Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? See below for some common enquiries, and if you can’t find what you want to know, feel free to email us
Jump to: Booking FAQS | Tuition FAQS | Joining FAQS
BOOKING THE BAND
How far in advance do i need to book?
We try to accommodate all enquiries, but as we’re often very busy in the summer we’d recommend getting in touch 6-12 months in advance.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, we do ask for all bookings to pay a deposit, typically around 10%, and we will also provide a booking form for you to complete in advance.
Do you take requests?
Most popular tunes are in our repertoire and we will try and include requested tunes that might have a special significance – but only if we can guarantee it will sound good!
I want your performance to be a surprise, is that possible?
Yes, we’re used to being a surprise act! We do need time and space to get the pipes tuned up and sounding good, and they are loud. So bear in mind that you’ll need to provide us somewhere far away from your guests to warm up, or suggest a suitable car park or hall that we can use.
How much do you charge?
Our rates can vary depending on the expected commitment for the booking, number of players and travel costs that might be associated with attending. As much as possible we keep our rates reasonably priced, and we’re keen to support local events and community groups with our performances.
TUITION
Is my child old enough to learn the pipes or drums?
All children are different, but a rough rule of thumb is around 10 years old. This means their fingers are able to handle the pipe chanter and drumsticks better, and the Tuesday evening practice is not so disruptive for their sleep. We do try to accommodate younger children who are keen to learn and prepared to put the work in.
How long does it take to learn the bagpipes?
We start all learners off with foundational techniques and finger control on the practice chanter before moving to learning tunes. Once a selection of tunes can be played well you’ll start progressing onto pipes, learning to maintain good blowing and pressure whilst introducing drones. With the right dedication 18 months is possible, although it of course takes many years to truly master the instrument!
I play another instrument already, will that help?
Yes, it can certainly help to already have the discipline of practicing and learning tunes, as well as sight reading music. Wind instruments can help with breath control, and even the humble recorder can be a good stepping stone to playing tunes on a pipe chanter.
Do I need to buy anyThing?
Whilst you’re trying us out we can provide a practice chanter or drumsticks and pad to use, but you will need to purchase your own if you decide to continue with us. We can guide you in this. Pipers will need to purchase their own pipes once ready to play regularly, but again we can advise on suitable pipes to purchase.
How much does it cost?
Under 18s or people in full-time education are taught for free. For everyone else we ask for a regular subscription paid monthly or annually to go towards the venue hire. It amounts to the price of a cup of tea each week.
Is it easier to become a drummer?
It can certainly be quicker to get out with the band and up to a competing standard. However, as with any instrument, good foundational habits and technique are key to long-term success. We won’t rush people into the band if they’re not up to scratch.
JOINING THE BAND
CAN I COME FOR A VISIT TO SEE IF YOU’RE THE RIGHT BAND FOR ME?
Absolutely. Pipe bands are all about mixing different personalities, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable before committing
I’D LOVE TO JOIN, BUT I DON’T PLAY PIPES OR DRUMS, IS THAT OK?
We have experienced tutors able to teach all aspects of pipe band playing. You can read more about it here.
I USED TO PLAY YEARS AGO AND I’M A BIT RUSTY. WILL I BE GOOD ENOUGH?
Just like riding a bike, you never really lose piping or drumming skills, especially if you learned when you were young. We can help identify any strengths or weaknesses and suggest tunes and exercises to get you playing at full strength in no time.
I CURRENTLY PLAY IN A NON-COMPETITION BAND, CAN I JOIN YOU TOO?
Yes you can! You can only compete with one RSPBA registered band, but there is nothing to stop you continuing to play in a non-competing band. We’ve had plenty of players who continue to turn out with their first band whilst coming to us to improve and work towards competition playing
I’VE PLAYED IN MARCHING BANDS, BUT NEVER A PIPE BAND. ARE THEY SIMILAR?
Many of our members came to pipe bands after being in other bands. Boys Brigade, Corps of Drums, Concert Bands and even Rock bands… there are many transferrable elements. Whether it is marching, learning music, or playing as a group, there’s always plenty to build on.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING?
We ask all adult members and learners to make a small weekly contribution (payable monthly or annually) to go towards venue hire etc. It’s probably less than the price of a cup of tea or coffee each week!
DO YOU PROVIDE INSTRUMENTS AND UNIFORMS?
Drums are provided by the band, put pipers play their own pipes and practice chanters. We provide band chanters (for a unified sound) as well as pipe bags, cords etc. Uniforms are a mix of issued and purchased items.