North Georgia Pipes & Drums is actively seeking new members. Experienced bagpipers, snare, tenor and bass drummers should consider joining NoGaPD. We are looking for musicians at all levels who are prepared to take personal responsibility for developing and maintaining their skills. NoGaPD can provide you with a nurturing environment of like-minded fellow musicians, and leadership that understands that you have a life outside the band. There are no dues or fees to join, and the band assists with travel costs when we perform or compete away from the local area.
- Experienced Pipers and Drummers – We are especially looking for musicians who can perform well competitively at the Grade 4 band level. Our approach is inclusive and education based. We spend a lot of time and effort diagnosing issues and helping members improve in their playing. For bagpipers, previous band experience is helpful but not required. For drummers, If you’ve played DCI or other percussion, we can help you master the Scottish idiom.
- Beginners – While we don’t have a formal education/training program for bagpipes or drums, we do have several members, located throughout the North Georgia area, who offer individual instruction. Contact us for more information, or to get started.
- Associate Members – Even if you don’t have a musical bone in your body, you can support NoGaPD! Support personnel help us coordinate our functions, pitch tents at contests, carry the banner, help with uniform maintenance, etc. If you would like to support our mission and Scottish heritage, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer
Ours is a culture of support and encouragement for our members. North Georgia P&D can provide you with a place to excel and a reason to want to do better, through positive reinforcement and fellowship with a diverse group of people coming together for one purpose. Our vision is Good Music, Good Will, Good Fun!
We rehearsal (approximately) every Tuesday evening and occasionally on Saturday mornings. We compete in 6 – 8 contests per year throughout the Southeastern US and perform at a varied list of events and parades locally. As a component of our non-profit status, we sometimes offer scholarships and assistance to members who display a need for education, travel or other expenses. We don’t expect the band to come before your family, church or work, and we make every attempt to help you find a balance among conflicting commitments.
What We Expect
NoGaPD expects you to be personally motivated to excel with your Scottish music. This means regular personal practice, regular attendance at band rehearsals, competitions and events whenever possible. We expect you to provide positive support for your fellow musicians and band leadership. We expect you to share our vision —be a good musician, share our good will and want to have some fun!
Come and Visit Us
You are welcome to come and observe the band at one of our rehearsals on a Tuesday evening or Saturday morning. Check our Calendar for dates and locations. It would be helpful but not mandatory to let us know that you are coming, as there are occasionally last minute schedule changes. If you have questions about participation in the band, please contact us.