We Welcome New Members of All Ability and Experience

How Do I Join?
Start off by contacting the Pipe Major if you are interested in piping, or the Lead Drummer if you are interested in drumming. You can also talk with any piper or drummer in the band, but we recommend you go straight to the top (hey, that's what they're there for). The contact information is available on the Contact page.
What Does It Cost to Be a Member?

Participation is very affordable, compared to many bands and to other hobbies (anyone looked up the cost of a lift ticket recently?). There are no set dues or annual fees.

Colorado Skye provides the kilt, belt and sporran of the uniform. The member provides the stuff that you wouldn't want to wear after someone else has done so, like the shoes (around $50-$100), shirts($30), socks ($25) and hat (about $50).

Pipers provide own their own pipes, but this is more of a personal investment, as pipers can recover money by doing solo gigs at weddings, funerals and other functions, and resale value on bagpipes is very good, and can actually increase if the pipes are of good quality.

Colorado Skye provides drums and carriers, but many players have provided supplimental equipment, due to our budget constraints. The drummers pay for their sticks, mallets and beaters, but the band will arrange to buy these items and resell to the drummers at cost.

When the band travels to contests outside of Colorado, the band covers part of the cost, usually the hotel expenses, and if the band has flown to a games, the band usually arranges rental vehicles. Airfare costs are sometimes partially covered by the band, depending upon the state of the band budget.

I'm Very Busy. How Much Time Does This Take?
Eveyone in the band is busy. We have both full-time students and full-time working folk, as well as people with multiple jobs, multiple kids and multiple hobbies. We meet once a week for rehearsal, except when we have something special to prepare for (such as the summer competition season).

How Do I Learn to Play the Bagpipes or Scottish Drumming?
This is best done under qualified instruction. Learning the bagpipes can take as little as 6 months to 2 years to reach basic playing level, depending upon the dedication and aptitude of the individual. It takes several years to reach the proficiency of the top players in Colorado Skye.

Scottish Drumming is not unlike other rudimental drumming forms, but it can still take several months to make the transition. Learning to drum from the ground up can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, just like the bagpipes.

Contact the Pipe Major or Lead Drummer for details on how to get started.

I Already Know How to Play, When Can I Start Playing With the Band?
All players in Colorado Skye must demonstrate basic competency to the satisfaction of the Pipe Major or Lead Drummer. You must learn the basic performance and parade tunes.
The Competition Stuff Sounds Fun, How Do I Get Started with That?

The competition band is something we take very seriously, as this represents Colorado Skye to our peers in the pipe band world. The Pipe Major and Lead Drummer will make the final decision as to who is qualified to play in the competition circle with the band. However, solo competition is available and encouraged for all players as a means for getting experience, feedback, and constructive criticism on the player's progress on their instrument.

I Have No Musical Talent. Is There Some Way I Can Take Part in the Band Activities?
The band welcomes any energy you have to contribute. We always need help with many tasks.

CONTACT