Notre Dame Bagpipe Band

Playing in a pipe band can easily become a life-long passion - creating strong friendships and lasting memories. The Notre Dame Bagpipe Band is a student club that has a rich history of piping and drumming performances on and around Notre Dame's campus. We also have a tradition of teaching new pipers and drummers. Approximately half our members have learned to play their instruments as members of the band.

How do I join the Notre Dame Bagpipe Band?

New members are welcome to join the band any time during the year, but we recommend new bagpipe learners join towards the beginning or fall or spring semester. You can catch us at the student activities night fair early in fall semester or get in touch with us any time to sign-up and learn more!

Already play the pipes or drums?

The Notre Dame Bagpipe Band welcomes members of the Notre Dame family, including students, faculty, and staff to practice. We have members of many ages and playing abilities, so jumping in is easy! You can download our music to get you started. We can also work with your instructor to make sure the transition is as easy as possible. If you are interested in playing or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Practices

We hold separate (but connected) practices for those who are still learning to play the pipes/drums, and those who have experience playing.

Band practices for experienced pipers and drummers focus on competition and performance sets. These are held every Wednesday (5:30pm-7:30pm) and every Sunday (2:00pm-4:00pm) in Washington Hall Room 110. On nice days we often play outside between LaFortune and Crowley halls.

Chanter Practices are separate sessions for learners to get proficient on practice chanters/drum pads until they are comfortable to move on to the full bagpipes and drums - these practices are relaxed and the perfect environment for those new to the instruments. They’re also held every Wednesday (5:30pm-7:30pm) and every Sunday (2:00pm-4:00pm) in Washington Hall Room 110. Learners will be able to watch and listen to the band practice, glimpsing into their own future in the band.

What will I need?

The band will provide all necessary equipment for new learners, including practice chanters for pipers and practice pads for drummers. A set of bagpipes will also be provided to learners at the appropriate time.

For perfomances, the band provides the majority of traditional dress iconic to the ND Pipe Band. Pipers will only be responsible for purchasing the following:

• White button down (both long and short sleeves)
• Black dress shoes or ghillies

Starting Out

Pipers and Drummers normally start learning the tunes on a practice chanter (for pipers) or drum sticks and a practice pad (for drummers). New members learn to play as a group right from the start.

Our teaching program is designed to get new members involved in the band from day one. Students get help with sight-reading skills, rhythm, rudiments and playing as a group. Beginners also get a bit of history behind their instruments, the music, and the culture from which it comes.