Our Purpose: Playing & Training

Map to Practice Practice Times Common Questions

The Band has always been interested in the history and playing of the Pipes.
We want to keep the Pipes alive and always to improve technique.

"The only requirement is desire. There are no dues.
There are no rules. There are no lesson fees."

Training can take anywhere from one to two years of practice. We provide the basic training for free and will provide you the information you need to begin to play the pipes. We treat our students as part of the band, people who will , one day, join us as we march in our varied performances. We won't ignore you. As a Band, we pride ourselves on our openness. When you need to move to advanced topics, we know instructors we can point you to in the Atlanta area.

Currently we compete at Grade V level. Our goal is to become the best sounding Grade V in Atlanta. We compete at only 4 games because most of our members work and cannot spend a lot of weekends away. Some of us do compete on an individual basis, however, competiton is NOT required. If you prefer to play with the main Band and don't want to compete, that is perfectly fine. We want you to find your niche in playing.

Evan Kohler-Camp PM

We currently meet every Thursday night at Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church on West Mountain Street in the city of Stone Mountain.
Beginner Practice starts at 7:00pm, regular band practice starts at 7:30pm, all are welcome.

(Please see map below ) or go back to top

"Do I have to be Scottish to play the Pipes or Drums?"
No, all you need is the desire to play or love of the instrument.

"Do I have to know how to play any other instrument or read music?"
No, experience on another instrument can help but is not required. We teach you the basics. All you need to learn to read are 9 notes and some staff notations.

"Do I have to buy the Pipes first?"
You need what is called a "practice chanter". It costs anywhere from $70.00 to $120.00 and can be obtained locally. It simulates the playing of the pipes without the loudness.

"Do only men play the pipes or drums?"
At one time you found most of your pipers and drummers in the military, so most were male. This is no longer the case- Pipes and Drums are not "gender specific".

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Whether you are a former Gold Medalist at Oban, or a former back row player in a kilty band, or have never played a musical instrument in your life, we are here for you.

The only requirement is desire.

There are no dues.

There are no rules.

There are no lesson fees.

If you want to be a part of a heritage and a tradition that reaches from the sands of Hafar-Al-Batin to the Heights of Dargai, the freshing stream of Killiecrankie,to the tumbled down mountains of Glen Coe, we are here for you.

- Berkley Strobel - Pipe Major emeritus

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