It's not unusual for a bagpiper to belong to two pipe bands at the same time, but in the case of Maurice (Moe) Coll, a retired Vancouver Police Department sergeant, there are some unique circumstances.
One is a Scottish Highland pipe band, with clan tartan kilt and feather bonnet; the other is an Irish Celtic pipes and dru ms band, with plain kilt and a caubeen (beret).
There are also subtle differences in the music played and the overall sound of the two genres. It was once summed up as the Irish are poets, but the Scots are warriors. This statement is, of course, open to discussion.
It all began in early 2011 when Delta police Chief Jim Cessford spoke at a conference in Seattle. During conversation with one of the organizers, he learned Seattle was in the process of forming its own police pipes and drums.
Cessford spoke with the president of the newlyformed Seattle Police Pipes and Drums, a conversation that eventually culminated in a joint concert, which also included the prestigious Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums.
During his involvement in the concert organization, Coll provided advice based on his experience and became involved in the further development of the Seattle band.
Born in County Limerick, Ireland, Coll came to Canada in 1957 with his parents and is intimately familiar with the nuances of Irish pipes and drums music, his father having been an avid follower of Celtic pipe bands. He has been a drummer and piper for many years and includes several local bands in his resume, including a dozen years with the Delta Police Pipe Band.
Coll's continuing contribution to the Seattle band was recently recognized by a highly unusual gesture.
Ryan Gallagher, president of the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums, said he was extremely impressed by how Coll handled the Delta band.
"His very presence and quiet authority made me realize that he could be a tremendous help to our fledgling band," said Gallagher.
The Seattle band's proposed trip to Ireland in September provided an opportunity to thank Coll for his help so he was invited along. Discussion took place among band members who decided it would be to their distinct advantage to include him as a full member.
"Moe Coll's help and guidance has been instrumental in us reaching the point where we recently performed at the memorial to two fallen Alaska State troopers with a crowd of 6,500 in attendance," said Gallagher.
Coll now regularly parades with the band and will travel with it on various engagements. His reaction to the honour is one of gratified amazement.
"The honour they have accorded me in accepting me as a full member of the band is typical of the friendliness and generosity I have felt," he said.
"Now that I have passed on the role of drum major in the Delta Police Pipe Band, I have the time to devote to helping and being a part of the SPP&D. Travelling to practices in Seattle poses no real problem as I listen to pipe band music and run through things in my mind so I am well prepared by the time I arrive."
