We are a youth-oriented music group that performs in the community, and competes at Highland Games across Canada. The band offers exceptional instruction for children and youth, ages 8-19, for learning bagpipes and drums.

The Conservatory Pipe Band is open to all interested youth and features an engaging, positive environment for learning to play bagpipes and drums. Regina’s only youth pipe band is instructed by Saskatchewan’s most experienced pipe band musicians and performs at community events throughout the year.

Beginners interested in Scottish piping and drumming start in a Beginner Bagpipes or Drums. No prior music experience is required to join! Students will learn on a practice chanter if learning the bagpipes or the practice pad if learning the drums. Students learn to read music, grace note groups, basic music theory, and a number of exercises and tunes. Students eventually join the Pipe Band – Rehearsal group when instructors feel they are ready.

You do NOT need to be Scottish to love bagpipes! New students can join anytime of the year with the fee prorated based on registration date. Contact our Student Services Non-Credit Office to register after the course has started.

The band teaches bagpipes and drums to youth ages 8 and up in a fun, friendly environment. Learn more by clicking here.

Register for Bagpipe Studies Ages 16+

Register for Beginner Bagpipes Ages 8-20

**If you are an adult that is new to bagpipes, click here to see our Private Lessons offered from instructor Iain MacDonald.

SUMMER PROGRAM

July 2-7, 2023

Join us for a lively, fun week of piping and drumming, with some of the best instructors you’ll find anywhere!  Register and pay your complete fees online. Registrations close June 9th.

Camp runs in the morning only, Monday to Friday, and gives children ages 8-12 (recommended age) the opportunity to learn what piping and drumming are all about, take lessons, hear others play, and meet the students at the camp who currently play. We provide (loaned) equipment, and all they need is interest!

Click here for details and to register.

WHO CAN LEARN?

You don’t have to be Scottish to play the pipes! Many people join because they just love the music! You’ve heard all the bagpipe jokes, but have you thought about why you always see pipers at weddings and funerals, or why there are always pipes at important banquets, state occasions, and at memorials?

Canadians have sacrificed their lives on many international battlefields, and even today, fallen Canadian soldiers are honoured with a ceremony that always includes the bagpipes. Bagpipes are part of the “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song, and nearly every official Canadian function features pipe music as part of the ceremony.

This is because bagpipes—and the music they make—touch people emotionally. It’s important music for all of us, and if you do have some Scottish blood, then it’s also part of a proud cultural tradition stretching back 500 years!

SCOTTISH PIPE AND DRUM PROGRAM

The Conservatory offers a complete youth Pipe and Drum program, in association with City of Regina Pipe Band. This program teaches students how to play the pipes or drums, and it gives them the opportunity to perform at many community events, as well as to compete in solo and band competitions at Highland Games across Canada.

Playing with a pipe band teaches children music, and it also is all about friendship, team skills, group learning, travel and cultural experience. Visit here for more information.

FAQ’S ABOUT THE PIPING BAND PROGRAM

> How old does my child have to be to play pipes and drums?

Ages 8 – 12 are recommended, however, if you have a child outside that range and are interested, we encourage you to come check it out.

> Do I have to purchase instruments?

Students will need a practice chanter and book, or drumsticks and pad. The band has specific recommendations for these based on the student, and materials are available through the band.

> When are practices?

Wednesday nights, 7:00 – 9:00pm, and beginners are 7:00 – 8:00pm.

> Is previous music experience required?

No, previous experience is not required.

> When is registration?

Students are accepted throughout the year from September to April.

> Are there any classes in the summer?

Yes, we encourage students to attend the summer piping school. Check back for details! Sign-up for the OSKS e-news and you won’t miss out.

> Can we get a piper or the pipe band to play at our event?

The Conservatory Pipe Band or individual pipers will perform at events in the community. We often volunteer our services, and we also provide the band or pipers for a fee, depending on the occasion. Send us an email (info@crpb.org) or call (306-533-6678) to start the conversation.

Please visit our website for complete details on the Pipe and Drum Program, and feel free to call or email with any questions or for more information.