Learn to play
You want to play the bagpipes or drums.....what's next?
We teach the art of Highland Piping and Drumming. We have successfully integrated students as young as 9, and as old as 75 as playing members of our band.
The band is sponsored by Branch 137, Royal Canadian Legion, and by the Campbell River Celtic Arts Society.
The lessons from our band teachers are always free of charge. All we expect from our students, is an honest effort to learn the rudiments, on their own time as well as at scheduled lesson times, to improve their skills. One to two hours every week, on Tuesday evening, and 15 minutes every day will normally be required to take the average student from introduction, to playing some tunes on the bagpipes, usually in one year, or less. With few exceptions, piping is a skill, which can be learned, rather than a talent that one must be born with. Hard work, and dedication will usually win in the end!
From time to time, we may have money available for bursaries, and we encourage our students to seek additional training which is available from professional instructors, in more intensive, school like environments. Your instructor can advise you in this regard. Some useful information for you follows.
Pipers: You will need:
- A practice chanter. We loan them for $15.00. They are available at various places online, usually at $50.00 and above. The reed is a bit on the fragile side, and if damaged, will be about $8.00 to replace, so be careful with it.
- A music book. Your instructor will provide this for you. You will be expected to take good care of it, and have it with you at all scheduled practice sessions.
- A willingness to learn and put in the required practice time.
- At some point, if you continue on long enough with the practice chanter, you will need a set of bagpipes. The band has several sets that we will loan to students for a period of time with just a damage deposit being required. (currently $100.00) If the pipes are returned in the same condition as they were when received, the deposit will be returned.) The band quarter-master is responsible for maintaining the pipe inventory, & your instructor will help you with this step. Eventually, you will wish to purchase your own set of pipes.
Harper Baikie 250-287-6815
Drummers: You will need:
- Drum Sticks. We loan them for Free.
- A music book. Your instructor will provide this for you. You will be expected to take good care of it, and have it with you at all scheduled practice sessions.
- A willingness to learn and put in the required practice time.
Bill Burr 250-895-9240