Frequently
Asked Questions
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Some of the
most frequently asked questions are listed below. Clicking on the question
will take you to the answer. The answers represent the viewpoint of our
band, Ceól Neamh Pipe Band, Inc., and may be different than answers given
by other groups. We are not the final authority on any of these topics.
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Does the band have an
Official Facebook Page?
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The band does have an
Official Facebook page. Log on to Facebook and type "Ceol Neamh Pipe
Band" in the search box. You can become a fan of the band if you
would like to receive Facebook information about the band's activities in
the future.
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How do I find out where
to see the band perform?
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The band maintains a
performance schedule on this website. Click
here to view our schedule.
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Are all performances
open to the public?
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The band performs at
both public events such as parades and open gatherings and private events
such as weddings and private parties. The public is welcome to see the
band at any public event. To see the schedule please click
here.
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How do I book the band
for a performance?
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To book the band for a
performance please contact our Band Manager for available dates and
rates. At that time all of the details regarding the location, type
of performance, and cost will be discussed. To contact our Band Manager,
click here.
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Does the band charge a
fee for performing?
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In most cases the band
charges a fee for performing. When performing for charitable causes part
or all of the fee may be considered the band's contribution. If the event
is of sufficient profile that the band benefits from performing, the fee
may be reduced or waived. Fees
are based on the type of program, band size (mini vs. full compliment),
program length, and distance required to travel.
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How far will the band
travel to perform?
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Our band typically
performs in the South-Central region of Pennsylvania and Maryland but we
have traveled to Ontario, Canada, Upstate New York, and Delaware.
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How can I get more
information about joining the band?
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Ceól Néamh Pipe Band
always welcomes new members interested in the performance of traditional
Scottish Highland music. To learn more about joining our band, click
here.
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How do I get more
information about learning to play the pipes or drums?
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Our band conducts it's
own piping and drumming school for beginners. Beginner's classes begin
each fall and continue until the following spring when beginners are then
moved into an intermediate setting to continue to prepare to become
members of the parade band. More information about our instructional
schools can be viewed on our website by clicking here.
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How long does it take to
learn to play the bagpipes?
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The length of time it
takes to learn to play the pipes depends upon a number of variable
factors. Progress is directly related to that amount of time spent
practicing and the natural ability of the player. Often those with
previous experience with other musical instruments believe that their
previously learned skills are applicable to the bagpipes. It is true that
there are only 9 notes on the bagpipe chanter, however there are hundreds
of different embellishments of those nine notes. All bagpipe music must be
memorized and played in a precise fashion. Once that is accomplished a
piper must learn to control, maintain and play a relatively primitive
hand-operated reed instrument that has changed little in the past 1,000
years
Many students are able
to begin playing their first bagpipe tunes within 18 months of beginning.
During those 18 months the student spends most of the time learning
fundamentals and key fingering techniques on a practice chanter. While a
piper can spend thousands of dollars on a set of bagpipes, the beginner
can easily outfit themselves with a practice chanter and practice book for
well under a hundred dollars. That practice chanter will be used
throughout the pipers playing career as a step in learning new music and
practicing previously learned tunes.
Learning to play the
bagpipe correctly requires the instruction of a trained piper. By studying
with a qualified instructor the beginner can avoid the development of bad
habits that will later interfere with the pipers success.
Moving from the practice
chanter to the bagpipes should only be considered once the beginner has
fully developed their basic skills and memorized the basic tunes.
Instructors caution students against purchasing a set of bagpipes before
their skills have reached a strong level of proficiency. A set of bagpipes
is a substantial long-term investment that should only be undertaken
on the advice of a skilled instructor.
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Do pipers and drummers
furnish their own instruments?
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Bagpipes are purchased
by the individual piper, based upon personal tastes and financial
capabilities. Once a member has been accepted into the Parade Band, the
bag cover, cords and other adornments may be provided by the band to
promote a uniform appearance. Drums
are furnished by the band to ensure uniform appearance and sound.
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When does the band
practice? Where?
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The band currently
rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings. Practices are held at the Rohrerstown
Educational Center, 1 Mayer Ave., Lancaster, PA
17603. Practice times are 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM for beginners and the Parade
Band, and 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM for the Competition Band.
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Do I need a uniform to
appear with the band?
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All performing members
appear in a "uniform" when participating at a function. The band
wears the McConnell tartan in honor of it's founder, Thompson McConnell. Depending
upon the item, the cost of the uniform items vary from some being paid
entirely by the band, some costs shared by the band, and some costs paid
entirely by the member.
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Can I be a part of the
band as I'm learning to play?
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Beginning students and
others learning to play with the band are invited to participate in
supporting roles at performances and functions. In addition, a unique privilege
is extended to members of the beginner's class as they are included in all
band meetings and have a voice in all band matters. Beginners can assist
at parades by carrying flags and banners, at concerts by acting as ushers
and guides and at competitions as assistants to judges.
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What kind of music does
the band play?
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The music played by our
band is best described as traditional highland pipe music. We have chosen
our music from traditional pipe band tunes that have been played and heard
by countless numbers of audiences in some cases over hundreds of years. We
often play a combination of slow marches and airs, 4/4 marches, 2/4
marches, 3/4 marches, 6/8 marches, jigs, strathspeys, and reels.
Traditional church tunes are also part of the band repertoire.
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