Callum Beaumont writes: ‘I just wanted to share with you that there is an exciting opportunity for someone to join the team at Dollar Academy as a self-employed piping instructor. Perhaps there may be a Piping Press reader interested.’
The blurb says the job is two days a week, though this may rise, and will be paid by invoice. The school is looking for someone who has Grade 1 experience ‘at a high level’ and who has a proven solo track record.
The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering one-to-one tuition to pupils aged 7-18, for leading the Novice B band, and for running band practices
Candidates will be expected to commit to weekend contests throughout the indoor and outdoor season and attend summer practices and assist other instructors at performances in the UK and on foreign tours.
He/she will help to maintain the Academy’s stock of chanters and pipes and arrange suitable music for the band. Applications need to be in by tomorrow (October 13th). More here.
Recital
Also tomorrow is a recital in the King David Hotel, Stirling. Craig Muirhead writes: ‘I‘ve started organising a recital in Stirling and am aiming for two a year. We kicked off in February and it was a great night. The next one is tomorrow, Friday 13th October at 7.30pm and will feature Chris Armstrong and Fred Morrison.
‘The goals behind these nights are firstly to get the local piping scene together. There is a really enthusiastic community of pipers in Stirlingshire, but there has been very little activity in recent years. Secondly, I’m raising funds to host a local junior contest. That’s proving harder than I thought it would – but we’ll make it happen.
‘The King Robert Hotel are kindly supporting us with the use of their ballroom. It’s £10 at the door, the bar will be open and there will be a raffle to raise funds for the aforementioned junior contest.’
Merchison Scholarships
Gemma Gray writes: ‘Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh is hosting a Pipes & Drums Scholarship Day on November 2nd for talented performers looking to join Merchiston at 13+ or 16+.
‘Under the tutelage of Kyle Warren, pipe band scholars receive world-class tuition and are encouraged to excel. The band at Merchiston allows pupils to gain confidence in performing and develops teamwork skills. They regularly perform and compete locally, nationally and internationally.’
Kyle Warren, Director of Pipes & Drums, said: ‘As a Merchiston Pipe Band Scholar, music will play a significant role in a pupils’ growth and development. Coupled with the educational offering and the sports and extra-curricular programmes, Merchiston really is a special place to study.’
Contact admissions@merchiston.co.uk to find out more about the scholarship process. Scholarships cover 5% of the school fees with additional means-tested financial support available. www.merchiston.co.uk