Estimated Price

£1,000

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Project Summary

Our project is community based to bring children and young people together to learn to play the bagpipes and drums. Our aim is for the children to have fun while at the same time learning new skills. This allows them to build self confidence, improve self esteem , sense of belonging, teamwork and improved mental wellbeing. The project gives children the opportunity to learn at no cost to them for the tuition or the instruments. This is a key aspect as it ensures the inclusion of all

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Project Description

The project was started in 2018 with over 100 children being taught prior to Covid. Unfortunately following Covid, our numbers dropped significantly and we are now on a journey to rebuild. We are now based at Geilsland Estate with Beith Trust, reaching out to over 60 plus children within and the Garnock Valley. During the summer we held our Wee Pipers in the Park where 28 children learned to play the chanters and drums over 4 days. This was a combination of fun activities and learning through our tutors, volunteer tutors, volunteers and helpers. At the end the week they put on small showcase which was truly amazing considering the short time they had been learning (short video attached) .

Thanks to Creative Scotland we have after school tuition delivered by two tutors and two apprentice tutors from 4 to 6 pm on a Monday afternoon. We also teach children in the primary schools in Dalry thanks to funding from Dalry Parish Boundary Trust. Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust have also helped with funding with in school tution. Last school session, we ran 4 week taster block sessions at most of the Primary Schools within the Garnock Valley which was very well recieved and created much interest in learning the bagpipes and drums. As we continue our journey, we are starting weekend tuition which will bring many of the children together to start forming a band.

Our project brings children together helping their confidence, improve their self esteem, improved mental health , giving them a sense of belonging, building friendships, working as a team and most of all, enjoying the experince of learning the drums and bagpipes. At a recent event in Dalry three of our youngsters, one P7 and two from S1, played together in front of the public which they throroughly enjoyed

After school sessions we have three skill groups, beginners, intermediates and more advanced. This is very rewarding, have received much praise from the CEO of the SSPDT and the Scottish Children's Lottery for the way we ensure children have the opportunity to develop new musical skills.

 If we were fortunate to secure funding it would be used to purchase new equipment . Some of our drummers are nearly ready to move from drum pads to snare drums. If we were able to purchase small harnesses for our snare drums it would be a great step forward for our new drummers. Being able to play the snare drum would be a huge uplift for them .  If we could purchase two harnesses that they could share, would help the development of the program hugely. A small harness would cost £333 each. If we could purchase 2 would be £666.

To meet the demand for new learners we also need drum pads and drum sticks and also chanters. Drum pads and sticks cost £40.99 and would like to apply for 5 which would be £204.95 while chanters cost £43 and would like to apply for 5 which would cost £215. Total cost for drum pads, sticks and chanters £419.95

As our numbers increase new equipment ensures that we can continue to enhance the program for as many young people within the Garnock Valley.