Below are common questions asked about hiring Sandhill Pipes and Drums or joining the band.
Hiring the Band
Q: Do you play in my area?
A: Our performances and parades are in the GTA area.
Q: What venues do you play at?
A: We play at a variety of venues for any number of events. Typically, we play at local parades, community celebrations, local senior residences, weddings, funerals, and special occasions.
Q: How much do you charge?
A. We have set fees for a complete band playing in a community parade, but there is some flexibility for smaller venues, charitable events, or for a smaller number of players. Please contact us with your specific needs.
Q: Is it necessary for me to hire the full band?
A: Not at all. You are able to hire one piper, or any combination of pipes and drums.
Q: What is the performance level of this band?
A: Sandhill Pipes and Drums is not a competitive band, but rather a recreational band with extensive experience playing in parades, community, and private events.
Q: Do you have different uniforms for different occasions?
A: Yes. All of our members have variations of their uniforms for different events. We’ll be happy to discuss the typical dress protocol for your specific occasion.
Joining the Band
Q: What is the time commitment for band members?
A: Members are expected to attend as many practices as they are able. Lessons are one hour each week, and practices are two hours each week. During the “performance season” (roughly May to November), you can expect to play at around 10-15 events. Most of these are outdoors.
Q: Is there a lot of practicing required?
A: New band members have a lot to learn. Each week the bagpipe students will progress
through the training manual, learning the notes on the chanter and the tunes. Drummers will
learn rudiments, notation, flourishing (if playing tenor), and then the rhythms for each tune.
Eventually all tunes must be memorized for performances and parades. To be successful, weekly practicing at home is essential to master any new instrument.
Q: What are the costs to join the band?
A: There are no band membership fees or lesson fees. Learning and playing with the band is free.
Bagpipe students will need to purchase their own practice chanter (approx. $125), and eventually their own bagpipes. Drummers are provided with their own drum when ready to perform, although they will need to purchase their own sticks ($20.00-$75.00), and practice pad ($40.00).
Q: What about uniform costs?
A: Excluding shoes, the entire uniform is provided by the band at no cost.
We are happy to answer any other questions and speak to you about the band. The Sandhill
Pipes and Drums celebrated their 60 th anniversary in 2022 and we look forward to keeping the band going
for many more years to come.
Please contact the band at Sandhillpipeband@gmail.com or send a direct message from our
FaceBook page. We look forward to hearing from you.