Who can join?

 Any IAFF member (active or retired) working for a King Co. Fire Dept.

What equipment do I need and what does it cost?

 For Bagpipes- A practice chanter is approximatly $75

 For Drummers- A Practice Pad and sticks cost $45

 * These items can be purchased through the band

How often are group lessons?

 Once per week (for 1-2 hours), on a fixed day and at a fixed time. There may be more than one group      depending on the number of students in the class. Class size can range from approx. 5-10 students.    Attendance requirement is 50%, though it will be difficult for most to succeed at this rate.

Where are practices located?

 Piper practice is on Mondays at Kirkland Station 26 (9am -10am), Tuesdays at Eastside Fire & Rescue  Station 73 (9am -10am) and Wednesdays at Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 73 (9am-11am) Drummer  practice is on Wednesdays at Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 73 (9am -11am)

How much time do I need to dedicate to practicing on my own?

 You need to be willing to commit to practicing on your own 30-60 min. or more per day.

 Band Meetings & Whole Band Practices

 There will be Whole Band Practice once per month for all band members. You are required to attend at  least 1 meeting in every quarter at minimum, but asked to attend as many as possible.

 These whole band practices are done for a few reasons:

 • Practice as a whole band and learn from others/ share knowledge

 • Keep up on band business, and help in the decision making process

 • MOST IMPORTANT- To help build camaraderie and brotherhood with your brothers and sisters in the  fire service.

What is the cost of dues and what does it pay for?

 Dues is $100 per month for each member for the first 12 months of band membership. $50-$60 dollars go  towards lessons. The remaining money goes in the bands general fund. This fund is used for covering  admin. costs, accounting fees, fundraiser costs, website fees, and is also used to offset the cost of  uniforms.

 While this amount may seem high, there are very good reasons and uses for the money. If you'd like a  more in depth understanding of the bands finances, please ask. We are more than happy to share this  information with you and explain how, where and why the money is used.

What items does the band pay for?

 Beyond practices, the bands goal is to assist in the purchasing of uniforms for all members who have  shown proficiency in piping or drumming as well as marching. This member is then referred to as a "kilted"  member. The money for this will come from excess dues money, fundraisers and performances. While this  assistance is not guaranteed, we project that our income from performances and dues will allow us to  achieve this goal.

What items will I be responsible for in the long term?

 Pipers

 • Are responsible for purchasing their own bagpipes. This is done after spending approx. 1 – 1 ½ years on  the practice chanter. The cost ranges from $1500 to $2500 or more depending on how elaborate you  choose to adorn them. Certain items are standardized by the band for appearance or sound (reeds, bag  cover, etc.) Long term the band would like to assist in this purchase however, there are currently no funds  available to spend on instruments.

 Drummers

 • Are responsible for purchasing their own drums. This is done after spending approx. 6 -12 months on the  practice pad. The cost is about $800 depending on drum type (side, tenor). Long term the band would like  to assist in this purchase however, there are currently no funds available to spend on instruments.

 Uniforms

 • As stated earlier, the goal of the band is pay all or some part of the cost of uniforms. Basic uniform cost is  approximatly $1300 and Full dress is approximatly $1000 more. Members need to be prepared to pay for  some portion of this as needed. We would recommend asking your local to assist you with this purchase  then the time comes.

 • Example- Members of Local 2878 were able to receive a donation to outfit its members in the band. We  would ask that other members be willing to ask the same of their local when the time comes.

What is the band tartan?

 Atholl District Tartan (modern) also known as Murray of Atholl (modern)

Why did you choose the name, “EASTSIDE FIREFIGHTERS PIPES & DRUMS”?

 The name was chosen as it reflects the region of King County that we are most likely to draw from. Much  like the name of the Zone 1 Haz Mat team is, “Eastside Haz Mat”. We believe there are ways that each  member can maintain a name affiliation with their home department. For example, the patch on one  shoulder may be your department, local or station patch, while the other shoulder would reflect the name  of the band.

FINAL THOUGHTS

 While joining the band is extremely rewarding, band membership is a huge time and financial  commitment and requires a great deal of thought prior to making the decision to join. The dropout rate for  most bands in the region is about 50% or more. For that reason, we ask everyone to consider the  following:

 • Do I have the time to attend weekly practices (50% min.)?

 • Do I have time to attend whole band practice once a month?

 • Am I willing to get trades or arrange holdovers to attend practices from time to time?

 • Do I have the time and discipline to commit to practicing 30-60 min. every day?

 • Do I have the finances for dues and equipment?

 Give serious thought to these questions. Answering “NO” to any question should raise a flag. It will not  only be very difficult for you to succeed, but it will also cause your fellow band members great difficulty  and slow their overall progress.

 We look forward to meeting you and having you join Eastside Firefighters Pipes & Drums. If you are  interested in stopping by a practice to see what goes on please feel free to do so. Thank you for your  interest. If you would like to join or have more questions, please email us at:

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