Practice
The Dunlap Highland Band welcomes and encourages anyone who has an interest and the desire to learn to play the bagpipes or drums to attend one of our practices. Stop by and get an idea of the look, feel and history of the bagpipes and drums. Lessons are free to piping and drumming students, as long as you agree to play with the band when you have achieved an adequate level of piping or drumming proficiency. Once the pupil becomes the master, you pass on your knowledge, and the chain continues. We hold our main band practices on Sunday nights at Oceanwood from 5 to 7 p.m., and, alternately, Thursday nights from 6 to 8 p.m at the Oakland Fire Station in Oakland.
What to bring?
Drummers
We recommend that new drummers start with light sticks (perhaps jazz style, available in any music store) to learn to master the strokes and techniques, eventually working up to heavier sticks to gain strength and control.
Pipers
For your first working practice you will need a practice chanter (usual cost $40-$60). The band recommends Polypenco (plastic) chanters because of their sound and durability. Both Dunbar and Macleod are good choices. You will need a chanter with standard fingering. The pipe major will supply you with a bagpipe tutor and music.
Directions
Sunday - Ocean Park - 5:00-7:00 PM
Take I-95 to Exit 36, Old Orchard Beach. At the exit you will be on I 195. Travel approximately 2 miles to a fork in the road at a 7-Eleven. Keep right onto Temple Ave. Approx. 1 mile you will cross R.R. tracks. After tracks, take your 5th right onto Royal St to the main entrance of Oceanwood. The large white building at the end of Royal St. is where the practices are held. (Make sure you drive slow on Temple Ave. It is constantly patrolled, and they will stop you.)
Thursday - Oakland - 6:00-8:00 PM
Take Exit 127 off I-95. If traveling North you will take a left at the end of off ramp. If traveling South take a right.Go approximately two miles to Oakland. At the bottom of the hill, you will come to a set of lights. Turn right at the lights and the Oakland Fire Station will be directly on your right.