Firefighters' Band Honors Tradition
The Clackamas Fire Pipes and Drum band filed for federal 501c3 nonprofit status last month, after meetings last spring here dozens of firefighters showed interest in the program and started practicing with one another. After a few firefighters dropped out, realizing the necessary commitment for the band, 24 members have hunkered down to a grueling schedule of practices and fundraising goals.
Band President Tyson Lowther, a firefighter based at the Lake Road Station, believes the band strengthens the brotherhood that already comes from the shared way that the force lives together and puts their lives on the line.
The members have each paid $25 dues, and they have a total of about $2,200 in their bank account after selling out their first run of 100 t-shirts. Since the band receives no public funding, members have been selling stickers and accepting donations in order to purchase $2,500 uniforms.
Firefighter Dave Elle's family graphic design business in Oregon City donated the stickers at cost. Members have to buy their own instruments, and the customized kilts alone cost $500 each.
Pipe major Shawn Campbell directs the musical portion, and he's always trying to expand the firefighters' current 10-song repertoire to include more difficult songs from other genres within the traditions. Campbell has been playing the bagpipes since 1986.
“What keeps me going is the love of the instrument and the love of my Scottish heritage,” he said.
The traditions of Irish and Scottish firefighters in the U.S. date back the 19th century, when many immigrants took jobs in the field.
Chief Ed Kirchhofer has seen how the emotional resonance of the music has extended past its original ethnic origins. “Because of its association with line-of-duty deaths, there isn't a firefighter in America who wouldn't choke up when hearing 'Amazing Grace' played on the bagpipes,” Kirchhofer said.
Band President Tyson Lowther, a firefighter based at the Lake Road Station, believes the band strengthens the brotherhood that already comes from the shared way that the force lives together and puts their lives on the line.
The members have each paid $25 dues, and they have a total of about $2,200 in their bank account after selling out their first run of 100 t-shirts. Since the band receives no public funding, members have been selling stickers and accepting donations in order to purchase $2,500 uniforms.
Firefighter Dave Elle's family graphic design business in Oregon City donated the stickers at cost. Members have to buy their own instruments, and the customized kilts alone cost $500 each.
Pipe major Shawn Campbell directs the musical portion, and he's always trying to expand the firefighters' current 10-song repertoire to include more difficult songs from other genres within the traditions. Campbell has been playing the bagpipes since 1986.
“What keeps me going is the love of the instrument and the love of my Scottish heritage,” he said.
The traditions of Irish and Scottish firefighters in the U.S. date back the 19th century, when many immigrants took jobs in the field.
Chief Ed Kirchhofer has seen how the emotional resonance of the music has extended past its original ethnic origins. “Because of its association with line-of-duty deaths, there isn't a firefighter in America who wouldn't choke up when hearing 'Amazing Grace' played on the bagpipes,” Kirchhofer said.