FAQ

Thank you for your interest in FCYPB. Piping or drumming in a pipe band is a great way to make life long
friends and learn a skill that can last a lifetime. We know pipers and drummers in their 70s who still play!
Here are some common questions we get asked but if you don’t see your question feel free to reach out
to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pipers:

1. Is it expensive?
   Starting out is inexpensive (and relatively quiet), all you need is a practice chanter – the average
   cost is less than $100. We do not recommend purchasing bagpipes immediately. Our instructors
   are available for support to help guide you when your beginner is ready to take the next step.
2. Is it loud?
   Initially most practicing is done on the practice chanter, which is not loud. Once your piper
   moves to bagpipes it will be louder – there is no volume control on the bagpipes – however
   practicing on pipes is not usually as long as on the practice chanter, especially for a beginner.
3. How long before your beginner moves to bagpipes?
   It will depend on how dedicated your beginner is but we usually say at least 1 year on chanter.
   Our experience is that it usually takes 2 years before a beginner chanter student is ready for
   pipes but that can vary. Our instructors are there to support you and your beginner piper to help
   you know when that move is likely.
4. Do you have to do private lessons?
   Private lessons are not required but can speed up the process of moving from chanter to pipes.
5. Is It hard to play pipes?
   Playing bagpipes is physically demanding. That is why we recommend beginners start around
   ages 8-10. That way they have a year or two on the practice chanter and when they move to the
   bagpipes they are more physically capable of playing the instrument.
6. Do I have to be Scottish to play the bagpipes?
   No! You only need a love of music, friendship, and adventure to come play with us. We welcome
   everyone to come try piping with us.
7. What is the volunteer commitment?
   Our main fundraiser is our casino, once every 18 months (or so) and all families are required to volunteer for that. We also host the Ogden Indoor Games on the first weekend of May every year and all families are required to volunteer for that as well. Other opportunities include volunteering for the travel and social committees and of course we always welcome people interested in becoming part of the executive.

Drummers:

1. Is it expensive?
   Starting out is inexpensive (and relatively quiet), all you need is a drum pad and sticks – the
   average cost is less than $100. The band supplies drums for our drummers.
2. Is it loud?
   Initially most practicing is done on the drum pad, which is not loud. Once your drummer moves
   to a drum it will be louder – there is no volume control on the drums.
3. How long before your beginner moves to a drum?
   It will depend on how dedicated your beginner is but we usually say at least 1 year on drum pad.
   Our experience is that it usually takes 2 years before a beginner drum pad student is ready for a
   drum but that can vary. Our instructors are there to support you and your beginner drummer to
   help you know when that move is likely.
4. Do you have to do private lessons?
   Private lessons are not required but can speed up the process of moving from drum pad to
   drums. We have seen that participating in a school band on percussion enhances both the
   Scottish drumming and the school percussion experience.
5. What kinds of drums can your drummer choose to play?
   There are 3 types of drums in a pipe band – the snare, tenor, and bass. Tenor and bass
   drummers usually start playing in the band more quickly than the snare drummers. Your
   drummer can choose to learn any or all of these drums, to see what they like the best.
6. Do I have to be Scottish to play the drums?
   No! You only need a love of music, friendship, and adventure to come play with us. We welcome
   everyone to come try drumming with us.
7. What is the volunteer commitment?
   Our main fundraiser is our casino, once every 18 months (or so) and all families are required to volunteer for that. We also host the Ogden Indoor Games on the first weekend of May every year and all families are required to volunteer for that as well. Other opportunities include volunteering for the travel and social committees and of course we always welcome people interested in becoming part of the executive.