first photo of our new pipe band

**OC Richard** · 23rd August 13, 03:14 AM

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** · 23rd August 13, 04:30 AM

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** · 23rd August 13, 05:35 AM

"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** · 23rd August 13, 06:34 AM

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