Piping school celebrates success

THERE were celebrations at Laurelhill Community College last week when the local Piping and Drumming School celebrated another successful year.

Northern Ireland Piping & Drumming School celebrated the achievements of their Lisburn students as over 120 guests attended the annual Presentation of Certificates evening in Laurelhill Community College.

NIPDS Director Mark Armstrong welcomed Deputy Mayor Margaret Tolerton as their special guest for the evening. She congratulated the students on their achievements and looked forward to seeing everyone going on to future success in NIPDS, with their bands or as performers in their own right. She praised NIPDS for their promotion of the Ulster Scots culture. Deputy Mayor Tolerton presented over 77 certificates to young and old students and praised the high standards achieved in every grade which reflected the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in NIPDS.

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Mark Armstrong said NIPDS is immensely proud of every individual student in both Lisburn and Enniskillen for the high standards they attained during the two terms. He paid tribute to the hard working centre coordinators, instructors, tutors and most importantly the parents, relatives and friends who lift, carry, and support the students every week. He confirmed NIPDS Management Committee secured Arts Council funding for 2013-14 and said there will be several new initiatives launched which will enhance their educational programme next term. He concluded by encouraging students to continue their NIPDS education and become part of the school teaching programme by sharing their knowledge and skills for the benefit of others.

Ivor Spence presented the External Examiner report prepared by Melanie Johnston from Laurelhill. He passed on his thanks for the report and said it was highly complimentary on the high quality of examinations and standards of marking. This oversight is critical to assure students and funding bodies that NIPDS meets the required standards.

Sam Bailie presented the Chairman’s comments and congratulated Mark Armstrong and the Executive Committee for their hard work behind the scenes to deliver the NIPDS curriculum. Mr Bailie praised the Management Committee for their extensive efforts to achieve Arts Council Funding for 2013-14 and looked forward to NIPDS success in the future.

Guests were treated to an extensive supper provided by the Noade family who had to cope with a larger than expected attendance. The evening finished with a sample of students performing including solo drums, practice chanter, saxophone, drum major display and highland dancers.

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NIPDS wish to thank everyone who attended the event evening and the Enniskillen Presentation of Certificates Event will take place on Wednesday 8th May in Portora School.

NIPDS classes will restart in late September and full details will be made available on the website at www.nipds.org