Piping and drumming classes recommence

THE Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School has announced that the Arts Council has resumed funding for the school and classes have recommenced in Laurelhill Community College.

The term will run until the end of April 2012 with an Easter break on Saturday April 7. It is anticipated that classes will resume in all three centres in Lisburn, Enniskillen and Londonderry in September 2012 with a full programme of piping, drumming, bass and tenor drumming, drum-majors and highland dancing in operation.

Returning students will continue studies from the level already attained or may opt to be assessed for a higher grade. New students will be assessed and placed in a grade suitable for their level of current ability. Absolute beginners are especially welcome. The school programme will continue to follow the graded system of learning but students who have attained the required level may request to be entered for recognised national qualifications. These include CCEA Performance Skills, PDQB examinations, DofE Skills attainments, GCSE and GCE Practical performances.

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All students will be required to follow a course in Music Theory which may be pursued to GCE standard. Fees for the January – April term will be £20 with special rates for families. T-shirts with the NIPDS logo and an Ulster Scots Collection of Pipe Tunes will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, whilst stocks last. Advanced pipers, from grade 5 upwards, will also receive three free piobaireachd CD’s by Andrew Wright. For further information contact [email protected].