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| Worcester Mass., December 1999 |
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| ABOUT THE BAND
The Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums was formed in 1991 with the primary purpose to "Honor Our Fallen." The Gaelic version, "Onoir Do Na Marbh," appears on the band's bass drum and shoulder patches. The band often participates in funerals to honor firefighters, EMS personnel and police officers and has traveled to Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia and Massachusetts to perform for firefighter line of duty death services. Band members have participated in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Washington, DC in October of 2002, the International Association of Firefighters Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs in September of 2004 and at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland in October of 2006 and 2007.
Members of the band can be requested to perform at firehouse dedications and open houses, parades, parties, weddings, funerals and many other special events to play traditional Irish, Scottish and American tunes.
One of the band's biggest events is the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Cleveland where it has won awards for "Best Bagpipe Band" 10 times since 1992. The band tied for the "Best Marching Unit" award at the 1999 parade and won the "Kennedy Award" for best overall unit in 2001.
Most of the band's pipers and drummers are members of fire departments located throughout Northeast Ohio.
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BAND OFFICERS
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Pipe Major/Music Director: Mike Engle
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Pipe Sgt: Ronnie Stepka
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Pipe Corporals: Tom Garfield, Joe Nagel, Ben Dockstader, Jack Kovach
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Drum Major: John Coleman
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Drum Sgt: Andy Clark
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Drum Corporal: John Davis
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Treasurer: Kellie Rossi
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Secretary: Joe Nagel
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Band Manager/Web Page Editor: Ken Rybka
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NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
The band practices Tuesday evenings at the Cleveland Fire Training Academy, East 32nd and Lakeside Avenue, from 7-9 p.m. (see map) Practices are open to anyone interested in becoming a new member. We accept all skill levels, from beginner to the established musician. You do not have to be a firefighter to join. Before stopping by, please check our "Upcoming Events" page. Some practices are cancelled due to other band commitments.
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SHEET MUSIC DOWNLOAD
In the unfortunate event of a LODD funeral in the Cleveland area, all fire bands are welcome to perform with us. Never ask if you are invited, just let us know if you can make it.
You can download the sheet music for our funeral set, which includes "Honor our Fallen" (written by Pipe Sgt. Ronnie Stepka), "Going Home" and "Amazing Grace" by clicking the PDF file link below.
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