WELCOME

My name is Jon Darrah, I have been a member of the Los Angeles Police Department since 1989. Over the years I have daydreamed about playing the pipes, this year I am determined to make it happen. I was looking at NYPD's and Chicago PD's Pipe and Drum Band web sites and was duly impressed with the fact they have about 100 guys each on the roster respectively. Chicago draws from all of the law enforcement agencies in the greater Chicago area, as LAPD draws from the greater LA area, however we are nowhere near that many people on the roster. I got to thinking that out of all the agencies in the LA area, I can't be the only cop out there that is interested in learning to play the pipes or drums and joining our band. So in addition to learning to play, I am running a recruitment campaign with the idea that if we get a group of us starting out at the same time, it will be easier to support and motivate one another to combat the attrition rate. If you have any questions please click on my name under contributors to be directed to my e-mail.

Getting Started

Well you made it to this blog page which shows you have an interest in the subject matter. This is good, because a desire to play is all you need, the rest is quite doable if you have the desire. The reason I'm going into this is there are some people that say they love the sound of a pipe and drum band but could not go on this journey with us because: " I am too busy and don't have the time" or "I can't afford it". To address the time issue, 10 to 20 minutes a day of practice, every day, is what we are shooting for here. I have been told on good authority that with 10 mins on the practice chanter a day, you should be playing the pipes in about a year ( your mileage my vary). As does any long journey it starts with that first step which brings us to can you afford it. The only thing you have to buy to get going is a practice chanter. The middle of the road price is around $65 to $85. I will refer you to Oliver Seeler's web site from the links section, click on" Oliver Seeler's universe of bagpipes". Oliver has all kinds of tutoral information that covers the selection of a practice chanter quite well. (There is not a lot of mark up on these but I have spoken to Oliver and he has agreed to knock a few bucks off if we order 4 or more at a time, let me know if interested in taking him up on that, and don't buy a tudor book until you have spoken to the Pipe Major on the subject). So the initial investment is around $80 for a practice chanter and $25 for membership in the Emerald Society which gives you group lessons free of charge. A good set of pipes will cost you around $1100. Yes that is a good chunk of change but you have about a year to budget for that. ( to be cont.)

Saturday, April 24, 2010

LAPES Pipe Band Webb Site Operational

I am pleased to announce the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band has a Webb site that is active. We invite you to visit us to see our schedule of band appearances, the history of the band, links, and more. The site still needs to have some work completed on it but we wanted to get the up and running as soon as possible.

This blog spot was the brain child of Jon. He wanted a site where bag pipe players could go for instruction, advice, encouragement, and motivation while learning to play the bag pipes. To that end I will focus on those founding ideas. The LAPES Pipe and Drum Webb site will have information about the Band. This site will concentrate on the other. Thank you Jon.

http://www.lapespipesanddrums.com/
Posted by cliff at 3:19 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 22, 2010

Three Video Clips of the LAPES Band

Attached are three video clips posted on "You Tube" of the band.

The first clip was taken on January 11 when the Band performed at the opening for the dedication for the Corona Police Department Station.

The second and third clips were taken at the Scottish Highland Games on February 13 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6vSGZxy0cc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCqAx3u8tg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ycYRjG1za4
Posted by cliff at 4:17 AM 5 comments

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Beginner's Practice

The beginner's practices are scheduled for:
Saturday, June 12 at 0830 hours at the Academy
Saturday, July 10 at 0830 hours at the Academy
Saturday, July 24 at 0830 hours at the Academy
Saturday, September 4 at 0830 hours at the Academy
Saturday, September 18 at 0830 hours at the Academy
Saturday, September 25 at 0830 hours at the Academy
Saturday, October 10 at 0830 hours at the Academy

If you have any questions please contact Scott or Cliff.
Posted by Jon at 8:10 AM 0 comments

Friday, October 16, 2009

News Coverage of Memorial Ceremony

In so far as motivation and incentive to start playing the pipes with the band. What could be more motivation than this?

http://cbs2.com/video/?id=116709@kcbs.dayport.com
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7065622
Posted by cliff at 11:56 AM 4 comments

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Why Play the Pipes?


That’s a good question. Why play the pipes? We are not professional musicians. We are coppers that enforce the law and do the right thing when no one is looking or no one cares. Why pick up the bagpipes and play them? Let me try and answer that question this way:

1. Playing the bagpipes is unique. Not everyone plays them. It truly is a special instrument that is not commonly played. It feels good to be able to do something that not everyone else can do.

2. The bagpipes are steeped in tradition. The bagpipes date as far back as the Egyptians and the Romans. The bagpipes stretch from yesterday and to today. Throughout many wars, the bagpipes gave courage to warriors in the heat of battle. When the bagpipes are played, you are connecting to a long history of tradition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MOUcIp5W34&feature=PlayList&p=59101C7274988DD5&index=0

3. The bagpipes are a beautiful instrument whose sound can make men cry. Take a minute and listen to Amazing Grace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwb5Ai7LN3c&feature=related

4. Perhaps the greatest reason is what better way can we honor those that have gone before us. By playing at funerals, memorials, and tributes we honor those brave warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Once you pick up the bagpipes and play them you realize it is so much more then just playing a musical instrument.

Bagpipes Cryin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzjiCJrY-F4&feature=related
Posted by cliff at 8:41 PM 9 comments

Saturday, September 26, 2009

FREE E-BOOK: The Ultimate Piping Guide

The Ultimate Piping Guide—Starting Off: Tips and Advice for the Beginning Piper Enjoy this first installment of free online guides. Feel free to download and distribute. This guide includes helpful tips for those starting off on the Highland bagpipe, setting up your instrument, and improving your playing experience. This short guide is written with the learner piper in mind, but there is useful information for pipers at all levels and experience.
Included in this guide:
• Starting Off Right: Eliminating the more frustrating aspects of the instrument.
• The Comfortable Bagpipe: The ideal bagpipe setup for comfort & steady playing.
• Synthetic Drone Reeds: Set-up tips for optimal performance of synthetic drone reeds.
• The Strike-In: Yes, You Can: No more blown attacks—learn the skills for the perfect, professional start. by Chris Hamilton
Download.
Posted by cliff at 7:37 AM 4 comments

Thursday, September 10, 2009

2010 Summer School of Piping


The Summer School of Piping is now set up to accept registrations for 2010.

The school is still in Carlsbad from June 18th to 25th, 2010.


If you have any questions, please contact John Keys at the3keys@cox.net

You can find additional information and registration forms at www.bagpipesummerschool.com
Posted by cliff at 2:33 PM 1 comments
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