THE PIPING SCHOOL PIPE BAND

Originally it was intended to field a band in Grade 4B at the 2011 World Pipe Band Championships in Grade 4B. Unfortunately our drum section fell apart and it became obvious that without a solid unit at the back it was no longer a viable project.

However, the basic idea remains sound and we are exploring a number of future options. One is to play at a select number of Highland Games and other events in Scotland as a ‘guest’ band - and with no drummers. We have also access to the professional dancers of the Scottish Highland Dance Company so believe a good display unit could be formed. This is an idea which will be explored over the coming months to prepare something for 2012 - if you have an idea or a suggestion please let me know.

I have tried to answer some of the questions most have asked - if I have missed anything out just let me know. If you’d like to join us or even just register your interest let me know by email/phone/skype.

Bruce Campbell

BAND MEMBERSHIP
You do not have to be a student of THE PIPING SCHOOL - we will happy accommodate guests. Will we get 8 or 28? Time will tell.

STANDARD
This is designed to give pipers a chance to experience something new so we are not looking for world champions. But you have to play the tunes to a good standard on a well-set up instrument. It is the pipe major’s job to make sure you get to the line - you just need to supply the enthusiasm and commitment. For 2011 we got have commitment from players in Scotland, England, Denmark, South Africa, USA and Holland - a real international line-up.

PRACTICES
There are no weekly band practices - but you need to keep the tunes going. Instead, we'll use Skype or other methods to make sure all the tunes are off to a good standard, and then assemble in Glasgow for two full days of practice on Thursday and Friday before the big day.

UNIFORM
If you join you have to get your own white short sleeve shirt and navy blue socks (we will get these bulk at cost price so that they all look the same). You wear your own kilt sporran, belt, glengarry - just like the National Youth Pipe Band and they look great!

TUNES
‘Corriechollie’s Welcome to the Northern Meeting’
‘Teribus’
‘The Sweet maid of Glendaruel’
‘The Piper’s Cave’
(all available from the RSPBA web site - downloadable tunes and sound files coming to this site shortly)
2 x tuning up Airs to come later

Plus some other sets as suitable.