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Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band of

Piping and Drumming Lessons and Program Information

 
Strathdon Caledonia Pipe Band offers piping and drumming instruction of the highest quality in the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro areas.

Lessons are free. Our goal is to introduce a broad range of people to instruments boasting a rich and long cultural heritage. Instruction is provided for the Bass, Snare and Tenor drums and for the Great Highland Bagpipe. These are the instruments, which are played in today's competition pipe bands.

Piping and drumming instructors work with small groups of students. Our instruction method is designed to provide the basic elements of piping and drumming. Those whom wish to progress at a faster rate are encouraged to supplement the group instruction with individual lessons.

 
Piping
 
The first four levels of our piping program cover basic fingering technique on the practice chanter. Each level concludes with an evaluation to determine if the student is ready to move on the the next level. Students who are not ready to move on to the next level should seek individual/private instruction in order to satisfy their current level standards. Beginning piping students need to have a practice chanter and the exercise book, "Rhythmic Fingerwork" by James McGillivray (these may be purchased from the band).

After successful completion of the fourth level, piping students will begin to study the bagpipe itself. During which time they will be taught bagpipe maintenance, proper blowing technique, how to wrestle with, and finally how to play the bagpipe.

 
Drumming
 
Snare students will learn drum rudiments and scores in the style of Scottish drumming. The bass and tenor program teaches the rhythmic beatings associated with the Scottish bass section. Additionally, tenor drummers will learn the art of flourishing - twirling their mallets in between playing their drum. Snare drummers will need a drum pad and a set of drum sticks, which may be purchased from the band. Bass and Tenor mallets are provided by the band. The band provides performance drums.
 
Band Audition
 
To progress into the band's competition and performance circles, students must audition for the Pipe Major (piping student) or Drum Sergeant (drumming students). A student may audition at any time. After completing either the piping or drumming programs, a band audition is NOT required, nor does the completion provide automatic Band Member status.
 
If you have any questions about our programs, please send us email or call (402) 614-9458.
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