WHERE DID WE COME FROM?
The Trinity Pipes & Drums was first established in 1954 by Dr. Henry G. Hood, Professor of History. The band assembled in the parking lot outside of the Ferris Athletic Center, purported to be one of the best spots acoustically on campus. Their sounds were brought to the steps of the nations capital and across New England. They also played for the dedication of the Downes Memorial Clock Tower on campus.
This first incarnation of the band ended in 1963. In 1996, a charismatic freshman entered campus and dreamed a dream. His dream reached the ears of another visionary, College President, Evan Dobelle. James MacRae Bairde’s (‘00) single minded devotion and enthusiasm for the band shepherded its’ revival and re-outfitting. The band is now enjoying its 10th year of operation and looks forward to many years of continued service to the college and the community.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We play bagpipes! We play drums! We enjoy ourselves. We participate in official and not so official on-campus events. We formally introduce and represent the College and we, not so formally, sound the charge for our school teams.
- Last years calendar of events included:
- Hartford Veterans Day Parade
- Hartford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Sporting Events
- Sponsor annual Concerts for the past 10 years (This year it’s THE BATTLEFIELD BAND from Scotland!)
- College President Inauguration
- Leading the annual Commencement Procession
- Attend and participate in several Highland games and Irish Feis Festivals each year
WHY DO WE DO THIS?
The reasons are as varied as the people. For some it’s a chance to participate directly in their Celtic heritage. For others it’s the instrument, the music and an indefinable stirring in their soul. Still others find the uniqueness in the instrument and the costume to be attractive.
But, to me, the Piping Instructor, the best argument is this: When you leave college you take with you knowledge and experiences. The knowledge will be obsolete 5 years after graduation. The experiences you will carry with you the rest of your life. Here is an opportunity to begin an experience and gain a skill you will carry forever and will give pleasure to others wherever you go.
WHAT MUST I DO?
Well, the process is simple. A prospective pipe is required to purchase a small recorder-like Practice Chanter. On this you will be taught hand posture, the scale, the basic embellishments, and the melodies themselves. Once proficiency is demonstrated with the basics, one of the band’s Bagpipes will be entrusted to you. You will be shown how to care for it and yes, how to play it. A dedicated student practicing 15 minutes daily and attending a one hour group lesson per week can be playing in as little as 6 months. There is no way to say this gently … The pipes are a beast! It just takes time consistency, patience and commitment.
Our Drum Corp is the other half of our unique sound. This modern addition to the Pipe Corps has become the most rapidly evolving sector of band development. In addition to the ‘standard’ drumming settings, new rhythms based on African and Caribbean influences are developing. If you already are an accomplished percussionist, we offer you a chance to help us build a unique sound alongside our traditional sound. If you are new drumming an investment of just a few dollars in a practice pad and sticks will put you on the road to learning the unique patterns and style that is Highland Drumming. Currently developing new drummers is one of our HIGHEST priorities!
WE PRACTICE:
Tuesday evenings in the Vernon Student Center from 5:45pm to 7:45pm
COME JOIN US!
CONTACT: Bruce Lazaroff, Piping Instructor
860-643-2691
BILAZAROFF@COX.NET