Moray school pupils to be given the chance to learn pipes and drums in pioneering project
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SCHOOL pupils in Moray are taking part in a pioneering project that will give every youngster the chance to learn the pipes or drums and to join a band or music group.
A unique partnership between regional charity the Moray Youth Pipes and Drums Tuition Scheme (MYPDTS), national charity the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) and Moray Council will see more than 350 pupils learning the pipes and drums.
Youngsters will also be given the chance to perform with pipe bands and traditional music groups.
The call is now being put out to find a piping and a snare drumming tutor to meet the demand from more than 55 youngsters keen to start learning in Forres schools – the first cluster to benefit from the new project.
Fiona Caldwell, project coordinator, has run workshops to establish interest, and is keen to speak with prospective tutors who have what it takes to open doors for aspiring players.
Alexandra Duncan, SSPDT Chief Executive, said: "Nowhere else in Scotland does every pupil get the chance to learn the pipes or the pipe band drums. In some council areas there are no opportunities at all to learn these instruments.
"The can-do approach in Moray from all partners dedicated to finding solutions is outstanding and has translated into opportunities for all youngsters.”
Alexander Davidson, principal teacher of music instruction and performance at Moray Council, said: “We are pleased to have been able to allocate some additional funding from Scottish Government to MYPDTS and to support access to this instruction for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"The programme’s key goal will be to provide pupils in all of Moray’s schools the opportunity to learn the pipes and drums, thereby developing confidence, friendships, resilience, self-esteem and other attributes for life, learning and work.”
Kathleen Robertson, chairperson of the Moray Youth Pipes and Drums Tuition Scheme and Moray Council leader, said: “I’m delighted to see progress of the project and it is a fitting tribute to the late past Chairman of Forres and District Pipe Band (John Channon) who was the main driver in getting the tuition delivered in schools in Moray.”
The programme is also set to encourage and provide links to local community bands for pupils who are looking to push past in-school tuition and perform at the next level.
More information is available at sspdt.org.uk/moray-schools-pipes-and-drums.
