In 1953 Pipe-Major Wendell Odell formed the 53rd Stewart Highlanders, now the Manchester Regional Police & Fire Pipe Band (MRP&F). The Pipe Band was patterned after the fashion of the great Scottish military regiments, and is proud to continue these time honored military traditions by maintaining a regimental structure. The Pipe Band also maintains a traditional military-style uniform with the kilt being Hunting Stewart.
Pictures of the bands beginnings in the late 1950's and 1960's.
Bagpipes have long been associated with the police and fire services. The great immigrations of the 1800 and 1900’s brought large numbers of Irish, Scots, Welsh, and others of Celtic origin into the United States. Many of these immigrants settled into the urban areas. It was these large urban areas that first started professional police and fire departments, and many of the officers were of Celtic ancestry. These officers brought into the police and fire services many of the habits and customs from the old countries police and fire departments, one being the bagpipe.
Today the trend continues. Probably more so than ever. Countries around the world have bagpipe bands associated with their police and fire services. In the United States, the interest in bagpiping has grown dramatically in the past ten years, and the trend shows no end. Therefore, it was no surprise to find many members of the Old Stewart Highlanders were police and firefighters. These officers wished to further the honor, and integrity of the police and fire services as well as their communities, by using their talents as pipers and drummers. Additionally, a great number of community members who have piping and drumming experience also wanted to support their police, firefighters and communities by participating in a Regional Police and Fire Pipe band. As such, by a unanimous vote of the membership, The Manchester Regional Police and Fire Pipe Band was commissioned on March 1, 1999.
Future plans include the continuing of a yearly training program, the expansion of the competition unit, and the development of a youth band.
SUPPORTING THE POLICE & FIRE PIPEBAND
The Manchester Regional Police and Fire Pipeband is a self-funded organization made up entirely of volunteers. No governmental money is used. The cost of outfitting a piper or drummer is significant. Kilts cost $400, bagpipes $1000, drums run up to $500. A complete uniform for a member costs approximately $1500. The need for public support is great indeed. We hope that you can support us, as we support our police, firefighters, and communities.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
The Manchester Regional Police and Fire Pipe Band, is actively seeking corporate sponsors within the business community. By helping the MRP&F with services, facilities, or other assistance the MRP&F would help the corporate sponsor through a mutual publicity program or in other areas yet to be determined. The ideal sponsors would be willing to help support the pipe band each year. Each year the MRP&F performs at over 30 events, parades, and concerts. This exposes the MRP&F to an estimated 750,000 people each year. This does not include the MRP&F’s involvement when called to perform at police and fire departmental functions
PURCHASE OF MRP&F LOGO ITEMS
One part of the Manchester Police & Fire Pipeband’s fundraising program is selling various items such as tee shirts, hats, patches, and other items. If you are interested in assisting the MRP&F through the purchase of these logo items please use our web site to make orders and to see a current list of items and prices.
CONTRACTING THE MRP&F
The Manchester Regional Police & Fire Pipeband is available for performances and events. The pipe band can be contracted as a whole, or for small groups, and even individuals. There is nothing quite like the sound, color, and excitement of a pipe band on the march. We have played for parades, weddings, wakes, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, television shows, and rock stars. If you are looking for one piper, a small group of pipers and drummers, or an entire pipe band, give us a call at (860) 995-1360 or contact us here.
Some of the MRP&F’s selected credits are
Rod Stewart Seven Nations The Battlefield Band The Wolfe Tones Pat Dunlea
The Gayle King show Christy Henshaw Emeril Live The Reilly Clan
JOINING THE MRP&F
Membership in the Manchester Regional Police & Fire Pipeband is open to all.
Current members are male and female, ages 8 to 86, and have any number of occupations from bankers to woodworkers.
No prior experience in music is necessary.
Over the years the MRP&F have been very successful in our recruiting and training programs.
The underlying philosophy is there is a place for everyone. We specialize in providing adult learners the ability to take up the pipes or drums. Students are interviewed and then assigned to an instructor. The Students take a once per week lesson and learn at their own pace. The commitment in time and personal resources is considerable, however the reward is equally as great. For more information.