Piping and Drumming Workshops
 One of things that we have learned from almost 10 years of working with pipers and pipe bands is that there is a need for better access to accurate information in the piping community. We know how crucial proper instruction and sound advice are to musicians of all levels. We have sought to address this issue through the establishment of our Henderson Series Piping Clinics. In the last 10 years, we have organized a number of successful clinics. Due to their popularity, we are considering increasing the frequency of these events. We are also investigating the possibility of some shorter and more targeted workshops for pipers, drummers, and bands. All of the clinics offer world-class instruction from some of today's top solo pipers, pipe majors, pipemakers, reedmakers, and drummers. Even novices have the unique opportunity to learn from premier musicians.
Online Piping Library
We are in the process of pioneering a new means of offering education and information to pipers everywhere. Our hope is to compile an Online Piping Library which will contain indexed, easily downloadable instruction sheets on a wide variety of topics. Whether you need help with reed adjustment, a refresher on tying in a pipe bag, or a setup sheet for Gibson Fireside Pipes, you'll be able to quickly find and print the information you require. The material on the site will be created by qualified experts who have had experience with a full range of products. The library will be a free and public service.
Outreach
Bagpipe music is not all about musicians. To have performance opportunities pipers must also have an audience. For this reason, we feel it is important to expose the listening public to high-quality pipe music. They can then gain an appreciation for it. When we hold pipe clinics we arrange for the visiting instructors to perform at a local venue, so that people who may not otherwise have the chance to hear pipers of their caliber can have that experience. Silly stereotypes about the bagpipe can be quickly overturned during these performances. An audience can sit back nearly spellbound by the virtuosity of an accomplished small pipe player or moved to their feet by the excitement of a higher grade level competition band. We incorporate a range of piping styles and idioms to demonstrate the complexity and beauty of the pipes when well played.
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