It’s fair to say it's on the short list of sounds that can, nearly universally, prompt so visceral a response.
It commands your attention, makes your hairs to stand on end, and adds an unspoken element of gravitas to the moment.
Crisp and distinct, clear and direct, the slow airs of a bagpipe have meant many things to many people over the ages. But in Chicago, their tones are often closely associated with the Chicago Fire Department and many of its most poignant, often sacred, occasions.
Since 2007, the group frequently at the center of those occasions has been the Chicago Fire Pipes & Drums band, a collection of performers comprised of members of the Chicago Fire Department and their immediate family. And as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of their founding, they also happen to be front and center to the official pre-match hype video for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club’s 20th MLS season.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE 2017 HYPE VIDEO
As plans came together for the annual video, there was a strong desire in this milestone year to implement themes connecting the club to its historic origin. The possibility of a soundtrack anchored by the Pipes & Drums seemed a natural fit, especially given the shared anniversary year and a set of core values -- 'Bród, Onóir, & Traidisiún', or Pride, Honor, Tradition -- that closely recall our club's Tradition. Honor. Passion.
Needless to say, each member of the Pipes & Drums band was as gracious to work with as they are talented musically. The band allowed our camera crews to capture one of its weekly Tuesday night practices in December at the Chicago Fire Department Training Facility at 558 W DeKoven St., site of the infamous O'Leary barn and point of origin of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
The group was more than giving of its time and energy, playing a few dozen renditions of "Scotland, The Brave" to allow our crew to shoot a wide variety of settings, angles and details. Along the way we learned a few of the stories behind what prompted them to join the Pipes & Drums band, in some cases learning their instrument from scratch in order to be part of it. To a person, they were enthusiastic about participating in our project and renewing the longtime connections between our club and the Chicago Fire Department.
With their help -- and the musical expertise of our own DJ Step! -- we hope to have created a piece that stirs the blood of Fire players and supporters alike, while shedding deserved light on an honorable and talented group of Chicagoans.
For more on the Chicago Fire Department Pipes & Drums, visit chicagofirepipers.com.
