How to Get FULLY INVOLVED!
band formed in 1998 and has evolved over the years. We have our own Toronto Fire Services “Tartan” (the patterned cloth making up our kilts) which was registered in 1999, with the assistance of Andrew Cunningham, 442D and with the support of Chief Stewart. KEN: What is the origin of the tunes you play and the marching you do? JOST: Generally, when we march, we follow a military formation with the Drum Major (Dave Archer, 313D) in the front. We then form up in ranks with the Pipe Major (Donna Bakewell, Retired FP) on the right side, with the other pipers forming up in ranks beside and behind her, followed by the drums. The tunes (NOT SONGS!) are generally Scottish in origin but we also play Irish tunes, especially while marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Some of the tunes the band plays are called “Massed Band Tunes”. These are tunes that the majority of pipe bands around the world know. For example, Scotland the Brave is a “Massed Band Tune”. On many occasions, we have combined bands with other Fire Department bands where we will call out a “Massed Band Tune,” so everyone can play together.
CAPTAIN KEN DE JONG 345-A
Toronto Fire Services Pipes & Drums Band An Interview with Toronto Fire Fighter Jost Kaempffer, Band President, Station 332-A
INTRODUCTION
This is a series of Q&A articles on Toronto Fire related organizations that can get you more involved in the firefighting community. Some of the best people on the job give back to the fire service in fun and exciting ways. If you find this organization interesting, consider reaching out to them for more information. KEN: What does your organization do and what is its history? JOST: We are the Fire Chief’s Pipes & Drums Band and our main purpose is for ceremonial and bereavement events. We provide the music for the ceremonies that are associated with the Fire Department such as memorials, funerals, recruit graduations, parades and larger events involving the Fire Chief or representing the fire department. The
KEN: How do you recruit members? JOST: For recruitment, we host an open house once a year at the Fire Academy, which gives those interested an opportunity to learn more about the band, the commitment of being a member, and to answer any other questions they may have. A large component of recruitment also stems from word-of-mouth or seeing the band perform. We encourage members of TFS to join the band, as they understand and respect the importance of being in uniform, however, we also get requests to join from members of the public, which we are also open to. It would be ideal to have 75% of the band be represented by Toronto Firefighters, as we deal with a lot of job-related events (LODD and active member funerals) that closely affect our whole department. With that being said, we are very grateful to our talented civilian members, as they volunteer their time throughout the year and are a big reason the band is sounding so great! For those who are reading this and are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Station 332 – A Platoon, or send an email to the band. KEN: What is the commitment for a member? JOST: We have a certain number of “gigs” that we consider mandatory. The Toronto Fallen Firefighter Memorial, the Ontario Fallen Firefighter Memorial and the Remembrance Day Ceremony are the three biggies. We have numerous funerals (especially LODD funerals) that we ask you to do your best to be there, but as there are a lot, you can get a little burned-out attending all of them. We also have a lot of fun events that are optional, but if you don’t make it to the mandatory events then you’re not meeting your commitment. We also expect people to attend at least one practice a month (but we hope they make more than that!)
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