This course will provide instruction for beginners and experienced bagpipers alike, and will be broken into 3 groups based on prior experience. You do not have to read music, speak Gaelic, or be Scottish to take this course--everybody is welcome! It will be held Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm over Zoom, starting Wednesday, September 2.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY A FULL SET OF BAGPIPES! You will, however, need to purchase a practice version of the instrument (called a "practice chanter") for around $70, though if this is too much, please contact us and we can help you find a cheaper/loaner one--we don't want finance to be a barrier. Please only buy one from one of the links below--it’s very easy to get the wrong thing! You won't need your chanter until about September 6, so don't stress if you haven't bought it yet. (Though you should get a jump on it if you haven’t yet!)

https://www.atlantakilts.com/store/pipe-band-products/chanters/mccallum-long-poly-practice-
chanter.html
Alternative option: https://www.jhiggins.net/practice-chanter-j-higgins-long/
Alternative option: https://www.jhiggins.net/practice-chanter-wallace-poly-long/

We will begin with basics, including reading music. As the semester goes on, we will learn technique and tunes side by side, as well as some cultural topics (for example, Scottish food!). At the end of the semester, you will perform a few of the tunes we learned as a final project in front of the class.
Attendance is required, though we understand that timing is difficult and things come up so just aim to make most classes and you'll be fine.
The goal is simply to have fun making music and to learn something new. If you have any questions, feel free to email us!

Enroll on Calcentral using the course add code 22820. Auditors--including withdrawn students and recent alums--are more than welcome! Simply email us at calbagpipes@gmail.com and list your email address (preferably a berkeley.edu address).