FREE lessons on how to play the bagpipes are being given out by the Redland Sporting Club pipe band in bid to renew interest in the Celtic instrument.
Pipe band secretary Al Campbell said the club needed younger players to make sure the piper tradition was kept alive.
“In some ways it is dying out,” he said. “It is about keeping the culture going and to get kids away from the computer.”
Mr Campbell said up to 15 band members met every Tuesday and Thursday nights to rehearse ensemble pieces, which included the well-known Scotland the Brave.
While beginners learn how to play melodies using the bagpipe’s chanter without the drones, Mr Campbell said they could join in on group practice sessions as soon as they were ready.
“You learn easy and simple tunes and the band plays a mix of basic and harder tunes,” he said.
The group competed against bands from across south-east Queensland at a Highland Day, which was held at the Redlands Sporting Club last month.
Ensemble spokesman Mike Capra said the event was established last year to promote interest in Scottish, Irish and British heritage.
“The younger players did really well and it bodes well for the future of Celtic culture,” he said.
Not only did the pipe bands perform, but Highland and Irish dancing entertained, as did a strongman competition.
Mr Capra said planning for a bigger third annual Highland Day at the Redlands Sporting Club was underway for next year.
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