The North Florida Emerald Society Pipes & Drums

is a Highland Bagpipe Band based in Jacksonville, Florida. Pipe bands have a rich heritage and have long been associated with fire departments, police, and military groups throughout the world. The NFES Pipes & Drums was formed in February 2012 with experienced and novice members and is a member of the Eastern US Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA). The NFES Pipes & Drums is an all-volunteer non-profit corporation supporting the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's Pipes & Drums (formed in 2009) and Honor Guard..

Our goal is to encourage and support Scottish and Irish culture in our community by providing musical instruction for novice students and accomplished pipers and drummers. We provide the opportunity to support and represent the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's Pipes & Drums and Honor Guard for the City of Jacksonville, and to promote Celtic culture through participation in area events. The band is committed to playing the finest in traditional Scottish and Irish music for both private and public audiences and is open for membership to anyone interested.

The NFES Pipes & Drums provides the opportunity for anyone in Jacksonville and the surrounding area to learn to play either the bagpipes or drums in a highland pipe band. Lessons are provided free-of-charge to anyone who is willing to commit the time and self-discipline to learn. The band meets for rehearsal every Thursday at the JFRD Headquarters building from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.