Bagpipes

The beginner level course is open to all students seeking to learn how to play the Great Highland Bagpipes. Students are not required to have any previous musical experience, only the desire to learn and the commitment to practicing their lessons. Students are provided with a practice chanter and receive basic level instructions in reading, writing, listening and playing activities to begin developing their basic skills, playing skills and musical notation skills as it pertains to Bagpiping. By the conclusion of this course, a student will begin to transition from playing a practice chanter to playing a Great Highland Bagpipe.

Intermediate students will continue to develop their skills in playing the Great Highland Bagpipe and become a member of the Celtic Friars Pipe Band.  Basic show and marching band techniques will also be introduced. Members of the Celtic Friars Pipe Band are required to perform in various concerts, parades and for athletic events.

Advanced students will further sharpen musical skills and examine historical and interpretive elements of classical bagpiping, Piobaireachd. Students will serve in a leadership position with Celtic Friars Pipe Band while performing in various concerts, parades, athletic events, and both Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (E.U.S.P.B.A.) Metropolitan Branch sanctioned Individual and Band Competition events.

Saint Anthony’s also offers a Highland Drumming class, which is open to all students seeking to learn how to play Highland Snare, Bass, or Tenor Drums. Students are not required to have any previous musical experience, only the desire to learn and the commitment to practicing their lessons.  By the conclusion of this course, a student will begin to transition from playing on a practice pad to playing a Snare, Bass or Tenor Drum.  Experienced students will continue to sharpen their skills and learn more advanced techniques.