T U I T I O N

LEARN TO PLAY

Our band actively teaches the bagpipes and drums with learners and players from all walks of life. Age and previous experience are not obstacles to playing in a pipe band - all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Pipe bands don't just do street marches, but also put on concert type performances and play in competitions as well. Not only are pipe bands a unique and specialised hobby, but also a social outlet and a great way to meet new people.

Our tuition period is 7:00 to 7:30 every Wednesday night. All we ask for is a small annual Associate Membership fee and then $5 per lesson. Before starting lessons, it is recomended you contact the band so we can steer you in the right direction with regards to the items you will need such a drum sticks, drum pad, practice chanter, etc.

Each pupil receives a combination of one to one tuition and group practice. All tuition focuses on correct technique, musical expression, tone and tuning.

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TUTORS

The Pipe Major and tutor of the band is Ross Bates, formerly of the Victoria Police Pipe Band, winners of the Grade 1 World Pipe Band Championships in 1998. The band has a number of pipers who teach learners, all of whom are highly experienced.

Drum tuition is provided by experienced drummers from within the band and also guest tutors.

BAGPIPES

To get started, prospective pipers will need to purchase a practice chanter. This is a smaller, quieter version of the bagpipe chanter. These are used right throughout a pipers career, both for the initial learning stages and for practicing new tunes. Prices start at around $120 for a quality instrument. All documentation and learning material is provided free of charge by the band.

The learning program is structured to help pipers begin to play simple, recognisable tunes as soon as possible. Eventually, when you have progressed to the right stage, the purchase of a set of bagpipes will be necessary.

For more information, click on the following link.

GETTING STARTED ON THE BAGPIPES

DRUMS

Prospective side drummers need only to buy a pair of sticks and a practice pad. Prospective bass and tenor drummers use practice sticks or beaters, in addition to the lamb's wool sticks actually used with their respective drum. The band owns a complete set of matched drums that the drummers use.

Pipe bands utilise 3 types of drums:

SNARE DRUM

The snare drum, or side drum, produces a very high, crisp tone, due to the use of metal snares underneath a top head that is wound down tightly. This, combined with the use of wooden drum sticks, enables side drummers to play intricate patterns that complement the piping tunes.

BASS DRUM

The bass drum produces a soft, deep tone and provides the foundation for the beat of each tune. In effect it is the band's metronome. The drum sticks are quite large with one end covered in lamb's wool.

TENOR DRUM

Tonally, the tenor drum is similar to the bass drum except it is higher in pitch. The rhythm patterns are usually more complex as well, with flourishing of the sticks also being a feature. The drum sticks are medium in size and also have one end covered in lamb's wool.