FAQs:

Where and when do you meet: We meet most Saturday's from 9-10am, at Evergreen Presb. Church. We meet in the recreation building, in the snack room on the left. Please check the schedule before coming for any cancelations.

What ages do you accept as students:  I accept any person, aged 8 and up. While I do accept adults as well, please realize the primary focus is on the youth. Instruction will be geared to them.  That said, age is but one facet. The prospective student must be mature enough to be able to participate in an hour long, classroom setting, being able to focus and not be disruptive.  The individual must also be of sufficient size, to be able to physically manipulate the practice chanter. Very small children, with very small hands will have difficulty spreading their fingers far enough to cover all the chanter holes, as well as the length of the chanter from month to hands. Best way to determine this, is to drop by and try one.

Why do you want us to buy the chanter & books from you? Are you making money from this? I encourage you to purchase the items from me for 2 reasons.  I'll be cheaper, and you know you're getting what I suggest.  There are many reputable online dealers where these items can be purchased. They also sell other brands, which while excellent chanters, some do, and some do not match the Gibson's in pitch. Nothing sounds worse than 20 mismatched chanters going at once.  At worst, there are some $20 "rosewood" ones being sold on ebay and some other "ethnic" online stores, which are of novelty quality. So save money, and be assured you have what you need, and.. I don't charge shipping.

What is the charge / fee for these lessons? There is no outright fee for the lessons, other than the cost of your materials. The "payback" is the individual actually progressing, eventually competing, and becoming a proficient piper or drummer. The best paychecks I could get, would be individuals who started here, winning medals in solo and band competition, and possibly even becoming good enough to then start helping teach.

Are there other costs I can expect: Yes. As the student progresses they will need additional materials and supplies. This can range from a $20 metronome or tuner, eventually to the full set of bagpipes, which can range from $600 to several thousand, depending on new -vs- used, material, age, brand, "bling". Also, there will be the cost of the uniform. For an individual, this consists of black shoes, hose, flashes, kilt, sporran, white shirt, vest, tie and glengarry and other bits and bobbles. The exact tartan of the kilt and such is up to the individual.  In the case of a "Band" member, when bands are formed, the tartan and other bits may be more standardized.  Head to toe, this can easily be around $1000 for good quality, well fitting kit. Of course, there are less expensive alternatives, and maybe some trading around between parents, especially for those who are still actively growing.  There will also be the costs associated with any travel to competitions or other events.

What happens if I, or my child begins to fall behind?  Being that this is a competition based organization, and expectations will be high, and the pace quick, should a student of any age fall substantially behind, they may be asked to drop back to another class if one is in progress, or wait for the next class to start and pick up with them.  This is not to punish that one student, but to insure that everyone has the opportunity to progress as rapidly as possible, but without sacrificing proficiency.

How many competitions will I or my child be required to attend a year? As many as we can get to. I would expect to attend at least 3-6 solo competitions, and when numbers allow, 2-3 band competitions. Often if there is a band competition, there will be solos at the same time and place, so they coincide. Solos however may be held without band events. For the most part the closest locations are: Memphis & Jackson, TN (Non-sanctioned), Batesville Arkansas, Glasgow Kentucky, Shreveport LA, and the like.

Any more questions, please email me: fireham@yahoo.com