6 minute read
FROM WITHIN THE CIRCLE
The DFB Pipe Band marked a low-key St Patrick’s Day and looks to the future, writes Mark Toner.
As we all know, not much has been happening either in the band or in society as the lockdown continues to play havoc with life. Small things keep the band going though, which hopefully keeps the interest burning for whenever restrictions lift and normal Monday nights’ practice and playing in Marino resumes.
TRADITION
We couldn’t let the annual St Patrick’s Day festivities pass unmarked, and although we couldn’t assemble as a band to represent the Brigade, we did manage to mark the day appropriately. A recent tradition instigated by DFBPB is to assemble outside No 3 Station before we proceed to the main parade start point, where a small ceremony is held and the names of all Brigade members who have passed away in the preceding year are remembered in a rollcall. On completion, a piper plays a lament in salute of our deceased colleagues and friends.
This has become an important part of the annual 17th March outing and this year Piper Paul McNally and Drummer Paul Keyes took part in a ceremony in the OBI along with the CFO and our friends in the DFB Sports and Social Club to continue the tradition.
An idea of Drummer Tom McLoughlin was also acted upon, which saw a small band contingent present a bowl of shamrock to the Lord Mayor Hazel Chu at her residence in the Mansion House on St Patrick’s Day afternoon. Compliant with infection control precautions, the Lord Mayor graciously received our gift and allowed us to play a few tunes to mark the day for her and her young family.
So, although we were once again halted in our march, we were at least able to mark the occasion and keep traditions alive, and indeed possibly initiate some new ones for future years.
RECRUITMENT
Speaking of future years, that means you! It’s not easy keeping a band of volunteers with a limited pool to draw from in operation, then add in the schedule the band is requested to engage in. “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine” as they say, and indeed it does take the efforts of every member of the band to ensure that even the smallest of engagements goes off without a glitch.
While you might see only a solo piper or drummer in operation, in the background there may have been several other members, (and family of course), pulling in the same direction with logistical support, tuning, instrument adjustments and uniform issues to make sure the band’s best foot is put forward. In previous band roundups we mentioned that we are always looking for new members and this is still true, even though it may seem that activities are at a temporary standstill.
We’re frequently asked how long it takes to learn the pipes? Are they a hard instrument to play? How long does it take to get my first set of pipes?... sure I can’t read music, I’m too old to learn, are the drums easier? In case lockdown has given you pause for thought and you’re thinking now is the time to pick up that instrument you’ve always wanted to try, I’ll give you a whistle stop tour of the process and answer some of those questions.
Playing a tune while presenting Lord Mayor Hazel Chu with the shamrock.
PROCESS
Firstly, no, it’s not easy because if it was easy everybody would do it and nothing worthwhile ever comes easy! But it’s certainly doable, for all ages and all abilities. The band is made up of almost all adult learners who came to playing their chosen instrument after joining the Brigade and thence the band, so age is no barrier.
Budding pipers start off on a practice chanter, similar to a recorder, and it is here student pipers will learn the bagpipe scale, which is only nine notes long, the rudiments of music, and then they move on to learning some of the simpler band tunes. How long it takes to progress onto a full set of pipes is then completely up to the individual and the time that they can commit to learning. There is no rush and everybody is free to learn at their own pace.
The drumming pathway is much the same, and although friendly rivalry between the pipe and drum corps within the band will always focus on which is easier, in reality both take hard work and commitment. I know I’m supposed to try and entice you in the door in what is a veiled recruitment drive here, but we won’t sugar coat it either.
REWARDS
Ask anybody who has ever travelled abroad on a band trip, attended a band party, marched with the band or played at any of the high-profile gigs which are the envy of many a pipe band, and they will tell you that advantages far outweigh the comparatively minor inconvenience.
Many of our playing members and associate members and supporters have been with us since their first days in the Brigade. This speaks volumes and is testament to what the band has to offer. There is no need to worry about tutelage fees, uniform, instrument purchase, materials, or time - this is yours to give and you give what you can. Nor will you be on your own learning as we always have a small number of students in the pipeline. You only need to show up with enthusiasm and commitment and you’ll fit right in.
As you can no doubt guess there is no physical practice until these restrictions end, but when they do, we will be back open for business, Monday nights in Marino at 2000hrs, building the band to represent future generations of DFB firefighters. Be part of it! If you feel you have what it takes, contact any band member for further information, or you can contact the band secretary directly via email at dfbpbsec@gmail.com or any via any of our social media platforms. Your level of involvement is up to you…
It’s yisser band!... Slán tamaill.
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