The 2018 Annual General Meeting approved the formation of the RSPBA Pipe Band College. The main purpose of the College will be to improve standards in education and training for pipers and drummers leading to improved performance in the competition arena.

The College has within its structure, a Principal of Piping and a Principal of Drumming. The Board of Directors is seeking expressions of interest from Pipers and Drummers who are existing members of the RSPBA for these two new roles within the 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, 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.

These two posts will be responsible for developing strategies, in conjunction with other members of the Pipe Band College, for raising standards in piping and drumming. A key function will be supporting geographical representatives to develop local strategies for supporting local individuals and bands to achieve greater success within their area.

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. This will be done by the RSPBA with no cost to individuals.

Individuals interested in either of these two posts, should contact Ian Embelton, Chief Executive, ian.embelton@rspba.org to formally register their interest by end of December. Individuals who are interested may also contact the Education Officer, Pat Whelan pat.whelan@rspba.org to discuss this matter further.

This is a major new development within the RSPBA and is intended to raise standards in education, training, and performance for individuals and bands throughout the RSPBA membership.