Chanters

Younger and inexperienced players start their piping journey on the practice chanter. This will give new members the chance to learn their craft on a quiet instrument! You will begin by learning fingering techniques as well as the gracenoting system, which are required to play tunes on the pipes. This can take several months or years depending on dedication, commitment and ability.

Learner in this class practice on a Monday night from 6:30 and need to be aged 8 or above.

Pipers

Experienced players or those who have completed the chanter sessions will then move onto the highland bagpipe. Each set of pipes are individually owned and must be purchased by members. However, the band can supply a set of pipes while waiting for this to happen.

Learners pratice on a Monday night from 6:30 and is based on experience and ability.

Main Contact:
Pipe Major: Chris Craigie

The minimum age for new bass and tenor learners is Secondary School year 1 or above (approx. 13). This is largely due to the weight of the drums pulling on the shoulder as well as the depth of the drums hanging on the leg.

Learners will attend predoiminantly on a Monday night at 6:30 for 45 mins to 1 hr. In addition to this there are self directed videos created by the band to practice on during the week.

New learners will be supplied sticks, a sling and a drum (returnable on leaving the band). Once having achieved a suitable level of ability and deemed able to play with the full band, learners will be required to purchase their own sticks and practice beaters.

Main Contact:
Magnus Tullock

Side drummers hold learner practices on a Monday and Thursday, sessions usually last for 30 to 45 minutes.

The minimum age for side drummers is Primary 7 and above, this is largely due to the complexity of the instrument as well as the size and weight of the drums and harnesses used to carry them.

New learners will be supplied sticks and a practice pad (returnable on leaving the band). Once having achieved a suitable level of ability to be able to play with the full band, learners will be allocated a drum, and will be required to purchase their own sticks.

Main Contact:
Leading Drummer: Sinclair Peace