JOHNSTONE BANDS LEARNING SUCCESS

After a long and successful summer last year which culminated in Johnstone Pipe Band becoming World Champions at Grade 2 & Grade 4B there was little rest for the band members.  After only a few weeks break the bands were back, hard at work, preparing for the 2017 season.

some of the 36 young Pipers who gained success in their exams.
Pictures by John Shaw

Part of this preparation sees the younger members of the bands being given the opportunity to sit SCQF practical and theory examinations in Bagpipes, this along with their normal weekly practice made for a very busy two or tree months in the run up to Christmas.

With the results out last week there were celebrations all round as 36 young members of the band achieved success in passing from beginners, some aged only 11, at SCQF Level 2 through to four pipers, aged from 13 to 16 who passed at SCQF Level 6 which is the equivalent of a Higher in Bagpipes.

Pipe Major Keith Bowes commented, “I am absolutely delighted to see so many young pipers achieve such great success.  Our band is a bit different in that it is not just about learning and competing, we want the band members to have something to show for their efforts as well and it is fantastic that so many have taken the opportunity and for some their first ever official qualification will be one in Bagpipes.”

Any youngsters looking to get involved in the learner section of the band should contact Alan on 07751 500520, the same number can also be used if you would like to discuss sponsoring the bands as they look forward to starting the new season in their new promoted grades of 1 and 4a.