About This Website
This website is primarily
for the use of the beginning bagpipe students of the Miami Valley Pipes
and Drums. The "Tutor Exercises"
page has videos of the exercises from the tutor book that we use, and
the "Tunes" page has videos of the the
band's tunes being played on a practice chanter. The band's website
has PDF files of the band's music.
Getting Started on the Great Highland Bagpipe
All
pipers begin instruction on a practice chanter, an instrument that emulates
the finger holes and spacing of the bagpipe chanter. Most students move
from the practice chanter to the full pipes after about 12 months of private
instruction, although all pipers continue to use practice chanters for
much of their practicing. Practice chanters are available for purchase
at the Celtic Isles Shop,
which can also provide the tutor book which we use. Lessons are given
on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, usually at Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Dayton, Ohio. The lessons provided by the band are free, with
the understanding that students will play in the band when they're ready.