Pipe bands are much more than a musical pastime; they promote teamwork, achievement, commitment, a sense of dress and discipline, confidence, fun and friendship. In time they open doors to travel through competition and cultural exchange. Pipe bands are also a source of pride and focus for schools and communities. Watch this beautiful video of how young people can benefit from learning the bagpipes.
The Trust’s aims
The Trust aims to advance education the arts, heritage, culture and community development by encouraging young people in Scotland to take up and play the chanter, pipes and drums; and by supporting the development of school pipe bands. In doing so, the Trust supports young people to broaden their education, in particular their musical and social skills.
Much of SSPDT’s work and vision builds on a programme that has been underway since 2007 in Prestonpans, East Lothian. Here pupils are offered free piping or drumming lessons from the age of eight or nine in a cluster of primary schools that feed into Preston Lodge High School. A senior and a junior band now perform regularly for the school and community; the young people have achieved a wide range of SQA qualifications; they travel widely; and compete in the World Championships and other leading competitions.
Read more about The Scottish Schools Pipe and Drums Trust