A new dawn for piping
Arran youngsters to get free tuition
Youngsters are to be given the chance to learn the pipes and drums free in the new year thanks to a £70,000 funding boost.
And it is hoped that enough youngsters will take up the challenge to allow a schools pipe band to be formed.
Primary and secondary pupils on Arran can now learn the pipes and drums in schools thanks to a new tuition programme funded by charitable donations and grants totalling £70,500.
The tuition programme was launched with a kickstart day, which gave all learners who signed up to the project the opportunity to try pipes and drums for the first time. The day was led by appointed tutors Ross Miller and David Murray and a team of other specialists from around Scotland and was attended by 94 young people.
David Lambert, depute head teacher at Arran High School, said: ‘Arran has a rich musical heritage, as do all schools on the island. Whilst there are many opportunities on the island for young people to engage in a wide variety of music making, there was a need to provide formal tuition for our national instruments in schools and this exciting new programme offers exactly this and has removed all barriers to access it with no cost to learners.’
James O’Neil, faculty leader of music at the school, said: ‘This programme has been a year in the planning and I am delighted that it now sits alongside an already strong tuition programme within our schools. It is absolutely amazing to see the progress in learners already and we are so grateful to all organisations and donors who have helped to make this happen.’
Mr Lambert added: ‘We recently set up the Arran Music School to build on the instrumental provision already offered by North Ayrshire Council. The Isle of Arran Schools’ Pipes and Drums’ project will be managed through this, with the aim of removing all barriers and actively encouraging the young people of Arran to engage with high quality music making and indeed the arts. The project is in partnership with the Isle of Arran Pipe Band which recognises the tremendous benefits for the young people, and welcomes a new generation of players who will be able to join the band in the future.
‘As well as £30,000 in grant funding from the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), we
are grateful for the other donations we have received towards this project, from the Co-op Community Fund, Isle of Arran Pipe Band and from a private donor.’
Alexandra Duncan, SSPDT chief executive, said: ‘The trust is delighted to support a programme that benefits schools, pupils and the whole community.
‘We know that learning the pipes and drums, and being part of a pipe band, helps young people to develop complex skills for life, learning and work.
Camaraderie
‘The dedication, discipline, teamwork and camaraderie required to be part of a pipe band often match skills needed to be successful elsewhere in life.’
The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) is the national charity that works to introduce piping and drumming tuition to state schools in Scotland and that encourages the formation of schools pipe bands.