“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’ve seen kids come in here with no self confidence and witnessed the changes that learning an instrument can bring about. It’s amazing to see what piping and drumming can do – learning a skill, making friendships that will last a lifetime, being part of something.”

Iain Watson – Piping Tutor, Govan Schools

“We firmly believe our Pipes and Drums project will become a major asset to the wider achievement of all schools involved. We are indebted to SSPDT for their support and willingness to believe in our project and for their continued guidance.”

Head of Expressive Arts, John Paul Academy, Glasgow

“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

“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

“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

“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

“I saw the memorial march through Gorgie today and could have sworn the pipe band at the front were wearing the Tynecastle uniform. The people involved were talented, well turned out and showed the maturity and respect the occasion deserves. They were a credit to your school. Well done.”

Local spectator at the Armistice memorial march in Gorgie, Edinburgh

“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

“We’ve been absolutely delighted with the uptake and progress of pupils in two areas that had previously proved extremely tricky for our Music Service to recruit in.”

Morag Currie – Former Youth Music Development Officer, Renfrewshire Council

 

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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