When you're growing up, you learn about your heritage; where you're family came from and what traditions you've passed on.Then, you start to live it. Not only do you cook meals, where country colors, and attend festivals and parades, but you become part of them.
I've grown up my whole life in an Irish Family. Both of my parents have Irish heritage, and we celebrate every Saint Patrick's Day. How though, is quite unique. You see, I perform in a Bagpipe Band, known as the Staten Island Pipes and Drums founded in 1964. Not only was I just introduced to it at a young age, I've loved it ever since. It's become a large involvement in my life, where I grow and learn from.
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My Father joined in 1982, and my Mother joined in 1988. They knew each other for a few years and eventually dated. When they got married, of course Bagpipes were present, and a few years later two Bagpipers produced a Drummer, to be.
For a few years they'd dress me in a kilt, I'd tag along with watching on the sidelines and a few times they'd throw me in at the end of the parade with a toy drum. I have no idea if I just walked, or may have had some knack for it back then, but I know it was enough to get me to join later on. From there, it became a family event, and tradition.
When I officially joined, I was about 9 years old, and took on a simple drum known as a Tenor Drum. The fun part of it, is the sticks you play with, you also twirl with and perform tricks.
When I was in High School I started to pick up the snare drum, what I currently march with. However, that hasn't limited me to staying with just one. I've rotated playing not only the Tenor and Snare, but the Bass drum as well over the course of the past 12 years I've been marching. In that time I have also moved up to becoming Drum Sergeant, and it's even earned me scholarships for College.
I started out young, but I haven't been alone in being a kid in a Bagpipe Band. Through the years we've had people come and go, and it makes each year memorable. We'll play at everything from parades, to parties and more.
Ontop of it all, my parents and I have been through every single parade season together. Wether it be one or both, a family presence has always been made.
Fast Foward to 2017, and I will be marching in my 10th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade along 5th Avenue. This year I will also be joined by both of my parents who continue to march and play. In all this time, I can say that I plan to keep it going for as long as time will allow. Perhaps one day, my children may be a part of the tradition. But for now, it is a part of my life that I will continue to cherish. It not only became something I enjoy, but something I get to share with and bond with people over.
