Piping 4

Photo: the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society’s band in 1914. In 1918 the band changed its name to Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, and later City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band. You’re getting closer to becoming the next piper to join this illustrious band.

Module Objectives

1. Development of confidence and capability with music and pipes.
2. Prepare to play with the band.
3. Learn more tunes, as played by the band.

Specifically:

• Play additional embellishments and typical note groupings
• Learn five band tunes
• Explore chanter tuning
• Learn to monitor your chanter pitch and blowing pressure
• Watch the band practice, then gradually join in
• Improve starting and stopping with the bagpipes

Progression:

At the end of this module you will be invited to join in with the band at practice, playing whatever tune/s you are most comfortable with.

Because the next module includes more tunes to learn and you will spend more time playing with the band, you will need to demonstrate good progress on learning the five tunes introduced in this module.

Duration

There is no set duration. This module can be done at your own pace but generally takes from 8 to 12 weeks.

Course Instructor

COMHPB Author