Learning to play Bagpipes or Drums:
Have you ever been to a parade and heard the pipe band marching down the street to “Scotland the Brave” and wished you could be apart of it. Well… now you can. Starting each mid-September we offer group lessons to anyone wishing to learn to play the bagpipes, side (snare), tenor or bass drums.
Our first program started September 18th, 2014 at our first night of class was held for all those who had registered for the program as either a beginner or novice player or highland dancer.
Lessons are held weekly with a break at Christmas for two weeks and a week in the Spring. Starting at 7:00pm (arrive at 6:45pm) and run for one hour till 8:00pm when the pipe band practice starts and runs till 9:00pm (depart by 9:15pm).
The exact details are listed below on how to become apart of the program, what you can expect of the program and what is required of you.
Learning Program
The program is divided into 2 levels (4 parts), Introduction to Piping (Beginners), Introduction to Drumming (Beginners), Junior (Novice) Piping and Junior (Novice) Drumming with at least one instructor for each level of the program.
Introduction to Piping (Beginners), this program is suited for those new to music or who have played other instruments and can read music. We can teach players as young as 10 years of age (please speak to us if this is the case) up to 75 years young. Everything you need to get started is provided and can be purchased from the pipe band as you continue on.
Introduction to Drumming (Beginners), this program is suited for those new to music or who have played other instruments and can read music. We can teach players as young as 10 years of age (please speak to us if this is the case) up to 75 years young. Everything you need to get started is provided and can be purchased from the pipe band as you continue on.
Junior (Novice) Piping, this program is for those who are capable of playing the chanter and can sight read pipe music, you having been playing for at least one year and ready to start on the bagpipes and will learn tuning, maintenance and care of your bagpipes. The pipe band does not supply bagpipes and you will be required to purchase your own at this time. We have great contacts and can get you great deals when your ready to purchase your first set of bagpipes.
Junior (Novice) Drumming, this program is for those who are capable of playing the basic rudiments and can sight read drum music, you having been playing for at least one year and ready to start on the side (snare), tenor or bass drum and will learn tuning, maintenance and care of your drum. The pipe band supplies each of the drums that are on loan to you and you have signed for it making it your responsibility for it’s care. Any damage is your responsibility and you will be charged for the repairs.
Currently all program levels cost $500 for mid-September to mid-June. However, we will take on new learners anytime of the year to get you started the right way and as soon as you are able. There payment options by either cash, cheque, direct deposit (etransfer). Exact details will be provided at time of registration, with payment being required prior to the start of the program.
If you are new to piping and wanted a private instructor you will find that most will charge $25-60 dollars per half hour once a week. Our program allows you to receive one hour of instruction a week in a group setting at a greatly reduced cost. All the money from the registration fees goes directly into the program to pay for instructors and music, there is also a uniform deposit fee (due at a later date) and a $50 society registration fee each year to provide for liability insurance for our members.
Pipe Band Program
The Pipe Band Program is divided into 2 levels, and Intermediate Piping and Drumming with at least one instructor (or Artist Director) for each level of the program.
Our Pipe Band Program is designed to be a life long learning program. You’re not just here to play during practices and performances. We want to encourage all our Pipe Band Program members to continue on a path of personal development with the Bagpipes and Drums.
Intermediate Piping, for those who are capable of playing the bagpipes and ready to progress into the pipe band program. You will focus on all the pipe bands tunes for parades and events so that you can make the move easily to the pipe band and fully enjoy playing and being apart of the great experience of being a piper.
Intermediate Drumming, for those who are capable of playing the drums and ready to progress into the pipe band program. You will focus on all the pipe bands tunes for parades and events so that you can make the move easily to the pipe band and full enjoy playing and being apart of the great experience of being a pipe band drummer.
The Pipe Band Program has no additional costs at this time; however, from time to time there may be additional workshops that require instructor fees. These we try and keep at a minimum since our commitment to you in player development comes from your taking part in parades and performances. Exact details will be provided at time of registration. Practices are held weekly throughout the year on Tuesday evening from 6:45pm to 9:15pm. There is a uniform deposit fee and a $50 society registration fee each year to provide for liability insurance for our members.
Made possible with the Support of BC Community Gaming Grants Program.
Funding provided by the BC Pipers’ Association and Scottish Cultural Center Society (SCCS)