F R E E     L E S S O N S

If   you've  ever  wanted  to  Learn  how  to  Play  the  Great  Highland  Bagpipes,

Now  is  the  time  to  Join  CELTIC  THUNDER

Learn  how  to  Play  the  Bagpipes  or  Drums in  a  Relaxed  and  Enjoyable  Atmosphere.

The  Quality  of  our  Teaching  Methods,  are   Second  to  None  in  the  Area,

You  will  Learn  to  Play  with  Proficiency  in  a  Very  Short  Time.

CELTIC  THUNDER  BAGPIPE  SCHOOL

" We  Are  The  Future "

CELTIC  THUNDER  REGIMENTAL  OFFICERS

WELCOME  NEW  STUDENTS  IN  BRIMFIELD

Pipe-Sgt.  Kassidy  Dart

Works With The Youth Pipe-Band Class

PM  Billy  Dart  and  PM  Jeff  Hastings

Work With The Youth Pipe-Band Class

Pipers  Becky  &  Tim  With  PM Billy Dart

Work With The Youth Pipe-Band Class

Pipe-Major Hastings Keeps a Close Watch

Learning  The  First  Tune

Learning  To  Play  In  Rhythm

     YOUTH   B A G P I P E  &  DRUM  LESSONS    

To  REGISTER   For  Lessons

Click  on  the  Pipe-Major  Below

JOIN  THE  ALL  KIDS  PIPE-BAND

BEGINNERS   &   ACCOMPLISHED   PLAYERS   ARE   WELCOME   HERE

~  THE   FIRST   YOUTH   PIPE-BAND   IN   MASSACHUSETTS  ~

 ~ THUNDER  of  the  DRUMS ~

 The Bass Drums Will Sound The Thunder,   The Snares Will Roll On,   The Tenors Will Flourish With Rhythm,

As  They  Drive  The  Band  Forward  To  The  Thunderous  Sounds

Of  The 

C E L T I C    T H U N D E R 

  For  FREE  Pipe-Band  Drum  Lessons  For  Bass Drum ~ Snare Drum ~ Tenor Drum

Click  on  the  Drums  to  Register

Questions  &  Answers

About  Learning  to  Play  the  Great  Highland  Bagpipes

Question:  Is it hard to learn to play the bagpipes?

Answer:  My answer has always been that it depends on who is teaching.

Celtic Thunder has developed an easy and fun way of learning the bagpipes. 

A student with a “can do” attitude and a little bit of time each week can easily learn to play the bagpipes

Question:  Do I have to purchase a set of bagpipes to get started?

Answer:  No !  Students learn on an instrument called a practice chanter. 

Practice chanters are used to learn how to play the bagpipes and it is an instrument that you will use to learn new tunes on the bagpipes.  In a pipe-band setting all the pipers sit around a table to learn new tunes and practice together.  It’s much easier to learn tunes on the practice chanter than it is to learn on the actual bagpipes. This is an instrument that will always be with you, many years years from now.

Question:  What is required to start learning to play the bagpipes?

Answer:  You will need to pre-register for one of our upcoming classes; You can register online at this website.  We can then guide you every step of the way.  To get started all you need is a practice chanter and a tutor book. Celtic Thunder can provide you with the information on how and where to purchase the practice chanter.

Question:  Does it cost money for the lessons?

Answer:  No! Lessons with Celtic Thunder are FREE.  All instruction is taught by experienced Regimental Officers of the band who want you to succeed.  So I assure you that learning to play the bagpipes with Celtic Thunder, you’re in good hands.  Lessons with private tutors can range from $20.00 and up per hour.  At Celtic Thunder we consider bagpipe music a “Gift” and this is why our lessons are always FREE.

Question:  What is a Regimental Officer of Celtic Thunder?

Answer:   Regimental Officers are Experienced Pipers and Drummers in the band.  Part of their duties are instructing music and making sure that you succeed and have fun doing so.  They also play important roles in band performances.  Regimental Officers are the Committed Leaders who sacrifice much time to ensure the band is progressing smoothly.

Question:  If I take bagpipe lessons with Celtic Thunder, will I be required to join the band?

Answer:  No!  Lessons are free and open to anyone.  Your only commitment is to yourself; practicing and having fun with it.  All students are treated as if they are a part of the band from day one, whether you join or not.  At Celtic Thunder our primary goal is not to recruit, but to share the “Gift” of bagpipe music with you.

Question:  What if I want to learn to play the drums?

Answer:  Celtic Thunder provides FREE instruction for pipe-band drumming.  We are very fortunate to have what we consider to be the best pipe-band drum instruction in New England right here in Western Massachusetts.  The drum line for Celtic Thunder is being structured to be the most unique drum line in New England.  With a “can do” attitude and a commitment to practice you will be a part of an elite drum line.

Question:  Do I have to buy my own drum ?

Answer:  No!  Celtic Thunder purchases all of its drums.  You will need to purchase your drumsticks and practice pad.  We can guide you on purchasing these items.

Question:  What  if  I  can't  read  music ?

Answer:  Not a problem.  In fact the way we teach is; we look at everyone coming into a new class as if they know absolutely nothing about bagpipes or music.  Then we teach you from scratch how to read the music and play the bagpipes.  We do this in a very relaxed atmosphere, and we make it fun.  Just remember that just about everyone in your class begins on the same level. 

Question:  Is Celtic Thunder just a Kids Pipe-Band ?

Answer:  No!  Celtic Thunder is much more than just a Pipe-Band.  Celtic Thunder consists of the Pipes & Drums which is open to anyone, regardless of age.  It also consists of our Youth Pipe-Band which is limited up to 18 years of age.  And for those not interested in playing a musical instrument we have the Celtic Thunder Highland Guard.

Question:  What  Is  The  Celtic  Thunder  Highland  Guard ?

Answer: The Celtic Thunder Highland Guard consists of our Flag Bearers and Kilted Rifle Drill Team which is open to anyone, regardless of age. The Rifle Drill team is trained not only to drill with and flourish the rifles, but to do it in such a way that it blends with and compliments the actual sound of the bagpipes and drums.  Our Flag Bearers lead the way presenting the many flags that we pay tribute to.  Together they are the shining jewel that tips the band as we march into performance.

If you have Questions, Please send them to us.

Pipemajor@charter.net  

Pipe-Major  Billy  Dart  (413) 262-3539

S  T  R  E  N  G  T  H    &    H  O  N  O  R

What   We   Do   In   Life,      Echoes   In   Eternity....