Q. I’m looking to hire the band for an event, who do I contact?
Email our Band Manager, Joel Bailey (Click here to email) to arrange for the Cowichan Pipes and Drums to play at your event.
Q. I'm looking for a solo piper or a small group for my event. Can you supply personnel for this?
We also provide a smaller group, known as the miniband, or a solo piper for more intimate gatherings or specific ceremonial moments.
Email our Band Manager, Joel Bailey (Click here to email) to arrange for the Cowichan Pipes and Drums to play at your event.
Note that we may be unable to attend on Burns Night, Remembrance Day or other occasions when the band is fully committed.
Q. Where can I get more information on Cowichan Pipes and Drums?
A. The Cowichan Pipers and Drummers Society has several information sources.
Check out the rest of our website, Facebook, and YouTube, or contact our Society President;
Neil Hewitt (click here to send and email)
Q. Where and when does the Cowichan Pipes and Drums practise?
A. Cowichan Pipes and Drums makes its home at the Valley Seniors Organization of Duncan (click for link).
The band, including students, practise every Thursday night from September through June.
Generally, practices run from 7-8 pm for students.
The performance band practices run from 7-9 pm.
Q. How do I become a piper or drummer in Cowichan Pipes and Drums? What do I need to know?
A. Cowichan Pipes and Drums offer free student lessons September through June.
To find out more, click here: Learn to Play
Q. Does Cowichan Pipes and Drums welcome experienced pipers and drummers?
Cowichan Pipes and Drums does NOT recruit players from other pipe bands, and relies on word of mouth for the most part,
attracting folks who move out to Vancouver Island.
Generally, we cannot accomodate “Out of Town” players looking for remote practise/lessons.
Q. How much does it cost to be a member of the Cowichan Pipers and Drummers Society?
A: Currently, each player over 18 pays $40 membership fee, while juniors pay half that amount, as decided by the Board of Directors. The fee goes toward the cost of the Valley Seniors Center for practices.
The band does not charge tuition for group lessons. Students can arrange private lessons for an extra cost.
Students are responsible for their own practice instruments. When joining the performing band, drum corps members receive a CPD drum and harness. Pipers are expected to have their own instrument for hygiene and financial reasons. Pipers planning to continue should consider investing in their own bagpipes.
Once part of the performance Pipe Band, members are expected to cover travel expenses for parades and stage performances, which take place about 15 times a year.
Q. What equipment/Uniform is provided by Cowichan Pipes and Drums?
A: When annual membership dues are paid, players are eligible to receive certain band equipment on loan.
This helps ensure that all members have access to the necessary items for participation in band activities.
Personal Equipment Requirements
Players are responsible for providing their own black shoes, specifically Ghillie Brogues, which are required for performances.
Other essential items, such as band shirts, socks, rain coats (Inverness Cape), and glens (hats), are available at a discounted rate.
If these items are not available through the band quartermaster, they can be purchased at most Scottish shops.
Travel and Competition Benefits
Members who travel with the band for competitions and performances may receive partial expense reimbursement.
These trips may involve expenses such as transportation, accommodation, competition entry fees, and other related costs.
Fundraising efforts by players and their families play a crucial role in reducing these expenses, making travel more accessible to all members.