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Official state pipe band

Published (3/16/2012)
By Nick Busse
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Richard Cady, left, event coordinator for the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band, and Pipe Major/Director of Music Lynn Ista testify before the House Government Operations and Elections Committee March 9 in support of a bill sponsored by Rep. Joe Atkins, center, that would designate an official state pipe band. (Photo by Andrew VonBank)A pipe band whose performances honor fallen firefighters and veterans could receive a state designation.

Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) sponsors HF1517 that would honor the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band as the state’s official pipe band. The group of kilt-wearing, British military-style bagpipers and drummers performs free of charge at various memorial services, fundraisers and open houses.

The House Government Operations and Elections Committee approved the bill March 9 and sent it to the House floor. It has no Senate companion.

Atkins said he’s usually skeptical of bills proposing official state designations, but he made an exception in this case because he believes in the group’s mission. He said they’re seeking the honor because they think it will “make a more meaningful experience for the families and organizations that they serve.”

Lynn Ista, the band’s director and “pipe major,” said the group was formed in 2002 and has performed at a variety of memorial services, National Guard deployments and other firefighter and military-related events.

“We are a public service band, and we do not charge to perform for the fire service, the military, our veterans or community,” Ista said. “We are very honored to do this.”

Committee Chairwoman Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) voted against the measure, saying she generally did not support official state designation bills. Supporters included Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron), who said the band’s public service merited the designation.

“There’s a higher character to this band, and I could see that it would be right and proper that you would be an official band,” Quam said.

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