Our Pipe Band
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service pipe bandGreater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service adopted a Pipe Band in 1998. Since then the band has competed in all major pipe band championships and at local and national events to raise the brigade's profile.
History
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Pipe Band has been a feature on the English pipe band scene since 1998, however the history of the band goes back much further than that, with the band's origins going back to 1950's Salford.
The band started life as a church band called St. Sebastian's Pipe Band. After 21 years in existence this band disbanded in November 1971. After a couple of months the bandsmen reformed, and renamed the band City of Manchester Pipe Band.
In 1998, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service offered new practice premises and help with transport for the Pipe Band and in return the band changed their name.
About the band
The band is made up of:
• Pipe Major - responsible for music and management of the band;
• Leading Drummer - works in partnership with the Pipe Major on the musical score;
• 24 Pipers;
• 15 Drummers;
• 10 people currently undergoing tuition to play in the band;
• 8 Backroom staff who help with organisation, finances etc.
The band compete in major championships which involve between 120 and 200 bands from across the globe. The band has a strong lead team and a professional set-up, which in 2007 enabled the band's promotion to a higher Grade within the rules of the Royal Pipe Band Association. The Pipe Band is currently in Grade 3A, which is only two potential seasons away from the most prestigious Grade 1. The bands achievements in 2007 include: -
• 2nd Place at the European Pipe Band Championships - Inverness
• 2nd Place at the World Pipe Band Championships - Glasgow Green
• 1st Place at the Cowal Championships - Dunoon
Our goals
The bands short term goal (1-2 years) is to win Grade 3A and be promoted to Grade 2 and our medium Term goal (3-6 years) is to win Grade 2 and be promoted to Grade 1 and our long term goal is to become a long standing highly competitive member of the prestigious Grade 1.
Join the band
The band have sufficient members and talent to enable our short term goals, however, to meet our medium to long term goals the band is looking to recruit members of all ages and backgrounds. Fire Service personnel are welcome but we also recruit people from outside the Fire Service.
If you are a beginner then we can provide you with the tuition you need to help you develop your skills and technique so you can eventually play with us in the band.
If you are interested in joining the band please contact gmcfspb@btopenworld.com.
Private functions
The band are also available to play at private functions. If you are interested in hiring the band please contact gmcfspb@btopenworld.com.
More information
For more information about Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Pipe Band please visit their website at www.gmcfspb.com.