According to Dobbins, the band is open to pretty much everyone.
“We have pipers who are teenagers and one piper who is 75,” he says,
adding, “It’s a very family-oriented band.”
While the Seton Hill University Pipe Band is not really restricted
to a certain skill level, Dobbins and the other experienced musicians
are available to give private instruction to those who are just learning
to play and need some help to accomplish their goal of playing in the
band.
While the difficulty of playing the bagpipes is legendary, most
instructors advise that usually after three years of studying, students
can play most music, although it may not take as long for students
who are truly motivated and dedicate more time to practice. One
encouraging fact is that the instrument has just nine notes. The
bagpipes that everyone associates with Scotland are actually properly
called the Great Highland Bagpipe.
The purchase of this instrument will set you back about $1,000.
Fortunately, students don’t begin learning on the actual bagpipe. They
begin playing with what’s called a practice chanter. This instrument
resembles an oboe — and parents should take note that it is much
quieter than the actual bagpipe. A good practice chanter can be
purchased for around $100, which is a good way to find out if you
enjoy playing before making a more serious investment.
Although Seton Hill University does not have a degree program in
piping at this point, Dobbins hopes that in the future someday this will
be offered.
For additional piping instruction and experience that’s not too far
from home, the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming is a good
resource. Sessions held every summer at Shadyside Academy in Fox
Chapel offer small class sizes of five people or less, and an intense
learning program for musicians who have several months to a year of
experience.
Another opportunity for pipers to learn is an Open Mic Night held
exclusively for pipers at Café Sam in Shadyside. Pipers have been
coming from as far away as Toronto and Washington, D.C., for an
opportunity to connect and play with other musicians.
For more information on the Seton Hill University Pipe Band, visit
shupipeband.net. They are also on Facebook.
For more information on the Balmoral School of Piping and
Drumming visit bagpiping.org. n
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