| What will I need? Beginning Pipers will need a practice chanter and beginning Drummers will need a pair of drum sticks and a practice pad. If you are interested in playing, we will give you the information on what to buy and where to buy it. How much does it cost? Practice Chanter - $60 Drum Sticks - $18 Practice Pad - $35 Uniform - Once you have auditioned and are up to playing with the band, there will be a few uniform items to purchase (glengarry, ties, shirts and ghillies). The band supplies a cap badge, kilt jacket, vest, waist belt, kilt, sporran, white piper hose, blue piper hose, formal kilt hose, flashes and a rain cape. Monthly Dues - $0 (lessons are free) If I'm a piper, do I need to purchase a set of bagpipes right away? No, not necessarily. Most pipers spend approximately 6 to 12 months learning the basics so you will have plenty of time to plan ahead. Only when a student has learned a few tunes and feels confident with the music will it be time to invest in a set of bagpipes. If you are not able to get a set of bagpipes right away, the band has a few sets of rental pipes available to help you get started. If I'm a drummers, do I have to buy a drum?No, the band supplies all drums. You will need to purchase a set of drum sticks and a practice pad. If you have questions on where to obtain these items, please let us know. | | Starting Out: Pipers and Drummers normally spend approximately 6 to 12 months learning the basics on a practice chanter (for pipers) or drum sticks and a practice pad (for drummers). New members learn to play as a group right from the start. All of our new members will receive private instruction as well. Bagpipes and Scottish Drums are demanding instruments and we feel it is important students establish a solid foundation. Our teaching program is designed to get new members involved in the band from day one. Students get help with sight-reading skills, rhythm, rudiments and playing as a group. Beginners also get a bit of history behind their instruments, the music and the culture from which it comes. What do you mean, Competition? A significant part of piping and drumming in a pipe band is the competition season. Starting in the Spring, pipers, drummers and pipe bands travel from all over the region to compete against one another at Highland Games - Scottish festivals featuring music, food, athletics, dancing, Scottish clans and various vendors. Even though competition is a large part of the piping world, we encourage all of our members to enjoy piping by playing for fun and musicianship! What about Highland Dancing? We are glad you asked! Highland Dancing is regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing in the world. We have partnered with an internationally certified teacher and instructor of Highland Dance and their group here in the Omaha area! If you are interested in having Highland Dancers at your next private or corporate event or you are interested in instruction of Scottish Highland Dancing; please contact us or call us at (402) 614-9458! |