Learn to play an instrumentThe band welcomes all ages to come along and learn to play one of the instruments in the band. You do not need to have any previous musical knowledge as we teach you from the bottom up!! There are some basic things that we require though. Learner pipers must be in receipt of two hands, preferably one left and one right with all standard fingers less the pinky on your left hand (you don't need this one!). Fingers must also be in reasonable working order. Lungs also help although these do not (contrary to popular belief) have to be the super strength high volume model. Normal ones will generally work just fine. The old addage "the earlier, the better" does apply. Younger learners tend to fare better as they are in the habit of absorbing information as they go through school. There are limitations however. A child needs to be able to cover all the holes on a chanter and also be able to get the blowpipe into their mouth. Experience suggests that this is possible with children from the age of 7 - 8 years old. It is possible with younger ones, but it's worthwhile contacting the band before you buy a chanter so that we can check for you. Drummers on the other hand must have flexible wrists and "rhythm". If you can't hold a beat when listening to the radio, perhaps drumming is not for you. Legs and a good memory also help as we tend to be asked to march a lot and there are no stands on which to place a sheet music for that tune you haven't quite memorised yet. On a serious note
For both disciplines, there are numerous items that will help you learn more quickly in the members area. You will be given access to this once you join the band. The only way you'll ever know is to come along and find out! |
We use the College of Piping tutor (the green one) for pipers as this was the one I learned to play with and I haven't seen anything on the market that is significantly better. We keep a few of these in stock for learners to buy. We also hold a few basic practice chanters but would encourage learners to buy a long polypenco as soon as we've agreed that you have the potential to play the pipes. Learning to play the pipes is not a quick activity. To play correctly can take years and involve a significant amount of practice to perfect. I'm not trying to make it sound hard but just be aware that it sometimes is. Frustration can often be your constant companion. You have been warned!!