For Parents

New members (and their parents) often have lots of questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.

Uniform and equipment

What is the uniform?

For formal occasions, regular band members should wear black pants, white dress shirt, black dress shoes, black vest, tie and a glengarry (hat). The tie and glengarry are lent out to your child by the band.

Once your child has graduated to playing / competition band the uniform becomes more traditional. Band members will then wear a kilt with hose and sporran. The kilt and sporran are lent out to your child by the band.

For regular Tuesday evening practices, uniforms do not need to be worn.

When will my child progress to the pipes / drums?

Your childʼs instructor will advise you when your child is ready for a set of pipes or drum. This usually takes one to two years. Bagpipes are purchased by each family. Drums are lent to the child by the OLPB.

What maintenance is required for the instruments?

Chanters need new reeds when worn or broken and hemp when the two pieces are loose.

Drum sticks would need to be replaced if cracked.

When your child moves onto pipes or drums, their instructors will help with maintenance checks and teach your child how to preform their own maintenance.

Practice

How much practice is required?

Beginners should practices 15 to 30 minutes each day.

Is private instruction available?

You can check with your childʼs instructor; they usually know an instructor and whether your child would be a good match. Another option is to look on the Alberta Society of Pipers & Drummers website, for private lesson postings.

Competitions

What are solo competitions?

Solo competitions are a great way to build confidence in the beginner piper / drummer. Solo competitions are also a way to see where strengths lie and where growth is needed. Adjudication sheets should be shared with instructors; this way instructors can aid students in their weakness.

• General information on competitions
• Preparing for solo competitions

What commitments are there for parents?

Mandatory commitments

There are a few mandatory commitments with the OLPB:

• Poppy sales (a two hour shift)
• Remembrance Day (approximately two hours, which includes a parade that starts at the Ogden Legion and a ceremony afterwards) *
• Mother’s Day Fundraiser *
• Casino (8-10 hour shift every other year, positions vary)
• OLPB Annual Indoor Competition (volunteer shifts to help run the competition)
• Ceilidh or other one time events (volunteer shifts)

* Required for competition band members. Non-competition members are encouraged and welcome to participate.

Commitment checks will collected from each family during registration. These cheques will be returned to you if you participate in these events. Cheques will be cashed if you do not.

Optional committee work and volunteering within the OLPB

There is a lot of work done to run the OLPB and the executive is always looking for new volunteers!

Volunteer opportunities range from running competitions, organizing special functions, fundraising to website maintenance. If you would like to help with anything please contact any of the executive. Your help is always welcome!

Events and Associations

Alberta Society of Pipers and Drumming (ASPD)

The Alberta Society of Pipers and Drumming regulates all piping and drumming in Alberta. You must be registered to compete at any sanctioned competition or highland games. The OLPBʼs registrar registers all pipers and drummers wanting to compete at these events.

Highland Games

The Highland Games are where you want to be to compete!

It is always very exciting, whether itʼs your first time or your twentieth. There are piping and drumming events, dancing and heavy games and even some sheep herding. You must register and pay an entry fee for all solo events (usually about a $10 fee). Once in the competition band, the band entry fee is paid by the band.

OLPB major travel

Every few years (depending on the competition and whether the players are ready) the band travels to Scotland to compete in the Worldʼs Highland Games. The band has also spoken about Eastern Canada and Las Vegas as both hold larger Highland Games. The band fundraises for such travels.