Frequently Asked Questions


Do we teach beginners and learners?
Absolute Beginners?
What about auditions?
Can anyone join?
What do I need?
What can I play in the band?
Where do you meet, and when?
What is a typical practice like?
Do I need to have my own pipes?
Do I need to have my own drums?
What about music?
What about money? What does it all cost?
What about uniforms?
What tartan do you wear?
Do we play in parades?
Do we play in competitions?
What is a "street band"?


  • Do we teach beginners and learners?
    Yes, we do. At TMPD we have developed a graduated program of instruction, particularly for learner pipers. It "starts off easy" and moves in a systematic and organised manner from easy tunes to simple marches and then on to more progressive music    .
    Top of Page
  • Absolute Beginners?
    Yes, Absolutely YES.
    Top of Page
  • What about auditions?
    No. We do not hold or use auditions as a pre-requisite for playing with the Band. Auditions can be quite intimidating, and thus, are quite contrary to our practice of warmly welcoming pipers and drummers of all and every level of age, ability and experience.
    Top of Page

  • Can anyone join?
    Yes, we have had Pipe Band members from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, and of all ages. In fact, only a minority of current TMPD members are Scottish! We have both male and female members ranging in a wide variety of nationalities. German, Jewish, Puerto Rican, Japanese, American, etc.
    Top of Page
  • What do I need?
    Learners are required to provide either their own practice chanter, or drum sticks and practice pad. We can lend these items for the first few practices until you are able to purchase your own. The Band can supply these items at moderate cost if needed (under $100). This is all that is needed for the first year, after which learners should be able to play with the band.
    Top of Page
  • What can I play in the band?
    A Pipe Band comprises Bagpipers, Bass Drummer, Side (or Snare) Drummers and Tenor Drummers. You can choose to learn any of these instruments.
    Top of Page
  • Where do you meet, and when?
    The band meets for rehearsal at the Community Congregational Church.     It is located at 101 South Green Street on the corner of E and Green Street in Tehachapi, California. The Practice runs from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday evenings, year round.
    Top of Page
  • What is a typical "Thursday Night practice" like?
    The first hour of practice is spent with individual and small group tutoring at the table on the bagpipe practice chanter, or drum pad, depending on the interest of the learner. The second hour is reserved for Pipe band practice on Practice Chanters. The third hour is on the "pipes." Our tunes are usually played either standing in a circle or on the march in our hall. Learners may use the third period to practice on their own, or may wish to join in with the full band for marching tuition.
    Top of Page
  • Do I need to have my own pipes?
    Eventually, yes. It takes about a year of practice to progress to playing pipes competently. At this time you will need a set of Bagpipes. As is usual with most Pipe bands, Pipers are expected to provide their own set of bagpipes. These do not have to be expensive as cheaper and / or used sets are sometimes available. New Bagpipes can cost from $700 and up.
    Top of Page
  • Do I need to have my own drums?
    No. The Pipe Band supplies drums, along with slings, on a loan basis.
    Top of Page
  • What about music?
    TMPD supplies, on loan to all members, a tuition manual complete with our repertoire of music.
    Top of Page
  • What about money? What does it all cost?
    Monthly dues are $20 to help defray costs.
    Top of Page
  • What about uniforms?
    Since the Tehachapi Mountain Pipe & Drums band is a fairly new Band, we do not yet have the money to supply full uniforms to members. Some uniform items are paid for by the band. But eventually you will need to purchase a kilt, sox, shoes, and a sporran.

    [To fully outfit a Piper or Drummer with a brand new basic uniform costs approximately $1500.]
    Top of Page
  • What tartan do you wear?
    Unlike most Pipe bands, we do not wear a "standard" tartan. Band Members are free to wear their own tartan. The remainder of our uniforms are matched. This produces, in our opinion, a more colourful spectacle when we play as a Band.
    Top of Page
  • Do we play in parades?
    Yes. TMPD plays in many parades, and at functions and events in the Tehachapi, Bakersfield, and Antelope Valley areas. We can expect to perform at approximately 15 of these events each year. We are paid, as a Band, for some of our appearances, and the money earned is used for Band expenses, such as Pipe reeds and Drum skins, etc.
    Top of Page
  • Do we play in competitions?
    No. TMPD was set up as a street band, to teach the basics of Piping and Drumming to learners, and to perform at local parades and events. Competition Piping and Drumming requires standards of technical excellence, discipline and dedication (time) with which most of our members are not compatible. We probably have more fun, though!
    Top of Page
  • What is a "street band"?
    A "street band" is one which exists to play at local parades and events; which provide the income for running the band. We aim to promote the music and culture of Scotland with its distinctive presentation in the form of a Pipe Band. We also believe that it is important to pass on to others the basics of both Piping and Drumming.
    Top of Page
    •

    If you have any further questions, please email:     bagpiper@qnet.com.