Who Are We?

Maybole is a town in South West Scotland, 80km south of Glasgow on the main A77 Stranraer trunk route. It has a population of 5000 with satellite villages in close proximity. From that population the band has 27 members Maybole Pipe Bands successful formula has not changed much over the years, we play 1st and foremost to entertain and compete as a means to maintain standards.

The band is a traditional Bagpipe and Drum Band using the bagpipes, snare drums, tenor drums and bass drum in to provide the traditional entertainment that is associated with Scottish bagpipe bands. Unlike the majority of bands we use the military style number 1 uniform with the red McPherson tartan. The members are of varying ages, 13 - 70 and have extremes in experience. Some members have played for over 40 years whilst our newest recruits are on their first year. The band comprise of male and female players, drummers and pipers.

We play at various types of events throughout the year home and abroad. These events range from folk festivals, gala/fete days, carnivals, celidhs, weddings, street parades and corporate functions. We provide a full band, mini band or solo pipers for any type of event. The band performs mostly in our local area within South West Scotland but we travel to meet the needs of our clients. The band is available for hire by contacting the addresses given on this page/site.

Over the years the Band has grown from strength to strength. This can be measured with the increase in performances that we commit too and the encouragement that the existing band members get when after months and years of practice new members achieve there goal, to play with the band in a public performance.

Thankfully the increase in membership helps to ensure that we can turn out a band when requested. Looking at the figures the band has increased in membership by approximately 30% and many of this increase comes from teenagers encouraged by the bands activities home and abroad. Over the past few years we have brought in 4 new pipers and 3 new drummers, all school age on joining. This year we are expecting to bring in a further 2 pipers, however, school is only a memory to these two. It takes a lot of time and commitment to reach this stage but everyone who perseveres will tell you of the enormous satisfaction that is gained. Time and commitment are the only initial requirements to join the band, we have a group of tutors who give there time and talents to teach but be warned, it is a long slow progression. We meet in the Carrick Sports Club on a Wednesday evening and the tuition starts at 7.30.

The increased popularity in Scottish music and traditions has laid enormous pressure on the activities of the band and in particular the expectations of the individual players to attend as many functions as possible, over the years we have increased our performances from around 20 per year to over 50 in the year 2000. This represents a lot of evenings and weekends given up by the players and there partners, but due to the friendly nature of the group the gratification from our audiences and the public at large, not to mention the understanding of our partners makes it all very much worthwhile.

This is the great thing about the Band, the differing age groups and the common willingness and motivation to take our music nationally and internationally to represent a small town in South West Scotland and our Country. New members always have that feeling of pride and achievement when they first perform with the band and it never really wanes, but the feelings of pride intensify when performing in different nations. This is what the music does, it crosses boundaries and forms relationships and understanding of one another. The Band is a significant part to all our lives but it is never really difficult to understand why it remains that way, we will always encourage people to join and be encouraged to be asked to play, so if you feel encouraged by our activities please, come along to find out more, or offer your support.

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