Ready to Serve

We currently have about 40 individuals on our mailing lists.  For most performances requiring a full band, we are able to turn out about 15-20 performers.

There's an old saying that most people know three bagpipe tunes:  Scotland the Brave, Amazing Grace . . . and "the other one" (as everything else tends to sound alike after the first two).  

As a duty band, we often play the standards of traditional Highland light music along with funeral fare such as Amazing Grace and Going Home.  We also encourage members to work on fun tunes and sets -- including holiday music, rock-and-roll and others.  Are there any tunes you'd like to learn?  Let us know and we'll see if we can work them in!

No.  The band is comprised not just of current and retired firefighters, but also other first responders and civilians of all stripes.  

Absolutely. We provide free instruction for performers of all levels. Our instructors are current or past members of Grade 2 and 3 bands and have themselves learned from some of the best players around.

Good question . . . and there are lots of reasons why!

• It's a great way to give back to the community by supporting firefighters and related causes.
• It's free! Other than your own set of bagpipes, virtually all other expenses are covered by the band, including pipe reeds, drums, uniform parts, travel expenses, etc.
• It's fun! As a community service band, we tend to play at fun events, including the State Fair, ball games, galas, etc.
• There's food!  Most of our events include free food of some sort -- ranging from hot dogs to fancy banquets. Or we might just meet at the pub on our own.
• We have the coolest-looking uniforms around!

We currently meet once a week for rehearsals -- mostly on Tuesdays at 6:45 - 9 p.m.  Once a month, we meet on Mondays, to encourage members of other bands to join us.  (Going forward, we are considering switching to mostly Monday rehearsals, with one Tuesday a month.)

In the warmer months (April - October), we rehearse at Maple Grove Fire Station #1.  From November - March, we rehearse mostly at the Fridley City Hall. 

Band members receive an email each week noting the date / location of that week's rehearsal.