Student & Rehearsal Information
The Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band is open to people at all levels of musical training who are interested in piping or drumming.
Part of the charter of our organization is to preserve the traditions of Scottish culture and Great Highland pipe band music. One way we do this is by providing FREE introductory piping and drumming lessons for beginners.
Where do I go to learn?
We meet every other Tuesday night at St. John’s Presbyterian Church on Plumb Lane in Reno at 6:30pm. Check before coming by calling Drum Sergeant John LoGiurato at (775) 883-6583 or Pipe Sergeant Burch Palmer at (775) 722-9526 to assign an instructor and to make sure there hasn’t been a change of location or cancellation. The first half-hour (6:30 – 7:00) is set aside for students. The remainder of the evening is for the band’s regular rehearsal, which is usually over by 9:00pm. Students are welcome to stay for the whole evening.
Aspiring Pipers
What do I need to get started?
Learning to play the bagpipe will be the most rewarding (and, at times, the most frustrating) experience of your life.
The bagpipe is first learned on the practice chanter. Getting an instructor is highly suggested. Please do not purchase a set of bagpipes to begin learning. There is a lot of cheap, unplayable junk out there. The chanter is used throughout your piping career for fingering practice and to learn new tunes. Depending on ability and commitment, the beginner will play the practice chanter for six months to one year, or longer, before he/she is ready to play the bagpipes. A tutorial is also needed to guide you through the learning process. One of our band pipers would be happy to help get you started.
The practice chanter you purchase should be made of plastic/polypenco. The “long length” is usually preferred over “standard length”. Countersunk finger holes make it easier to find the correct finger position. The chanter usually comes with at least one plastic reed. Acceptable brands of chanters include D. Naill, Dunbar, Warmac, or McCallum.
Your instructor will tell you which beginner book to purchase.
Aspiring Drummers
What do I need to get started?
The first thing a drummer needs is a good sense of rhythm!
Drums are first learned on a practice pad, which will also be used throughout your career when learning new pieces or to practice
without driving your family crazy! Drummers graduate to the actual drum based solely on ability – generally between six months to a
year for students new to drumming and music in general. A tutorial is also needed to guide you through the rudiments. We recommend Doug Stronach’s Pipe Band Snare Drum Tutor, volume 1 with the CD-ROM.
The practice pad you purchase should be made specifically for pipe band drummers. They are usually made of hard rubber. An excellent combination Starter Package is available at www.hendersongroupltd.com for approximately $75. It includes Cameron Pro sticks, Medium Cameron practice pad, and Doug Stronach’s Pipe Band Snare Drum Tutor vol. 1 (book and CD-ROM). Or, you may purchase each item separately, but they may end up costing more when you figure in shipping, etc. You will also need to get an electronic metronome, which can be purchased at any music store.
Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band Lesson Policy
Lessons are provided free of charge to those who commit to becoming members of the band with the following conditions;
– Lessons are one-on-one. Instructors are drawn from all current uniformed members and are rotated among all with the exception of the Pipe Major. Lessons commence when the next instructor in the rotation becomes available.
– Students and instructors must be punctual. Lessons begin promptly at 6:30pm and end at 7:00pm.
– Students may miss no more than 1 lesson each month. Absences must be communicated at least 24 hrs. in advance. Failure to do so, i.e. ‘no call, no show’, will terminate this agreement. Medical or police emergencies excepted.
– Students must commit to consistent practice (30 minutes each day minimum).
– Rate of improvement will be reviewed every 6 months. Those failing to exhibit consistent improvement after 6 months will be offered private lessons at cost.
– Students agree not to perform in public without instructor’s permission.
– Students must meet minimum requirements to suit-up as a marching member of SHPB, including proficiency on the march with the following sets; Scottish Set, Retreat Set, 6/8 Set, Amazing Grace, Yankee Doodle.
How much should I expect to spend (Pipers)?
Tutor Book: Approximate Cost – $50.00
Practice Chanter: Approximate Cost – $85.00
Bagpipes: Approximate Cost: $800 – $2500
How much should I expect to spend (Drummers)?
Tutor Book: Approximate cost – $36
Practice Pad: Approximate Cost – $35
Drums Sticks: Approximate Cost – $20
Metronome: Approximate Cost – $30
Snare Drum: The drums are owned by the pipe band and are checked out to qualifying drummers.