Our History

The evolution of the Atlantic Beach Fire Department Pipes and Drums began in 2003 when Chief Adam Snyder took a musical interest in learning to play the bagpipes as a personal hobby and to be involved with one of many significant fire service traditions.  Chief Snyder, at the time a Fire Lieutenant working 24 hour shift rotations began traveling to Greenville, North Carolina once a week receiving instruction from William Logan a well renowned Irish bagpiper. For several years, Chief Snyder continued his instruction and pursued his desire to play the bagpipes, practicing basic tunes on a practice chanter.  His passion and dedication gained the support of fellow firefighters, family and friends.  In December of 2006, members of the fire department, family and friends presented Chief Snyder with his first set of bagpipes in honor of his extraordinary dedication to the Town, the Fire Department and fire service traditions.

By January, 2007 Chief Snyder was making the transition from the practice chanter to actually playing the bagpipes and was progressing very well.  He sought instruction under Mr. Ian Clarkson, a local Scotland native who currently is a member of Port City Pipes and Drums located in Wilmington, North Carolina.  It was then that Chief Snyder gained additional knowledge and tradition of the bagpipes played in the fire service.  In October of 2006, Chief Snyder approached Lt. Wayne Woods about starting a Pipe and Drum band within the Fire Department.  Interest quickly grew among members of the department and soon there were five members of the midsection and two pipers beginning instruction under Ian Clarkson.

Lt. Woods, a previous drummer for his High School band, began assembling the drummers and obtaining instructional materials.  The road was rocky in the beginning.  Highland music and drumming is a very different style compared to other styles of music.  There appeared to be no one locally who could provide instruction for drummers.  The midsection began self-instruction using “Doug Stronach’s Pipe Band Snare Tutor” and “Massed Band Drum Scores for Pipe Band Drummers” tutor.  With some help from Suzanne Grover, a snare drummer with Port City Pipes and Drums, we were headed in the right direction.

The Bagpipe section welcomed Mr. Ian Clarkson as both instructor and as a band member as well as local Victor Ansel, also a member of Port City Pipes and Drums.  Individual practice sessions continued through May, 2007 when the Band started to meet as a whole and bring the music together.  Up to this point, Chief Snyder had made several appearances to play the bagpipes at special events and funerals including services for two fallen Rhodestown firefighters.  This display of respect and honor was greatly welcomed by the fire and emergency services community statewide.

The Atlantic Beach Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, led by Pipe Major Adam Snyder and Drum Sergeant Wayne Woods, made its first appearance with overwhelming acceptance in August, 2007 at the Atlantic Beach Fire Department annual Open House and 50^th Anniversary celebration.  The band has since made several other appearances including funeral services, the Carteret County Emergency Services Ball and Carteret County’s 9/11 memorial service held at the Carteret County Court House in Beaufort, North Carolina.  The band continues enhance its performance and services in hopes to expand and become more involved in local and statewide events in the upcoming year.