manx celtic music and dance

Join Ellan Vannin Pipes & Drums

19 Dec 2014


Always fancied playing the Bagpipe?

The Island’s only bagpipe band, Ellan Vannin Pipes & Drums, are looking to recruit new pipers, and to try and encourage some new players to give it a go, are planning a beginners course of instruction in the bagpipe practice chanter.

Pipe Major of the band, Paul Davenport, explained: “You start to learn to play the bagpipe by learning the fingering technique on a practice chanter, which is a small, quiet, practice instrument, similar to a recorder.”

“Someone with previous musical experience might pick it up quite quickly, but even complete beginners with no musical knowledge at all might find they have a knack for the instrument, and can make quick progress.”

To explain more about what is involved, the band are holding an ‘Open Evening’ where anyone with an interest can come along to a band rehearsal evening, hear an introductory overview presentation, have a chance to ask questions, and even ‘have a go’.

Following on from that there will be a ten week course by way of ‘An Introduction to the Bagpipe Practice Chanter’. For those who stick the course and want to progress to playing the bagpipe, they will be made welcome to join the band as a Beginner Piper.

There are some myths around playing the pipes, and Paul continued: “First off, you do not have to be Scottish! The bagpipe may be seen as a Celtic instrument these days, but it is popular all around the world in many cultures. Like any instrument, it’s not easy to master, but anyone with time and determination will get there, and you do not need to play another instrument or read music to get started.”

The Open Evening will be on Tuesday 13th January 2015 at Braddan School, Braddan (just up Braddan Road above the Braddan Bridge Oak Tree). Doors open at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.

“Feel free to turn up on the night, but be there by eight o’clock for the presentation” the Pipe Major advises. “If you are thinking of coming, or have any queries, you might e-mail us first so that we have an idea of numbers, but that’s not absolutely necessary.”

“The introduction course will start a fortnight later on Tuesday 27th January, and run each Tuesday evening through until Easter.”

You can contact the band by e-mail at iompipeband@gmail.com or call/text to 341641

Recent News

Archive by Year