The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association – Pipe Band College
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association at the 2018 AGM approved the establishment of the Pipe Band College, and within its structure the following positions:
- Principal of Piping.
- Principal of Drumming.
- Principal of Summer School.
- Principal of Pipe Band Musicianship.
The initial appointments to the Principal positions, following interview, were accepted by the Board of Directors on the 27th April 2019. At the same meeting the first Pipe Band College AGM was postponed until November 2020 to allow these positions to operate appropriately.
The Board of Directors agreed on the 3rd October 2020 that due to Covid-19 and the furlough the dates agreed in April 2019 should be moved on by one year:
The Terms of Reference of the Pipe Band College state that 1/3rd of the appointments are to stand down at the PBC AGM but may be eligible for re-appointment. The rotation of posts set out in 2019 were similarly adjusted, the rotation would commence in 2021 with the Sumer School Principal and Piping Principal, in 2022 the Drumming Principal and in 2023 the Pipe Band Musicianship Principal.
The first Annual General Meeting of the Pipe Band College is now scheduled to take place on Saturday 13th November 2021.
The post holders of the Summer School Principal and Principal of Piping will stand down at this AGM but may be eligible for re-appointment for a further term alongside any other candidates who apply to be considered for appointment to the posts.
As a result, the Board of Directors is seeking expressions of interest from Pipers and Drummers who are existing members of the RSPBA to apply for one of the Principal roles coming up within the Pipe Band College. Individuals should be qualified to at least SCQF 6 in piping or snare drumming and hold an RSPBA Instructors Certificate. However, individuals with higher qualifications including the RSPBA Advanced Certificate and/or the Certificate in Pipe Band Musicianship 1 & 2 will be given preference. Furthermore, the postholders should be pipers and drummers with outstanding achievements and ability within a pipe band and solo setting and have wide experience of developing and delivering training within a branch/band for the RSPBA.
The posts are of a voluntary nature but appropriate expenses will be provided for travel to meetings and participation in training activities. The RSPBA will expect postholders to be members of the PVG Scheme, the registration will be undertaken by the RSPBA with no cost to individuals.
Individuals interested in either of these two posts, should contact Ian Embelton, Chief Executive, to formally register that interest by 31st October 2021.
Individuals who are interested may also contact the Education Officer, Pat Whelan to discuss this matter further.
RSPBA Branches are asked to promote this opportunity within branch meetings and encourage anyone who is interested to make contact with Ian or Pat.
