Jerry the wool didnt shrink..lol Mine have done the same thing but I believe I have enough in the straps to "shift' them a Tad and be able to deal with it. although with Many items some folks would say why the plaid "too" but 5 years between weavings can make a differant in dye colors . enough to be obvious, something like the Stewart has so many colors there area few dyes that stand to cause problems... lets face it a definate investment of quite a large scale Full dress Cross belts plaid etc are pretty extensive to fund ..
True strory Jim, I don't have enough "shift" in the straps to help. They are one of the things that will get passed on down to my children when the time is right. My family has aways worn the "Full Dress" so I'm keeping that tradition. We don't always wear it, but there are the times and place and it's nice to have it.
There is no better time than the present to start drumming or piping! Find yourself an instructor and go to it! I wish I had started years ago, instead of waiting this long!
Brian, being In Torrington Makes it a Tad more difficult, but certainly Litchfield Hills Pipe Band is easily accessable to you.. Music is funny and one of the things about PIPE & DRUMs Band s is that one side will always slight the other.. In Fun Of course as to the musical abilities of the other, Being A Piper, I would say to you That Its ok Brian even the most experianced drummers know nothing about music... =8^D when I began the pipes.. there were about 7 or 8 bands in the whole state None of them were at all related to the public safety venue, I was one of the founders of the 1st, and Had a bite of influence on several of the other fire ones...
well, Brian start with Litchfield hills Its possible That the band has disapeared or is in a rebirth stage too. Other options (Celtic Cross In danbury, obviously thats a hike.. and the 3rd & 4th Options are getting you hooked up with some of the Ct firefighters, the current Pipe major is working in West Hartford and his current #2 works in Hamden but his roots are Litchfield , The Drum Instructor lives In Naugy and has taught Ct FF & Waterbury Cops since the begining he also plays pipes too so he knows both sides of the fence, I think I shot you a P/M so that if you have issue then we can get something going for You,,.. I've been living down the shoreline for ten years so I suppose I may be out of touch with say Litchfield.. a LOt Can happen lol
Got a dumb question for anyone out there. I'm looking at purchacing a set of drone valves. Is there any of you using them and if so are they worth the investment of money and time to install them. I don't recall us ever using them years ago, but then again my memory is a wee bit shorth. I just don't like the way my drones start up on cut off (they don't) I'm looking at the K-valves. Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.
I'm using drone valves, but then, as I'm a beginning piper, I don't really use anything else. I played for a week or two without them, but I could see the difference with strike in and cut off. Much more precise with them.
I appreciate the response. I think I'm going to order a set and install them. I now have a synthetic bag and all I've read so far seems to point to using the valves. As I said in an earlier post, I took a forty year break in playing and believe me, I feel like a newbe at it. I remember some stuff and have forgotten a lot.
Had a great talk with Russ and Redscot about the k-valves, they're on order. Don't think they'll make me play any better, but will help with other aspects. Dave thanks for your advise, I apprciate it. Everyone have a great day.
Go ahead and Laugh Joe, as you well know NOPe Not in snowflake , but your easily within "resonable" Travel distance to some of the biggest Groups in Arizona's Fire Service Pipe Band Honor Guard groups
Prescott? I am pretty sure, Mesa, and all around down to your south west, and there are fellows in NM who began a group LIKE Dave said... It begind with you... I started in 1990.. =8^P
Today is National Tartan Day. I thought I'd go outside and torment my neighbors by going though my playlist....lol Proud to be of Scottish Heritage!
". . .for as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth, not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone -- which no honest man gives up but with life itself." -- Declaration of Arbroath ~ April 6, 1320
Joe, It realy shouldnt be That hard, Name a Career department and Most have or are building they're FD Honor Guard P&D, Now I realize, Phoenix isnt 20 miles from you But getting in touch and getting together with someoen who might teach you where to get taught shouldnt be that hard, Crap There even a Fledgling Group representing New Mexico I believe the guys from Albequircky :)
Congratulations Jay first for making the big five-oh and second for taking the first step in playing the pipes. Good luck and enjoy and Happy Birthday.
After 1 lesson only I can say great. Having a little difficulty transferring those black dotes into finger position. And thanks for the birthday wishes.
Thanks Jerry, to give you an idea I personally lost power long enough to reboot my PC, along the shore (I live 1/2-1 mile off Long Island sound in My community's seevral beach areas we Had one side on the Harbor (2 miles east of me) where Waves were Breaking over decks and 1st floors (mind you most are closer to the 2nd floor and wading through chest deep water.. BUT we had Towns without power for 15 -20 days up in NE Ny State and Vermont were hard hit Much rain trees down bridges out and that caused ultimately MORE damage then MOST of us saw down here..... I will say, They were discussing a potential storm surge of 20+ feet Had everything aligned, and IF it had it would have been 15 times worse... lol folks 2 streets over had no power for 8 days.. it was a Crap shoot ..lol
I hope all have enjoyed the most recent high holiday..safely ... I did no parades at all, still not up to marching and now that I am retired its just not the same, I need my leg to heal MORE and of course I to get working to be able to afford anything.. I've been trying in the intrim to get back to work on my pet project The improved forum... but its not easy...its all differant Ugh saw the see through spinning bass pics which is awesome ,,lol and speaking of which I ran across Joliet Jake, and added another group to the list,, part of the thing with the forum was keeping on top of groups , I seem to add 2-5 at a time ..now ..lol its crazy yo...
For those who don't know , 2012 is the 50th anniversary for the Emerald Society Band Of the Fire Department city Of New York, They were the 1st fire service pipe band in The U.S., They played the Ed Sullivan Show a couple years before The Beatles when they made they debut in the early... 60's this is a trailer to the Documentary we can expect out this fall..... yes several Charter Members still actively play with the band......which is astounding ....truely astounding.... http://youtu.be/2ANJcbkukCIFDNY Trailer
May GOD Bless all our Brothers/Sisters this week of Fire Pevention and all year keep us safe and Alert,and for those who gave it thier all and never returned,may they be with GOD and thier souls REST IN PEACE,AMEN.
I am trying to get the scores for the Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Bands repertoire, the more "exotic" tunes, that is.
I havent had any luck trying to contact the band via homesite, Facebook etc. Even mailing the PM didnt do me any good, as my Yahoo mail couldnt deliver the mail (?).
Would really appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.
Gert, One aspect that we all need to consider but often do NOt is that some of Bergan County's Music is Copyrighted as they've recorded several Albums. Obviously In some ways, I've accounted for around about 270-280 Fire service related bands add with that a Guessed number of 350-400 Police bands worldwide,Civilain and Military Pipe bands and obviously the potential number to times youmight hear Scotland the Brave or Amazing Grace is enough to make anyone ill..lol and realisticly how many Musicians will pen they're own music? (small percentage) so the next best thing is to do is "Look for" tunes that have Parts that are totally recognizable, within the scale ofthe pipes and how to make it "work" ... In Bergens' case they choose a couple good tunes, But then so have the red hot chili pipers... I've grasped a few of my own that you wouldnt expect from Classical to Elvis and more some of these things require you just to figure out something for yourself..it goes along with the Music sharing sites that popped up 20 years ago, and the Tune writers who had to sue various Forums and venuesto protect they're own hard work.. In these days of everyone want ,but no one wants to work to get it ..I'll see If I can get a response, if I do I'll forward if Via this site..
SMOKEnPipesJim
Mar 6, 2011
Jerry Morton
Mar 7, 2011
Brian
love the sound of the pipes and drums...has been a long time desire to drum but dont know the first thing about music....lol
Mar 8, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
There is no better time than the present to start drumming or piping! Find yourself an instructor and go to it! I wish I had started years ago, instead of waiting this long!
Cheers!
Dave
Mar 8, 2011
Jerry Morton
I'll echo Dave's comment. You won't learn to play any younger. If you like go for it. Enjoy
Mar 9, 2011
SMOKEnPipesJim
Mar 9, 2011
Brian
Jim...i didnt realise Litchfield Hills was still around..havent seen them in ages playing anywhere.
i,m gonna have to look into that...thank you
Mar 9, 2011
SMOKEnPipesJim
Mar 10, 2011
Jerry Morton
Mar 27, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
I'm using drone valves, but then, as I'm a beginning piper, I don't really use anything else. I played for a week or two without them, but I could see the difference with strike in and cut off. Much more precise with them.
Dave
Mar 27, 2011
Jerry Morton
I appreciate the response. I think I'm going to order a set and install them. I now have a synthetic bag and all I've read so far seems to point to using the valves. As I said in an earlier post, I took a forty year break in playing and believe me, I feel like a newbe at it. I remember some stuff and have forgotten a lot.
Thanks again
Jerry
Mar 28, 2011
Jerry Morton
Jerry
Mar 28, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
If you find something that will make you play better, please let my instructor know! He'll pay lots of money to get me to play better!! LOL
Dave
Mar 28, 2011
Jay Nicholson
My new favorite t-shirt saying
Mar 28, 2011
Brian
SMOKEnPipesJim...i took the first step and fired off
an email to the Litchfield Hills Pipe Band...now just
waiting to hear back
Mar 29, 2011
joseph verneer
Mar 30, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
Dave
Mar 30, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
Well said! But, why don't you play? Hurry up and get an instructor!
Dave
Mar 30, 2011
joseph verneer
Apr 1, 2011
SMOKEnPipesJim
Prescott? I am pretty sure, Mesa, and all around down to your south west, and there are fellows in NM who began a group LIKE Dave said... It begind with you... I started in 1990.. =8^P
Apr 1, 2011
Jay Nicholson
Apr 2, 2011
Jerry Morton
Apr 4, 2011
Jerry Morton
". . .for as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth, not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone -- which no honest man gives up but with life itself." -- Declaration of Arbroath ~ April 6, 1320
Apr 6, 2011
David A Sanders
Apr 6, 2011
joseph verneer
Apr 13, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
Apr 14, 2011
Jerry Morton
Apr 14, 2011
SMOKEnPipesJim
Apr 24, 2011
joseph verneer
Apr 24, 2011
Jerry Morton
Apr 24, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
Jun 3, 2011
Jerry Morton
Jun 4, 2011
Jay Nicholson
Jul 7, 2011
Jerry Morton
Jul 8, 2011
David "Gigahertz" Fox
Jul 10, 2011
Jay Nicholson
Jul 10, 2011
Jerry Morton
Jul 10, 2011
Jerry Morton
Jul 10, 2011
Jerry Morton
Sep 1, 2011
SMOKEnPipesJim
Sep 22, 2011
Jerry Morton
To all of the Brothers and Sisters out there; may you have a Safe, Happy and Prosperous New Year. God bless you all.
Jan 1, 2012
Band of Brothers pipes and drums
Mark, spinning bass
Band of Brothers
Mar 12, 2012
SMOKEnPipesJim
I hope all have enjoyed the most recent high holiday..safely ... I did no parades at all, still not up to marching and now that I am retired its just not the same, I need my leg to heal MORE and of course I to get working to be able to afford anything.. I've been trying in the intrim to get back to work on my pet project The improved forum... but its not easy...its all differant Ugh saw the see through spinning bass pics which is awesome ,,lol and speaking of which I ran across Joliet Jake, and added another group to the list,, part of the thing with the forum was keeping on top of groups , I seem to add 2-5 at a time ..now ..lol its crazy yo...
Mar 19, 2012
SMOKEnPipesJim
For those who don't know , 2012 is the 50th anniversary for the Emerald Society Band Of the Fire Department city Of New York, They were the 1st fire service pipe band in The U.S., They played the Ed Sullivan Show a couple years before The Beatles when they made they debut in the early... 60's this is a trailer to the Documentary we can expect out this fall..... yes several Charter Members still actively play with the band......which is astounding ....truely astounding.... http://youtu.be/2ANJcbkukCIFDNY Trailer
May 22, 2012
SMOKEnPipesJim
May 22, 2012
David "Gigahertz" Fox
Jim!
Thanks for the link to the trailer! I'm looking forward to the documentary. A real inspiration!
Happy Birthday FDNY Pipes and Drums!
May 22, 2012
SMOKEnPipesJim
Good news, TheBand member doing the documentary on FDNY's emeralds 50 years Film did earn enough support to fund the Making of the movie Great news
Jul 16, 2012
RevJerry Fales Chaplain oms
May GOD Bless all our Brothers/Sisters this week of Fire Pevention and all year keep us safe and Alert,and for those who gave it thier all and never returned,may they be with GOD and thier souls REST IN PEACE,AMEN.
Oct 6, 2012
Gert Krowicki
I wonder if any of you guys can help me.
I am trying to get the scores for the Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Bands repertoire, the more "exotic" tunes, that is.
I havent had any luck trying to contact the band via homesite, Facebook etc. Even mailing the PM didnt do me any good, as my Yahoo mail couldnt deliver the mail (?).
Would really appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.
Jan 3, 2013
SMOKEnPipesJim
Gert, One aspect that we all need to consider but often do NOt is that some of Bergan County's Music is Copyrighted as they've recorded several Albums. Obviously In some ways, I've accounted for around about 270-280 Fire service related bands add with that a Guessed number of 350-400 Police bands worldwide,Civilain and Military Pipe bands and obviously the potential number to times youmight hear Scotland the Brave or Amazing Grace is enough to make anyone ill..lol and realisticly how many Musicians will pen they're own music? (small percentage) so the next best thing is to do is "Look for" tunes that have Parts that are totally recognizable, within the scale ofthe pipes and how to make it "work" ... In Bergens' case they choose a couple good tunes, But then so have the red hot chili pipers... I've grasped a few of my own that you wouldnt expect from Classical to Elvis and more some of these things require you just to figure out something for yourself..it goes along with the Music sharing sites that popped up 20 years ago, and the Tune writers who had to sue various Forums and venuesto protect they're own hard work.. In these days of everyone want ,but no one wants to work to get it ..I'll see If I can get a response, if I do I'll forward if Via this site..
Jan 7, 2013