“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

 

“Our project evolved from a chance conversation with a member of the local pipe band at a Burns’ Supper and is now a fantastic, fully-fledged (and pledged) programme. We have huge community wide support, with schools being central to this.”

James O’Neil, Former Faculty Head of Music, Arran High School

“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

 

“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

“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

“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’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

“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

“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 

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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