The Band has always been interested in the history and playing of the Pipes.
We want to keep the Pipes alive and always to improve technique.

"The only requirement is desire. There are no dues.
There are no rules. There are no lesson fees."

Training can take anywhere from one to two years of practice, though some people are faster, some slower. We provide the basic training for free and will provide you the information you need to begin to play the pipes. We treat our students as part of the band, people who will , one day, join us as we march in our varied performances. We won't ignore you. As a Band, we pride ourselves on our openness. When you need to move to advanced topics, we know instructors we can point you to in the Atlanta area if we cannot cover it.

We also have an additional training session on Tuesdays. We have an outside instructor that comes in and works with us on our playing at all levels. Our band offers this to all members free. Our interest is in growing both your capabilities and the band's. Our outside instructor is Henry Frantz, one-time Pipe Major of the Atlanta Pipe Band, an excellent instructor as well as piper.

We've trained members that have become members of other local bands, Pipe Majors of other local bands, or even have become members of the City of Washington (COW) Pipe Band in one case. These are all choices you can make; though, of course, we'd rather have you stay with us.

You may have found that some bands aren't really teaching. We've had a number of people appear because:

There are people who are not considered as potential pipers because of age, gender or time commitment problems. I'd rather work with these people because they want to learn. Maybe it's been a lifetime dream and they know they cannot become an open-grade piper, but they want to pipe or drum. I'd rather give them a chance.

Currently we compete at Grade V level. Our goal is to become the best sounding Grade V in Atlanta. We compete at only 4 - 5 games because most of our members work and cannot spend a lot of weekends away. Some of us do compete on an individual basis, however, competiton is NOT required. If you prefer to play with the main Band and don't want to compete, that is perfectly fine. We want you to find your niche in playing.

For Pipers, once you have learnt 5 tunes and can play them well on the pipes, you are officially "Welcomed Aboard" and given a Murray of Atholl Kilt. The same thing happens for Drummers, but our drum sergeant will tell me when you have met his qualifications. You then become a voting band member and a welcome addition.

We do include marching practice as well. "If you look good, you sound even better," is just a maxim for those that don't know music. Our goal is quality music..

There are audiences that know the difference between good music and crap and all the glitter in the world will not save you. Polish does not replace practice. It's a combination of both with an extra-heavy emphasis on musical ability and skill. We want you to become a good musician, not a toy soldier.

Please come and see what you think of our practices and our band. It does take some work, practicem and dedication to become a good piper or drummer and hopefully, you'll take that first step with us.

Evan Kohler-Camp PM (Pipe Major)

We currently meet every Thursday night at Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church on West Mountain Street in the city of Stone Mountain.
Beginner Practice starts at 7:00pm, regular band practice starts at 7:30pm, all are welcome.

"Do I have to be Scottish to play the Pipes or Drums?"
No, all you need is the desire to play or love of the instrument.

"Do I have to know how to play any other instrument or read music?"
No, experience on another instrument can help but is not required. We teach you the basics. All you need to learn to read are 9 notes and some staff notations.

"Do I have to buy the Pipes first?"
You need what is called a "practice chanter". It costs anywhere from $70.00 to $120.00 and can be obtained locally or on the Internet. It simulates the playing of the pipes without the loudness. Get two reeds when you order it.

"Do only men play the pipes or drums?"
At one time you found most of your pipers and drummers in the military, so most were male. This is no longer the case- Pipes and Drums are not "gender specific".

"What are Pipe Band Grades?"
Grades are the levels at which bands compete. I've read the description that "Grade V is Junior High Level" and "Grade IV is a High School Level",etc.

Actually a Grade V competes with a Quick March Medley , A Grade IV also competes with a Quick March Medley and another Medley, Grade III competes with a Strathspey, March and Reel and another Medley, etc. (please see table below.) So really your're dealing with complexity of tunes played and how well the band tunes and plays together.

"Band Selection Requirements Requirements fall into three basic musical categories, M/S/R, Medley and Quick March Medley. The March, Strathspey, and Reel, will contain a March in 2/4 time and all three tunes will consist of at least four parts. The Medley will be a selection of tunes of any length, type, tempo, and time signature, which varies in overall length according to grade and may not include an M/S/R set that would qualify to meet the M/S/R requirement. The Quick March Medley must consist of traditional quick march music only : slow airs and slow marches are NOT eligible for this competition."