A rare sound, not often heard at the First Baptist Church in Georgetown, is the snap of a snare drum and howl of bagpipes.
It's not a special church service, but a gathering of first responders -- learning from the best. To be the best, it all starts with fundamentals. That's what firefighters -- turned students -- learned Friday in this workshop.
The one day symposium included members from 26 fire departments from across the state -- some from as far away as Lubbock, Denton and Corpus Christi.
"The bagpipes are not a instrument where you can find instruction for in any city. Luckily, we are fortunate enough to have Georgetown to be able to put on this conference for us -- for people like us from College Station who don't have world class training in College Station," said James McNeely, College Station firefighter and bagpiper.
From expert pipers and drummers to those just learning the craft, all are broken in to sectionals. They were learning music, sharing stories and preparing for special events back home.
"We'll play almost anything. We really enjoy getting out in the community. We did Pink Heels for Breast Cancer. We do Christmas stuff, the Red Poppy Parade," said Jeff Davis, Georgetown battalion chief.
But the most important service pipe and drum corps provide is saluting and honoring those who have fallen and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country or community.
"Every funeral is still difficult. It's not east to play. But if we can bring a little bit of comfort to that family, a little bit of piece of mind, then we have done our part to help them through the grieving process," said McNeely.
For more information on the Georgetown Fire Department Pipes & Drums, go to www.gfdpipesanddrums.com.
