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About Us & Our Mission
The JFRD Pipes & Drums is a Highland Bagpipe Band based in Jacksonville, Florida. Pipe bands have a rich heritage and have long been associated with fire departments, police, and military groups throughout the world. We originally formed as the North Florida Emerald Society, (NFES) in October 2011 but shortly after partnered with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department to form the JFRD Pipes & Drums in February 2012. The band started with both experienced and novice members as a not-for-profit organization, 501(c)(3), supporting the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the JFRD Honor Guard. We are a band consisting of career firefighters, police officers, nurses, retirees and other volunteers who work in many different businesses in the private sector.
Our goal is to encourage and support Scottish and Irish culture in our community by providing musical instruction for novice students and accomplished pipers and drummers. We provide the opportunity to support and represent the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and Honor Guard for the City of Jacksonville, and to promote Celtic culture through participation in area events. We take great pride in the opportunity to honor our fallen brothers and sisters by providing the unique and traditional sound of a bagpipe band. The band is committed to playing the finest in traditional Scottish and Irish music for both private and public audiences and is open for membership to anyone interested. We are available to play at weddings, funerals, graduations and many other events as requested (please contact us for pricing and availability). Typically, we are able to supply an individual piper or full band (pipes and drums) as requested and as available.
The JFRD Pipes & Drums provides the opportunity for anyone in Jacksonville and the surrounding area to learn to play either the bagpipes or drums in a highland pipe band. Lessons are provided free of charge to anyone who is willing to commit the time and self-discipline to learn. We do so by relying on those generous enough to make donations. The band meets for rehearsal every Thursday at the JFRD Headquarters building at 515 N. Julia Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Google Map
Hire a Bagpiper or the Band
Hiring a bagpiper can add a special touch to any occasion and make it more memorable for everyone! We are available to play at many events to include:
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We can provide a solo bagpiper or a complete band (multiple pipers & drums) as available, desired and depending on the occasion. Please contact us for more information.
Notable Performances
2018
- St. Patrick's Day Parade; Savannah, GA - March 17
2017
- The Piano Guys, Florida Theatre - February 17
- The Chieftains, Times Union Center/St. Augustine Amphitheater - March 17, 18 & 19
2015
- St. Patrick's Day Parade; Savannah, GA - March 17
2014
- St. Patrick's Day Parade; Savannah, GA - March 17
Band Online Store
JFRD Pipes & Drums is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), organization that has no direct source of funding. In order to purchase uniforms, equipment and other required items, the band relies solely on gracious donations from sponsors & individuals, donations at band performances and through the sale of band memorabilia. Please take a moment to check out our online store, consider us for a performance (individual piper or full band) or even make a donation. Thank you!
Visit our online store and support the band! We have really awesome shirts with the band logo, recording CD's and patches for sale. JFRD P&D Online Store
Visit our online store and support the band! We have really awesome shirts with the band logo, recording CD's and patches for sale. JFRD P&D Online Store
Band Tartan
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The JFRD Pipe & Drum Band wears the MacPherson Red Modern tartan. The MacPherson Red Modern tartan is a predominantly blue, green and red tartan with white and yellow. Of ecclesiastic origin, this is a name derived from the gaelic Macaphersein, meaning “Son of the Parson”. The clan itself is reputed to have been founded by Murdo Cattenach, a priest of Kingussie in Badenoch.