a sound, unlike the Scottish Highland pipes that most people have seen. There are two bags that sit under each arm; one pumps air into the second bag, while the second pumps air into the chanter the whistle-like part.
The uilleann pipes are the only pipes that you can accompany yourself on; keys called "regulators" on the side of the chanter allow the player to play chords along with the single note lines they play on the chanter.
Uilleann pipes are the only pipes that can rest, or keep silent, for a beat or two. Scottish Highland and Border pipes require constant airflow, and therefore, emit constant sound.
===============================================================================
The Irish bagpipes are known as the uilleann pipes.
"Uilleann" means elbow in the Irish language.
They are the latest evolution of the pipes, reaching their current design in the mid-1800s.
The pipes are different from Scottish pipes in a number of ways. First off, you don't blow into them to produce a sound, unlike the Scottish Highland pipes that most people have seen. There are two bags that sit under each arm; one pumps air into the second bag, while the second pumps air into the chanter the whistle-like part.
The uilleann pipes are the only pipes that you can accompany yourself on; keys called "regulators" on the side of the chanter allow the player to play chords along with the single note lines they play on the chanter.
Uilleann pipes are the only pipes that can rest, or keep silent, for a beat or two. Scottish Highland and Border pipes require constant airflow, and therefore, emit constant sound.
===============================================================================
Weekly Update - 3/6/06
Mar-06-2006 16:49 |
Weekly Update
| Permalink
Greetings
All
This is our busy time of year and I hope everyone is able to keep up. I have a number of things to cover so I will try to be brief.
We had practice last night with only a few folks in attendance.
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly & John Murray.
DRUMMERS: Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran, George Murphy & Jay Rubin.
As a result of the Alexandria parade and Monday night's practice we will probably be working with a pared back tune list. We still do not have the 'Quiet Man Set' up to street quality. We may give it a try before the parade on Sunday but we will probably not use it in the line of march on Sunday. Caubeen still needs more work. We didn't play Caubeen for a long time because the drummers weren't up on a 2/4 drum setting. The drummers have their setting now but the pipers are rusty. As for pub tunes, We will try to get by with Danny Boy in addition to our regular marching tunes. We may be able to play Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral by itself, but transitions into and out of Irish Eyes just isn't ready.
PARADE INSTRUCTIONS: As of right now, we are in Division C, Position 6 … all things subject to last minute changes. We are to be in position on Madison Ave. at 11:00 am, the parade steps off at 12:00 noon. Please plan to meet on the Mall in or near the statue garden by 10:30. We will move into our final line up position when we find out where that is during check in. (There is a map attached.)
PARKING: If you plan to drive in, you will want to get there as early as possible as the few available spaces fill up very quickly. There are some on the street parking spaces on Virginia Ave, NW around 18th St., NW but again, you need to get there early.
METRO: The closest stops near the beginning of the parade are:
Archives/Navy Memorial on the Yellow/Green Lines.
The Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange Lines.
L'Enfant Plaza on the Blue/Orange/Yellow/Green Lines
AFTER PARADE GIG: A reminder that we have been invited to join the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Emerald Society at Murphy's in Alexandria for food and spirits and to play a few tunes after the parade on Sunday.
PRACTICE: There WILL be a practice next MONDAY! Beginners will start between 6:30 and 7:00 pm with the rest of the band at 8:00 pm.
Look for more information through out the week if things change or as new information becomes available.
See you on Sunday,
Steve
===============================================================================
This is our busy time of year and I hope everyone is able to keep up. I have a number of things to cover so I will try to be brief.
We had practice last night with only a few folks in attendance.
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly & John Murray.
DRUMMERS: Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran, George Murphy & Jay Rubin.
As a result of the Alexandria parade and Monday night's practice we will probably be working with a pared back tune list. We still do not have the 'Quiet Man Set' up to street quality. We may give it a try before the parade on Sunday but we will probably not use it in the line of march on Sunday. Caubeen still needs more work. We didn't play Caubeen for a long time because the drummers weren't up on a 2/4 drum setting. The drummers have their setting now but the pipers are rusty. As for pub tunes, We will try to get by with Danny Boy in addition to our regular marching tunes. We may be able to play Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral by itself, but transitions into and out of Irish Eyes just isn't ready.
PARADE INSTRUCTIONS: As of right now, we are in Division C, Position 6 … all things subject to last minute changes. We are to be in position on Madison Ave. at 11:00 am, the parade steps off at 12:00 noon. Please plan to meet on the Mall in or near the statue garden by 10:30. We will move into our final line up position when we find out where that is during check in. (There is a map attached.)
PARKING: If you plan to drive in, you will want to get there as early as possible as the few available spaces fill up very quickly. There are some on the street parking spaces on Virginia Ave, NW around 18th St., NW but again, you need to get there early.
METRO: The closest stops near the beginning of the parade are:
Archives/Navy Memorial on the Yellow/Green Lines.
The Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange Lines.
L'Enfant Plaza on the Blue/Orange/Yellow/Green Lines
AFTER PARADE GIG: A reminder that we have been invited to join the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Emerald Society at Murphy's in Alexandria for food and spirits and to play a few tunes after the parade on Sunday.
PRACTICE: There WILL be a practice next MONDAY! Beginners will start between 6:30 and 7:00 pm with the rest of the band at 8:00 pm.
Look for more information through out the week if things change or as new information becomes available.
See you on Sunday,
Steve
===============================================================================
Weekly Update - 3/4/06
Mar-04-2006 16:48 |
Weekly Update
| Permalink
Weekly
Update - 03/04/06
Greetings All,
Alexandria City St. Patrick's Day Parade
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrne, Pat Carroll, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Chalmers Marquis, Dana Moore, Phil Nannery, Pete O'Brien & Gary Winemiller.
DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew, Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran, George Murphy, and Jay Rubin.
BANNER CARRIERS: Jeff Burton's wife, Josephine & Dana Moore's Son
Once again, the weather guessers got it wrong. They said that it was suppose to be sunny and in the upper forties … they also said that it would NOT be windy. Well, it was in the low forties with winds gusting to 35 knots! That put the wind chill down below freezing … and if you were standing in the shade when the wind hit, you'd believe it. Nevertheless, a good time was had by those who turned out for the annual Alexandria St. Paddy's Day parade.
There were several highlights for the day's events.
First, welcome back Pat Carroll. Fresh home from Iraq, Pat joined us for his first parade in over a year. Pat is still stationed down in North Carolina but is on leave for a couple of weeks so will be with us for a practice or two and a couple of more parades.
Also, there is a brand new Irish bar open in Alexandria. Daniel O'Connell's Irish Pub and Restaurant, on 112 King Street. It is located where Bullfeather's used to be across from the Fish Market. We stopped in for a couple of free rounds and a few tunes before moving up to Bistro Europa and Murphy's. The DC Fire Department Emerald Pipes and Drums were there as well and we got a chance to meet up with old friends.
And, today marked the first outing of the Montgomery Co. Maryland, Department of Fire & Rescue Services Honor Guard Pipe Band. They are looking good in their new tartan kilts and sweaters. They are planning to be in the DC parade on the 12th so you can look for them there.
Speaking of the DC parade on the 12th, the newly re-formed Fairfax County Fire Department Emerald Society is making a concerted effort to get as many of their members out to march in the DC parade as possible. They are also gathering at Murphy's in Alexandria after the parade and we are invited to join them. They have reserved the entire second floor and have cut a deal with the management to get a break of the cost of food. Make plans to join us all at Murphy's in Alexandria for post parade pubbing on Sunday, March 12th, after the Washington, DC St. Paddy's Day parade!
That's if for this brief report. Don't forget THERE WILL BE PRACTICE MONDAY AT THE FAIRFAX FIRE ACADEMY. Practice starts at 6:30 for the beginners and 8:00 for the rest. There will be piping and drumming and marching so come prepared.
Sláinte Mohr,
Steve
Greetings All,
Alexandria City St. Patrick's Day Parade
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrne, Pat Carroll, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Chalmers Marquis, Dana Moore, Phil Nannery, Pete O'Brien & Gary Winemiller.
DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew, Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran, George Murphy, and Jay Rubin.
BANNER CARRIERS: Jeff Burton's wife, Josephine & Dana Moore's Son
Once again, the weather guessers got it wrong. They said that it was suppose to be sunny and in the upper forties … they also said that it would NOT be windy. Well, it was in the low forties with winds gusting to 35 knots! That put the wind chill down below freezing … and if you were standing in the shade when the wind hit, you'd believe it. Nevertheless, a good time was had by those who turned out for the annual Alexandria St. Paddy's Day parade.
There were several highlights for the day's events.
First, welcome back Pat Carroll. Fresh home from Iraq, Pat joined us for his first parade in over a year. Pat is still stationed down in North Carolina but is on leave for a couple of weeks so will be with us for a practice or two and a couple of more parades.
Also, there is a brand new Irish bar open in Alexandria. Daniel O'Connell's Irish Pub and Restaurant, on 112 King Street. It is located where Bullfeather's used to be across from the Fish Market. We stopped in for a couple of free rounds and a few tunes before moving up to Bistro Europa and Murphy's. The DC Fire Department Emerald Pipes and Drums were there as well and we got a chance to meet up with old friends.
And, today marked the first outing of the Montgomery Co. Maryland, Department of Fire & Rescue Services Honor Guard Pipe Band. They are looking good in their new tartan kilts and sweaters. They are planning to be in the DC parade on the 12th so you can look for them there.
Speaking of the DC parade on the 12th, the newly re-formed Fairfax County Fire Department Emerald Society is making a concerted effort to get as many of their members out to march in the DC parade as possible. They are also gathering at Murphy's in Alexandria after the parade and we are invited to join them. They have reserved the entire second floor and have cut a deal with the management to get a break of the cost of food. Make plans to join us all at Murphy's in Alexandria for post parade pubbing on Sunday, March 12th, after the Washington, DC St. Paddy's Day parade!
That's if for this brief report. Don't forget THERE WILL BE PRACTICE MONDAY AT THE FAIRFAX FIRE ACADEMY. Practice starts at 6:30 for the beginners and 8:00 for the rest. There will be piping and drumming and marching so come prepared.
Sláinte Mohr,
Steve