NFES-JFRD Pipes & Drums

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 F... ire 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 ...Read More