The London and District Pipe Band and their sister band The London Firefighters Pipe Band have decided to embark on a new initiative to bring more people into the musical world of Scottish pipe and drums music.
Looking to introduce new interest from all age groups the band has rebooted its free teaching program.
Pipe Sargent Grant Iaconis of The London and District competition band was a big proponent and voice pushing to bring back the program. ‘We noticed we needed to get a little bit of instruction back to the intermediate Pipers and some beginner pipers’ Iaconis explains.
The program is a great way to improve the skill and ability of those already involved and also transitions those with less experience into the world of Scottish music.
The program is not limited to those young or old, ‘We don’t start on the full bags bagpipe just like drummers don’t start on the full drum. They start on a practice Channel or practice pads.’ said Iacoins. ‘Reading music, learning rhythm by clapping, it’s something anyone can do.’
Learning about anything new can be challenging, especially when the equipment is so unique and steeped in tradition. Dave Kincaid, a band member for decades has seen the highs and lows of the popularity of the music’s popularity and events. He thinks there are some new factors contributing to a lack of younger generations showing interest.
‘Right now, all the students are actually in their late 30s, 40s, and some in their 50s,’ Kincaid stated. ‘They always wanted to do it when they were kids but never had the time.’
It takes a lot of commitment to fully embrace and pursue a passion like this. A lot of it also comes from cultural traditions and appeal.
Many people find or discover the band or local highland games through family connections, with their own ties to Scottish culture that drives them to take up the idea. In recent years, fewer people from that part of the world are immigrating to Canada so it’s natural for a decline in interest in these activities to occur.
Anyone can learn and enjoy the music and culture of going to a highland games event. They take place all over Ontario in the summer. The bands prepare year-round with practices and lessons every Monday night. Kincaid says ‘It’s all about making an effort, you have to commit and be passionate to take on something like this.’
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