Chieftain - James A. Murphy

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My first hands on experience with the bagpipe came in the New York City Police Department Emerald Society. I came into the Patrolmen's locker room and there was a flyer stating that the Emerald Society was going to give bagpipe lessons. That was in 1981. I have always loved pipe music, especially Irish pipe music. After retiring from the New York City Police Department, I moved to Colorado. I thought I was leaving all my Irish culture behind. What a mistake that was. I played with the Colorado Irish Pipe Band for several years. In 1996 the Michael Collins Pipe Band was formed and I was approached by Jay Leasure about joining. I joined two weeks after the formation of the band, but not soon enough to be considered a Charter Member. However; I have enjoyed over twelve years of uninterrupted service with the band.

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