first photo of our new pipe band

[OC Richard]

We have a start-up band, the Long Beach Fire Department Pipe Band.

It's expensive to get a band off the ground! Several thousand dollars for a set of drums. We got a band set of kilts, used, from the Regina Police Pipe Band, in Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan. I had to move quite a few buckles, add straps, take out old hems and press kilts, and so forth (being the only person in the band who has taken a kiltmaking class!)

The goal originally was to go with a bespoke tartan I designed but the money just wasn't there.

Our kit is normal current pipe band kit, like it or not, with the ubiquitous black waistcoats, black hose, kilts worn too low (meh) and so forth. (At last week's World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow every band in Grade One wore waistcoats without jackets, all black save for a couple bands wearing charcoal grey or navy blue.)

One might quibble with the wearing of shortsleeved shirts with waistcoats but this is quite common in the USA pipe band world.

[Hiburnicus]

I'm sure that there are those who would quibble over the details you've brought up, but in my opinion your band looks well turned out. I believe that there's such a thing as the "ten-foot rule" that should be applied to such situations...ie, you look great from ten feet away. Try not to let any OCD tendencies you have cause you undeserved grief.

It sounds like the talents you've been developing along with your hobbies are serving you well, too! Good on ya!

[auld argonian]

"Wardrobe malfunctions" or no....it's got to be exciting to be starting a whole new band. Congratulations to all of you and best wishes for success. Just enjoy the camaraderie and making music and you can't go wrong.

Best

AA

[eagle43172]

Richard,
If y'all march and sound half as good as you look, you'll be awesome at contests!
Don't know why, but this got me thinking back to when you tried to get me to drum with the Gordon Greys. Lucky for them I graduated and left for the Army.
Dave

[piperchris]

I'd love to join your band Richard! Are you looking for pipers? Please let me know!

[grizzbass]

can't wait to hear you at the local festivals. Good luck

[TJ Kelley]

Looking sharp and standing proud... very nice Richard.

[OC Richard]

Thanks for the kudos guys! It took a lot of work to get us this far, and we're just starting on our journey.

Don't sell your drumming talent short, Dave! We made an effective pipe & drum duo back in the day.

Our competition debut will be at Pleasanton, Labour Day Weekend.

http://www.thescottishgames.com/

We have a gig coming up September 15th at the Long Beach Fleadh/Irish Music and Oyster Festival (!)

http://www.longbeachfleadh.com/

[Liam]

Congrats...your band looks great!

[MacGumerait]

Well done Richard , well done ! I can only imagine the challenges of assembling a new pipe band , congrats to you and the entire band .

Best wishes and good luck on your band's first competition !!