| FAQ:
What will i need?
Beginning pipers will need a practice chanter, while beginning
drummers will need a pair of drum sticks and a practice
pad. If you are interested in playing, we will give you
the information on what to buy and where to buy it.
How much does it cost?
• Monthly Dues: $20
• Practice Chanter: $70
• Drum sticks: $20
• Drum Pad: $20
• Uniform:
Once you are up to playing with the band there will be a
few uniform pieces to purchase, plus a deposit on band items.
• Private Instruction:
There are a number of private instructors in the area and
we can help you find one close to you. Lesson fees will
be set by the instructor.
If I want to be a piper, do I have to buy a bagpipe
right away?
Not necessarily. Most pipers spend between 6 months to
a year learning the basics - so you have plenty of time
to plan ahead. When the student has learned a few tunes
and is feeling pretty comfortable with the music, it's time
to get some pipes.
If you aren't able to get a set of pipes right away, the
band has a few sets of rental pipes available to help get
you started.
I want to be a drummer, do I have to buy a drum?
The band supplies all drums. However you will need to purchase
your own drum sticks and practice pad. We will give you
all the information on what to buy and where to buy it.
|
Starting Out:
Pipers and Drummers normally spend between six months to
a year learning the basics on either a practice chanter (for
pipers) or drum sticks and a practice pad (for drummers).
Beginning members can participate in our Beginning
Group Lesson
program, learning to play as a group
right from the start.
All of our members receive private instruction as well. Bagpipes
and Scottish drums are demanding instruments and we feel it
is important that students get a solid foundation. We keep
an updated list of local piping and drumming instructors and
can help you find someone in your area.
Designed to get kids involved in the band from day one.
Beginning students get help with sight-reading skills,
rhythm, rudiments and playing as a group. Beginners also learn
a the history behind their instruments, the music and the
culture from which it comes.
Competition - what's this all about?
A big part of piping, drumming and playing in a pipe band
is the summer contest season. Participating in solo or band
competitions helps motivate musicians to improve their playing,
while getting constructive feedback from the judges.
Throughout the summer pipers, drummers and pipe bands come
from all over the region to compete against one another at
"Highland Games" - Scottish festivals featuring
music, food, dancing, vendors, Scottish clans and athletics.
Although competition is a part of the piping world, we encourage
the kids to focus more heavily on playing for fun and musicianship.
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