By Lindsey Bush
The Idaho Falls Post Register
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Fire Capt. Roger Anderson wants to make one thing clear.
He’s a firefighter, not a musician. But that doesn’t mean he can’t play the bagpipes.
In fact, all 16 members of the Idaho Falls Fire Department Pipes and Drums prefer the firefighter title.
“We’re not musicians, we’re firemen playing instruments,” Anderson said.
Idaho Falls firefighters put together the state’s first fire department pipes and drums ensemble six years ago.
Though the band’s original members never had played the complicated instrument, they decided to give it a try. Becoming quality pipers, however, was far more difficult than they ever imagined.
“You’ve got three things to worry about, keeping the bag inflated, keeping the air pressure constant and playing the tune,” firefighter paramedic Naithan McKinney said.
Without developing proper muscle strength, pipers can’t keep the bag inflated or the tone constant.
Along with the strenuous physical aspects of piping, the group requires a significant amount of time for practicing and performing. Schedules often conflict as the firefighters try to coordinate band requirements with their shifts at the fire station, second jobs and/or family time.
In fact, the group rarely assembles all 16 members at the same time.
“The commitment is the hardest part,” Anderson said. “Going to a performance and playing and getting dressed up is fun. But getting us all together is difficult.”
All Idaho Falls firefighters are welcome to join the group but are encouraged to consider the time commitment and the expenses involved.
Members must buy their own set of bagpipes, which can cost as much as $1,200 or more. They also pay monthly dues to help offset travel expenses, uniforms (which include kilts) and drums. Each uniform costs about $2,600. The drums average $550 each.
While the extensive time required and financial commitment can be daunting, members of the group find the experience rewarding. Though, not all performances are cheerful occasions. The group’s most somber performances come at funerals.
“Those are probably the most meaningful events,” retired Capt. Kim Getsinger said. “You play a lot of fun events, but the funerals really mean something.”
One of the group’s most memorable performances was Sept. 17, 2006. The ensemble played “Amazing Grace” at the funeral service for Fire Marshal Mike Sheets, an active duty firefighter at the time.
“It was a tear-jerker for us,” Gestsinger said.
Later this month, the group will be in a more light-hearted mood when they help Idaho Falls celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, known as the annual “March in March.”
The pipers will travel between eight downtown-area bars on St. Patrick’s Day, joining Celtic music and the firefighter tradition.
Six years ago, the chances of building a traditional firefighter pipes and drums ensemble in Idaho Falls seemed slim. But that didn’t stop the Idaho Falls Fire Department.
“If you take highly motivated people — which all these guys are — and give them a common goal, great things happen,” Anderson said.
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