The Minnesota Police Pipe
Band offers piping and drumming instruction of the highest quality
in the Twin Cities area.
Lessons are free. We want to introduce a broad range of people
to instruments boasting a rich cultural heritage. A law enforcement
affiliation is not required. Instruction is provided for the bass, snare and tenor drums and
for the Great Highland bagpipe. These are the instruments played
in modern competition pipe
bands. Instruction in the art of the Drum
Major is also available.
Piping and drumming instructors work with small groups of students.
The two-year course is broken down into 10-week quarters and is
designed to provide the basic elements of piping and drumming.Those who want to progress more quickly are encouraged to supplement
the group instruction with private lessons. We can help you find
a private instructor.
DRUMMING
Snare students will learn drum rudiments and scores in the style
of Scottish
drumming. The bass and tenor program teaches the rhythmic
beatings associated with the Scottish bass section. In addition,
tenor drummers will learn the art of flourishing: spinning their
mallets while playing. Snare drummers will need a drum pad and sticks, which may be
purchased from the band. Tenor and bass students can borrow mallets
from the band until they are ready to purchase their own. The
band provides performance drums.
PIPING
The first four quarters cover basic fingering technique on the
practice chanter. Each quarter concludes with a brief evaluation to
determine whether the student is ready to move on to the next
level. Students may repeat each level one time. Students who are
not ready to move on to the next level should seek private instruction
in order to reach the requirements for their current level. After successful completion of the fourth level, pipe students
will begin an additional year of study during which they will
be taught how to care for, wrestle with and, finally, play the
bagpipe. Beginning pipe students need to have a practice chanter
and the exercise book Rhythmic Fingerwork by James McGillivray
(both are available for purchase from the band).
WHEN AND WHERE
The band meets on Tuesday evenings in South Minneapolis. Lessons
are scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Band rehearsal follows
from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
SUPPLIES
Beginning piping and drumming supplies can be purchased at your
first lesson or you can find them on your own. They are also available
from our supplier: Gillie
Company, (952) 285-7075
COLOR GUARD
Participating in the Color Guard provides the opportunity to learn
to march in the distinctive, swinging style associated with pipe
bands. It is your opportunity to hear and move with the music
before you are actually playing it. The Color Guard is part of
many of our parades and performances and is an important component
of our band presence.
BAND AUDITION
To progress to the band performance circle the student must complete
a successful audition for the Pipe Major or Drum Sergeant. A student
may audition for the band at any time. Completion of the piping
or drumming program does not require anyone to audition nor does
it grant a student band performer status.
If you have questions about the program or want to register for the next session, please contact
us.
Pipe Instruction Drum Instruction
In your email, please include your:
- Name, Email address and Phone number
- Level of musical and any piping/drumming experience.
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