No time like the present to
learn to play. To that end, Tunes of Glory prides itself on
its highly successful student program, and is pleased to
offer quality instruction in piping and drumming to
interested individuals. The goal of offering instruction is
to help maintain the Band and to provide for its growth.
The Band's expectation of students is to give to the Band
at least one season as a playing member of the Band.
Students are expected to provide, at their own expense, in
the case of a piping student, a practice chanter and a book, and in the case
of a drumming student, practice pad and sticks/mallets.
Please, do not purchase equipment or books until you
have consulted your instructor to ensure that you
purchase the proper equipment suitable for playing with
the rest of the band. Your instructor will give you
recommendations and point you to suitable locations to
acquire this equipment.
After a time, student pipers may want to invest in a set of
bagpipes; there are several manufacturers of pipes
available and they are of varying quality. It is strongly
advisable to talk to the instructor, the Pipe Major, and
other pipers before choosing what is best for you, be it
new or used. Drumming students will have access to drums
provided by the Band.
After achieving proficiency with bagpipe rudiments on the
practice chanter, the piping student will learn to play the
bagpipe itself. The student can spend up to a year learning
the basics of the bagpipe, including maintenance, tuning,
breathing and tunes in the standard band repertoire.
Students must then pass an audition prior to becoming a
playing member with the band.
A fee is typically charged per student, with each lesson
lasting approx. 30-45 minutes, depending on the need and
circumstances. All funds go towards expenses of the Band,
purchasing equipment, uniforms, etc. and to provide for
advanced instruction for qualified musicians. When a
student becomes an active playing member, lesson fees are
discontinued. However, ongoing private instruction is
recommended for all members.
Lessons are normally held the same evening that the Band
meets for practice, and usually before the main body of the
Band arrives. Student lessons are typically from 6:00pm to
7:30pm on Wednesday evenings, prior to the band practice.
Advanced students may be invited to participate in practice
with the main band, at the discretion of the student's
instructor and the Pipe Major/Drum Sergeant.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in band
activities and to be part of the band's Color Guard on
parade. The Color Guard provides a great way for students
to become involved prior to becoming playing members in the
band.
For further information and availability and to register
for lessons, please contact the Tunes of Glory band
president via email to
president-AT-tunesofglory.org or using our web
form if you are interested in joining the band, would
like to learn to play or have other questions about the
band.