Moray Youth Development scheme

There is no Council funded piping and drumming instruction at schools in Moray unlike The Highlands where this has encouraged playing by many youngsters and led to the formation of The Highland Youth Pipe Band and The City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band

To fill this gap, Foundation Scotland has granted funds to set up a pilot scheme to introduce free Tuition on the pipes and Drums in Moray for youngsters over the age of 8. The initial catchment area will cover the West of Moray roughly within a 15-mile radius of Forres. The project will be managed by the Forres & District Pipe Band.

The Scheme

The general concept of the scheme is to arrange a well-publicized “Try-it-and See” evening session to be held in the Forres Town Hall for youngsters accompanied by their parents who would be interested in playing the pipes and drums. Thereafter, two instructional teams (one for pipes and the other for drums) would carry out the tuition on a weekly basis. The tuition posts would be paid at a rate of £20:00 per hour.

The instructional teams will comprise of 2/3 paid instructors and a coordinator who will ensure the continuity and integrity of the instruction in consultation with the instructors. An overarching administration is being established by the Chairman of the Forres Band to manage the scheme with links to Volunteer Scotland and registration with the OSCR.

Progress so Far

The “Try-it-and-See” session will take place in the Forres Town Hall at 6:30pm on Sunday 30^th October. The Forres Band members will set up the main Hall as a reception and instructional area. Band members will be appointed to demonstrate the instruments and to enroll likely candidates for tuition which is planned to start the following week in the Town Hall at 6:30pm (or a time convenient to those involved)

Requirements

At the time of writing we are still looking for one Piping Instructor, a Drumming Coordinator and a Drumming Instructor. This initiative has enormous potential for the County and gives our youngsters the opportunity to foster and maintain our musical heritage so please help if you can.

Please contact Mr John Channon on 01309 6741608 or at johnchannon1943@btinternet.com if you would wish to participate in the scheme as a piping or drumming instructor / coordinator.