On the Record with Tom Conley and Eric Blanken

DeKALB – For Tom Conley and Eric Blanken, the bagpipes are more than a once-a-year St. Patrick’s Day instrument.

The two musicians are members of the DeKalb Firefighters Highland Guard, as well as the Associated Firefighters of Illinois State Honor Guard. They are also lieutenants with the DeKalb Fire Department.

They play the bagpipes at funeral services for firefighters who have died in the line of duty, as well as on Memorial Day during DeKalb’s parade and ceremony at the Ellwood House. Conley also performs at local St. Patrick’s Day events, including parades. This year, he will play at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at Fatty’s Pub & Grille in DeKalb.

Conley and Blanken spoke to MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton about how they started playing the bagpipes and why they do it.

Milton: When did you start playing the bagpipe?

Conley: I started playing around 2011 because of my good friend, Eric, who joined the Firefighters Highland Guard. He started playing before I did in 2009. The DeKalb Firefighters Highland Guard started in 1994 by Sean Freeman, Tom Murphy and Karl Froehlich. Eric kind of talked me into it because he was playing, and that’s when I started taking lessons to learn how to play.

Blanken: I first got involved because one of the guys on my shift, one of the original founding members of DeKalb’s Firefighters Highland Guard, Tom Murphy, told me about it.

Milton: Where are some events that you play?

Conley: Eric and I also play with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois State Honor Guard. We’re part of the honor guard with them. We perform at funeral services and other special events. This year, I will play at Naperville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and at Naperville’s Irish Society. Locally, I will perform at 5 p.m. at Fatty’s Pub & Grille on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Blanken: I don’t do competitions like Tom, I mostly play recreationally, at funerals and as part of the DeKalb Firefighters Highland Guard.

Milton: Why do you play the bagpipes?

Conley: Bagpipes are traditional to the fire service. When the Irish and Scottish came to settle America, they brought their bagpipes, and it became traditional in the fire service. I play the bagpipes to pay homage and respect to firefighters who die in the line of duty. It’s a way to give them the honor and respect they deserve. It’s also a very fun instrument. It’s fun to play in parades, including St. Patrick’s Day parades and gigs. I also play and compete with the Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville during the summer.

Blanken: My reason for getting involved is to show respect during a line-of-duty death. Playing the instrument is my way to show respect.

Milton: How would you describe playing the instrument?

Conley: It’s challenging. The chanter, where the music comes out of, is similar to a recorder. There are three drones over your shoulder that make the deep music tones bagpipes are known for. You have to fill the bag with air and squeeze it to make sound. The instrument also has a limited range. For instance, I could play “God Bless America,” but not the national anthem. Tuning is also very important. I have an app on my phone to make sure whenever I play, I’m in tune.

Blanken: You can teach yourself, but it’s pretty difficult. I was taught by an instructor. It takes a really big time commitment because there’s so many parts and aspects of the instrument. To sound good is fairly difficult.

Milton: What would you tell someone interested in learning to play?

Conley: I think there’s a lot of interest in the instrument, and a lot of people love its sound. I don’t think people realize how much work and practice it takes to play it, though. It takes a lot of time, practice and devotion to play.

Blanken: We just don’t play the bagpipes for fun. For us, it’s all about honor and respect. We’re always looking for people who are interested in learning how to play. If you’d like to learn or join us, contact the DeKalb Fire Department [at 815-748-8460].