History and Tradition
From the birth of the first Edmonton volunteer firefighting Brigade in 1891 to the Edmonton Fire Department becoming full-time in 1906, there was no organized Pipes and Drums Band.
However, The Edmonton Fire Department still has a long history of music and bands. the earliest known was a Brass Marching Band dating back to 1891, called the Fire Brigade Band. (Photo Credit-City of Edmonton Archives)
The current band started out as a marching band in 1963. Some of those audiences and performances included, Queen Elizabeth at the 1978 commonwealth games, the 75th anniversary at the legislative assembly, Duke of Edinburgh awards ceremonies with Prince Edward in attendance, The Edmonton Metro Fire Chiefs convention, The 100th Anniversary of the Dawson City Fire Department. As the group grew and progressed, the marching band grew into 3 separate bands. Their music consisted of, Country Gents, Rock & Roll and Big Band Sound. In the 80s, the three bands became one that played three types of music. This Band was then named the Edmonton Firefighters Dance Band. As numbers declined, the band was known as The Big Band. The Band has also won numerous awards over the years. An accomplishment that the department and its members are definitely proud of. Unfortunately due to age and recruiting, the Big Band recently retired in 2023.
In 2016, nearly 100 years after the department went full-time. The Edmonton Firefighters Piping and Drumming Society was formed and its first members joined.
While the Edmonton Fire Department didn't officially have a pipe band for many years, the importance of piping and drumming within the fire department was still recognized and celebrated. The Department and Union occasionally called upon pipers, for significant events such as funerals and other department functions. These pipers played a crucial role in honouring fallen firefighters and adding a sense of solemnity and tradition to ceremonies.
Station Capt. Rod MacDonald is now a permanent and honourary member of the Edmonton Firefighters Piping and Drumming Society. Capt. Barry Lewis was another Piper that also gave his time to various Fire Department events. Barry passed away before our Pipes & Drums band was established.
The involvement of these pipers and the eventual formation of the Edmonton Firefighters Piping and drumming society highlight the rich traditions and strong sense of community within the Edmonton Fire Department. Despite the absence of an official band for many years, the department still recognized the significance of piping and ensured its presence during important events. The dedication and passion of individuals like Captain MacDonald and Captain Lewis paved the way for the eventual establishment of a formal pipe band, which continues to uphold the traditions and honour the memory of those who served before them.
The latest idea of forming the Pipes and Drums society was brought forward by then FFQ Tim MacDonald along with a group of other firefighters in our honour guard. Several meetings were held between the group and Edmonton Fire Rescue administration and the Edmonton Firefighter's Union. The idea was fully supported by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services administration and The Edmonton Firefighters Union. In late 2015 the forming of the Pipes and Drums rose off the ground. Unfortunately Tim passed away on Sept 22, 2015. Tim MacDonald was very instrumental in developing a plan to start this endeavor and the work continued to make it a reality.
In early 2016 a recruitment poster went out to the members of Edmonton Fire Rescue. An info session was then held in February of 2016. The initial interest put the membership at 18 potential bagpipers and 10 Drummers. Immediately after, a startup committee was formed and the basic structure and organization of the Pipes and Drums began to form. The very first fundraiser was held June 3rd, 2016 at The Druid on Jasper ave. Funds raised help pay for the first practice instruments and lessons. In Sept of 2016, lessons for both the bagpipers and drummers had started as none of the members played either instrument before. The Edmonton Firefighters Piping and Drumming Society was formed under the Alberta Societies Act in Sept of 2016. April 3, 2017 saw another fundraiser at the Pint in Edmonton, this time to raise costs for uniforms, more lessons and instruments.
By May of 2017, 10 members had their great highland Bagpipe, 6 drummers had snare drums, 2 had tenors and 1 was learning how to play the bass drum. All were well on their way to playing tunes.
The next large fundraiser was at the Taste of Edmonton. Held at Churchill Square in July of 2017, with the kind sponsorship of Foothills Creamery and Events Edmonton, the society set up an Ice cream booth over the 10 day event. The money raised helped pay for Bagpipe and Drum lessons, uniform items and instrument maintenance.
The rest of the funds were put away for future travel and miscellaneous costs.
On September 30, 2017 with the hard work of the members, we were able to play a couple of tunes at The Edmonton Firefighters’ Union 100 yr celebration. The members performed while the Honour Guard was marching in to present the colors. Then the names of all Edmonton Fire Rescue members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in the Line of Duty were read. After the ringing of the bell and a moment of silence, Amazing Grace was played. This was the Edmonton Firefighters Piping and Drumming Society's first appearance in front of Edmonton Fire Rescue members and their guests.
In the summer of 2017, after much research, Station Captain Adam Lindsay developed five distinct tartans to represent Edmonton Fire Rescue Services & IAFF Local 209, its members, and the community. Society Members subsequently selected the final design through a vote, establishing the Edmonton Firefighters Tartan, and initiating the weaving process. In October 2017, the Edmonton Firefighter Pipes and Drums Tartan was officially registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority. Shortly thereafter, kilts featuring the Edmonton Firefighters Tartan were delivered for the initial group of ten pipers and nine drummers, who were actively progressing in their musical endeavors.
In late November 2017, a subsequent recruitment initiative was extended to all members of Fire Rescue. Following an informational session, an additional twelve individuals expressed interest in learning bagpipes, while six others sought instruction on the drums. These individuals commenced their training in January 2018. This resulted in a total membership of 45, comprising two fire prevention officers and the remaining personnel serving in fire suppression roles as firefighters and officers. Membership figures are subject to ongoing fluctuation as members resign and new individuals are recruited over subsequent years.
As newer Pipers and Drummers join our ranks, our repertoire of tunes continues to expand. We are a community band, and as such, we embrace a diversity of skill levels within both our Pipe and Drum corps. This range of abilities enriches our ensemble, fostering an environment of continuous learning and mutual support. While some members may be seasoned players with a vast musical knowledge, others may be taking their first steps into the world of piping and drumming.
We believe that this blend of experience levels is one of our greatest strengths. It allows for mentorship and guidance from more experienced members to those who are still developing their skills. It also creates opportunities for everyone to learn from each other, regardless of their level of expertise. As a community band, we are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for all who share a passion for piping and drumming.
(Photo credit- Caleb Snee, EFD Band and the Pipes & Drums)
Our Membership
Our Membership currently consists of active & retired "uniformed" members of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services & I.A.F.F Local 209. We currently have 25 members in the society consisting of kilted performing members to recruit members, which of whom are still on practice instruments. As those members move to performing members and join the roster, they become "kilted members" and their names are added below with band position followed by department rank. All members have learned their respected instruments within the Edmonton Firefighters Piping & Drumming Society. Team work and contribution is key. Members must be enthusiastic about learning the Pipes or Drums and be willing to engage in community or first responder performances and functions.
Individuals who are not affiliated with Edmonton Fire Rescue or EFFU Local 209 may be eligible for membership. Eligibility will be determined by the executive on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on the individual possessing significant experience, a past or current first responder designation, and/or relevant skills or instructional capabilities that they can bring to the band. To maintain the fire service's esteemed reputation and the public's trust, it's imperative that we uphold stringent screening protocols for all personnel attending our events and joining our organization. These measures ensure that only individuals who meet specific criteria are permitted to participate while wearing the uniform, thereby safeguarding the integrity of our operations and the safety of those we serve.
BAND PERFORMING ROSTER-KILTED MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING
Pipe Major - FF Matt Badmington (Founding member)
Pipe Sergeant - Stn.Capt Adam Lindsay (Founding member)
Piper - FF Kevin Leung (Founding member)
Piper - FPO Martin Landry (Founding member)
Piper - FF Harley McKinney (Founding member)
Piper - FF JM Tetrault (Founding member)
Piper - Prob FF Egan McNamara
Drum Major & Snare Drummer - FF Mike Adams (Founding member)
Drum Sergeant & Snare Drummer- FF Jorgen Siebenga (Founding member)
Bass Drummer - Capt. Scott Swann (Founding member)
Bass Drummer / Snare Drummer - FF Rob Sterling
Snare Drummer - FFQ Aaron Hazelaar (Founding member)
Bass Drummer - ECS Krista Malowski
Snare Drummer - FF Joseph Whitlow (Founding member)
Snare Drummer - FF Richard Blackstock
Honourary Members
Honourary Pipe Major - Retired Stn.Capt Rod MacDonald
Honourary Pipe Major - FFQ Tim MacDonald (Founding member) (In Memorium) -http://https//www.parkmemorial.com/book-of-memories/2250848/macdonald-timothy-tim/obituary.php
Honourary Chaplain - John Dowds (City of Edmonton Chaplain-Retired)
Past Members
(Those who have significantly contributed to the sustainability and foundation of the Edmonton Firefighters Piping and Drumming Society, either in a musical or charitable aspect.)
District Chief Paul McGonigal-Director (Founding member)
Retired Stn.Capt Al Cooke-Director (Founding member)
FF Cole Chapelsky-Past Treasurer (Founding member)
Instructors
All current instructors are non Edmonton Fire Rescue members. Our instructors are hired by the Society. We also work with the Edmonton Police Service Pipes & Drums and the RCMP K division Pipes & Drums Band including our surrounding area fire service bands, in regards to our Parade Drill and Marching skills.
Bagpipe Instructor - Vacant
Snare Drum Instructor - Peter Hendrickson
Bass Drum / Tenor Instructor- Vacant
OPERATIONAL INFO
The Edmonton Firefighters Piping & Drumming Society is a dedicated group of individuals who "volunteer" their time to learn, practice, and perfect their musical skills. Members are committed to attending lessons, practices, and performances, often trading shifts or using their days off to ensure their participation in events. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and the Edmonton Firefighters' Union occasionally support us by allowing our members to take full or partial shifts off for events, when staffing levels allow.
The society operates independently under its own elected executive body. Fundraising efforts are essential to support the group's activities, covering expenses such as private instruction, travel costs for attending events, instrument maintenance, and uniform purchases.
One significant accomplishment of the society's fundraising efforts is the acquisition of the "Wee MacGregor" community events trailer. This trailer was funded entirely through sponsorships and the society's own fundraising initiatives, showcasing the members' dedication and community support.
TRADITION ᐧ HONOUR ᐧ PRIDE
For the reporting of any errors or omissions on our webpage, please contact info@effpipesdrums.ca