Competition Band

Many people don’t know that the FDNY Pipes and Drums have a separate group of bagpipers who compete in contests across the United States and sometimes in other Countries. The members of this group are regular members of the band but have chosen to come out and take more time to practice and compete against other Pipe bands. To be a member of the competition group you have to attend up to two extra practices a week in addition to regular band practices. As well, to play in the competitions for the year you must pass an audition in front of all the competition players.

The members of this group must commit to the grueling competition standards as well as the busy schedule of the regular band, which is also very grueling at times. We encourage all members of the band to come out and play in the competition unit; unfortunately some members are already committed to so many other things that they just don’t have the time, therefore the competition unit represents only about 1/4 of the regular band membership. We are supported greatly by the regular members of the band. In many cases, they will travel with us to competitions for support and to participate in the Mass Bands that are at the end of many shows.

We have won many trophies in the past and our hope is to continue this winning streak for many years to come! Our biggest accomplishment to date is taking 2^ndplace at the All Irelands in Letter Kenny, County Donegal on July 1^stof 2006. We competed against 16 other bands in Grade 4. The band that beat us was the defending World Champions from 2005 in Grade 4B. 

2007 and 2008 Competition Group