Membership & Training
Bishop Auckland and District Pipes and Drums are always looking to recruit and retain new players.
We offer tuition for both wannabe pipers and drummers but experienced bagpipe players and drummers would be more than welcome.
Training Times
Full band practice sessions are held at:
Toft Hill and Etherley Community Centre,
Southfield Drive,
Bishop Auckland,
County Durham,
DL14 0JB.
on Tuesdays, from 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm.
The first hour is generally dedicated to teaching learners.
Prospective members are welcome to visit the band at these times, or contact us where we will be pleased to discuss any aspect of training or membership with you.
The band spends quite a bit of its time fundraising so that members can receive the best quality equipment and have somewhere to practice. We also raise money by levying a band subscription which currently stand at £100.00 per year, to be paid quarterly.
This money can be paid either in full at the start of the band financial year or spread over three months.
Learners
If you would like to commit to being part of the band we are willing to teach you.
Have you got what it takes – Commitment… dedication… a sense of rhythm… the desire to be part of a friendly group?
Learning to play the pipes is not a quick activity. To play them correctly can take years and involve a significant amount of practice to perfect.
We are not trying to make it sound difficult but just be aware that it sometimes is.
Frustration can often be your constant companion.
You have been warned!!
DRUMMERS ARE IMPORTANT TOO!
You can learn either side/snare or becoming a twirling tenor.
Drummers must have flexible wrists and ‘rhythm’.
If you can’t hold a beat when listening to the radio, perhaps drumming is not for you.
For everyone usable legs and a good memory also help as we tend to be asked to march a lot and there are no stands
on which to place sheet music for that tune you haven’t quite memorised yet.
Music and learning materials will be provided for all learners.