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About

Boone County Fire Protection District Pipes & Drums was formed in 1997 through the efforts of Ken Hines, Assistant Fire Chief at that time. Ken had visited many fire districts throughout the U.S. where pipe bands were a strong tradition. Historically, fire and police departments, manned largely by the Scots and Irish, have long incorporated pipes and drums in their ceremonies, parades, and memorials for fallen firefighters. The band started with six pipers and several drummers and was ready for its first Memorial Day parade in 1999. The events of September 11 furthered awareness of the role pipes and drums play in honoring our heroes. The band expanded over the next two decades to where it is the largest firefighter and civic service bagpipe band in Missouri with ever-increasing requests for performances.

Air Show 2016 1

Pipes & Drums is a valued, volunteer service unit operated by Boone County Fire Protection District to honor the firefighter tradition throughout central Missouri. The band plays for parades, civic, and charity events, including statewide ceremonies held in Jefferson City, fire and police service events, for veterans participating in Honor Flight Welcome Home ceremonies, and at fallen firefighter funerals and memorials. The band culture is one of openness to all who are interested in traditional Scottish and Irish music and participating in the band. Our goals are to meet high standards when playing bagpipe band music, honor the historical and ceremonial traditions of playing the Great Highland Bagpipe, and proudly represent the Boone County Fire Protection District to its constituents.

Our Members

The band is currently made up of 9 pipers and 6 drummers, under the leadership of Jane Rabeni, Piper Major and John Cunning, Drum Major. Band members come from all walks of life, including students, homemakers, employed staff and professionals, retirees, and BCFPD volunteer firefighters.

Our Repertoire

The band plays traditional Scottish and Irish tunes as well as patriotic and ceremonial music. The band is continually growing, learning new repertoire to be performed for parades, in smaller group settings, and as solo work for weddings, funerals, celebrations, and other events.

Memorial Day 2011
 

Band Season

The band season is active August through May of each year with approximately 20 performances annually. Band practices are held at BCFPD Headquarters on Tuesday evenings, 6:00-8:00 pm, with additional instruction for new members available 5:00-6:00 pm prior to full band rehearsals. When the band is on break during the summer months, individuals and small groups are always available to perform.

Contact

For questions about instruction or joining the band, contact the Band Manager, Gail Fitzgerald by:
E-mail: fitzgeraldg@missouri.edu
By Phone: 573-447-5000

Band Season for 2016-2017

Sep. 8*
Sterling Price Festival ParadeBrunswick
Oct. 6*
Pecan Festival ParadeColumbia
Oct. 20
MU HomecomingColumbia
Nov. 10/11 *
Veteran’s Day ParadeColumbia
Dec. 1
BCFPD Appreciation Banquet Columbia
 Mar. 16 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Rolla
 May 5 Columbia Memorial Stair Climb Columbia
 May 20 Fallen Firefighters Memoria Kingdom City
 May 26 Salute to Veterans Air Show at Airport Columbia
 May 28 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony Columbia
   

 
* Date to be confirmed
 ** Additional 6 Honor Flight receptions to be scheduled April – October each year.. See: https://centralmissourihonorflight.com

Band Repertoire

2/4 Marches

  • Mairi’s Wedding
  • High Road to Gairloch
  • Liberton
  • 42nd Highlanders
  • Road to the Isles
  • Earl of Mansfield
  • Barron Rocks

3/4 Marches

  • Balmoral
  • Green Hills of Tyrol
  • When the Battle is Over
  • Lochanside

4/4 Marches

  • Scotland the Brave
  • Rowan Tree
  • Wings
  • Johnnie Scobie
  • Johnny with the Bandy Legs
  • Badge of Scotland
  • Thomas Sander
  • Leaving Liverpool

6/8 Marches & Tunes

  • Skye Boat Song
  • Endearing Young Charms
  • The Kerry Dance (Irish)
  • Garry Owen (Irish)
  • A Hundred Pipers
  • Morag of Dunvegan
  • Highland Cradle Song

Strathespys/ Reels

  • Orange and Blue
  • Lady Carmichael
  • Jock Wilson’s Ball
  • Piper of Drummond

Airs

  • Suo Gan
  • Mull of Kintyre
  • Flower of Scotland
  • Bells of Dunblane
  • Scots Wha Ha’e
  • Water is Wide
  • Will Ye No Come Back

Irish Tunes

  • Minstrel Boy
  • Kerry Dance
  • Gary Owen
  • When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
  • Wearing of the Green
  • It’s a Long Way to Tipperary
  • Danny Boy
  • The Wild River

Patriotic Tunes

  • God Bless America
  • America the Beautiful
  • Marines: The Marine’s Hymn
  • Army: The Army Goes Rolling Along
  • Navy: Anchors Away
  • Coast Guard: Semper Paratus
  • Air Force: The U.S. Air Force

Ceremonial/ Specialty

  • Highland Cathedral
  • Amazing Grace
  • Prince of Denmark
  • Going Home
  • Old Missouri
  • Taps
  • Auld Lang Syne