Membership and Tuition

The Blue Mountains Pipe Band welcomes any new member wishing to join and offers tuition from beginner to advanced. If your interested in finding out more about tuition in the Blue Mountains Pipe Band please read on or feel free to contact us and come along to one of our practices to see what its like. 

Why join a Pipe Band?

Unlike other musical instruments where the opportunity to play in a group or before an audience can be rare, playing the bagpipes or drums in a pipe band offers a range of benefits and exciting experiences. These include many opportunities to perform for the enjoyment of the local community as well competing against other pipe bands in the competition arena, at both a national and international level. The sharing of Scottish culture and music with the community as well as passing on these skills to the younger generation is highly rewarding and the social bonds formed are often strong and long lasting. 

What activities are the band involved in?

The Blue Mountains Pipe Band are regular performers at a range of cultural events throughout the mountains, from street marches to community fundraising events. We often perform at business and private functions, and many of our members are experienced in performing at weddings. Historically the band is also very accomplished in the competition field.

What instruments can I learn?

Pipe bands have two sections, often referred to as the Pipe Corps and the Drum Corps (pronounced Corr). Pipe Bands were first set up by the British Military and although civil bands are less regimented, much of the structure and language still remains. The Pipe Corps consists of the pipers and drum corps consists of the drummers. Within the drum corps there is the opportunity to learn different kinds of drums. These include the  Side Drum, Tenor Drum and Bass Drum. The usual minimum age for tuition is ten years of age, however this is only a guide. Dedication, commitment and self discipline are all qualities that will see a learner in good stead to achieve mastery of the bagpipes or drums. 

What do I need to get started?

The band supplies all learning materials required to our learners. If your wishing to learn the bagpipes you will need to purchase a practice chanter and you will need your own set of bagpipes. You can commence on the practice chanter initially, however after about 4-6 months it is ideal for learners to commence on the pipes in conjunction with ongoing practice chanter work. If you are learning the drums you may need to purchase your own practice pad. The Band has a set of drums and drum sticks. The Band provides all uniform items with the exception of a white shirt which members purchase themselves. 

What does it cost?

The Blue Mountains Pipe Band does not charge any tuition fees to learners or registration fees to members. Individuals wishing to learn the bagpipes will however need to purchase a practice chanter to commence lessons. These range from $75 to $100 for a decent product. If the learner progresses to the bagpipes (many do not) they will need purchase their own set of bagpipes. The Band can assist with identifying credible suppliers of bagpipes and also inspect second hand bagpipes prior to the learner making a purchase. The Band has a set of drums and there are generally no costs associated with the Band uniform other than purchasing a white shirt. 

Who am I taught by?

All tuition is provided by our senior pipers and drummers. These are members with many years experience in playing, competing and teaching. This tuition is supervised directly by our Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant, both of whom have Grade 1 Competition experience to their names. Full details of our members biographies can be viewed on our band website.

Are experienced drummers and pipers welcome?

Of course! Although we consider tuition of beginners to be a very important band activity, we also welcome more experienced pipers and drummers to join us when we step out in public or on the competition field.

How do I join the Blue Mountains Pipe Band?

All inquires can be directed to the Band's Secretary or the Pipe Major Gordon Maxwell. Details can be found on the contact information page.