“In my past role as a head teacher I have seen how a pipe band not only develops the skills for life, learning and work, but can also help to close the attainment gap.”

Andrew Ritchie, Lead Officer for Developing the Young Workforce in Aberdeenshire and former head teacher of Banff Academy

 

“We’re delighted to be involved in this initiative, with our young people receiving pipes and drums tuition. We’re acutely aware of the benefits for young people who play in a band: teamwork, resilience and discipline are just some of the transferable skills gained, which will help in academic study and future careers.”

Andy Smith, Head Teacher, Larkhall Academy

“I am absolutely thrilled with the progress that every student has made over the last year and I am really looking forward to what this year will bring. I fully anticipate to have a small drum corps formed during this time and will continually strive to achieve the very best for the Pilrig Park High School project.”

David Murray – Drumming Tutor 

“There is a great desire for tuition in the area and the funding from SSPDT will allow us to deliver this to our eager, and talented, young people!”

Alison MacBride, Fèis an Tairbeirt

“East Ayrshire Council Education Department is extremely grateful to SSPDT for all their support and guidance in setting up a wonderful partnership opportunity to develop piping and drumming in the Kilmarnock area.”

John Wilson, Senior Education Manager, East Ayrshire Council

“I am very grateful to SSPDT for the loan of bagpipes. For some pupils, accessing their own pipes would be a financial impossibility and so the loan is a highly practical and important way of supporting piping among our young people. The pipes are high-quality and will be much appreciated by our pupils in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Allan MacMillan, ex-Trustee & Tutor, SWSPDA

“SSPDT have been fundamental in the success of the project and the inclusion of all the young people learning the pipes and drums.”

Ian Broughton, Former Chair, Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums

“Not only does the programme develop musical talent, it is very encouraging to see new friendships being formed and pupils are increasingly developing in confidence.”

Fiona Caldwell, Piping Tutor, Lossiemouth and District Schools Pipes and Drums Band

“Provision of chanter and piping tuition equips youngsters with musical skills and forges inter-island creative links. Our young people carry forward the traditional music and culture of our islands.”

Suzanne Forman, Head Teacher, Castlebay Community School

“Historically Whitehill has been extremely difficult to get take-up for instruments like strings or brass. The pipes and drums programme is oversubscribed with over 100 pupils wanting to join in. Take-up is excellent and we’ve not had any drop-outs… the children are sticking with it.”

Pam Black , Manager of Glasgow City Council Instrumental Music Service

We haven't yet made any grants towards tuition, or loaned bagpipes in this region but we are keen to help! Contact us here: [email protected]


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