6/24/06 Update -- The Banjo Program described here has been cancelled.  We may try again next year.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

Announcing the Bagpipe Program
at Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp!

August 6-13, the week immediately following the
Rocky Mountain Highland Games

For complete Beginners through Intermediate to Grade One Competitors!

The Bagpipe Program at RMFC will be led by Colorado's only open-grade piper and qualified WUSPBA judge, Ben Holmes.  Ben will be joined by Rene Cusson from Canada.

Here is what will be offered:

Beginners

Piping is a very easy instrument to take up - Absolute beginners are encouraged to come and give it a try. Only nine notes! Beginners learn the scale, basic tunes, and ornaments, on the "practice chanter," a small wind instrument similar to a tin whistle or recorder. No bag nor drones, easy to blow. Practice chanters will be available to borrow, or for rent or purchase.

Once you've learned your first tune on the practice chanter, you'll start to handle the real pipes with those marvelous drones! Full sets of pipes will be available for rent and purchase. Personalized individual instruction will be offered to make sure you learn how to make everything work. If you practice regularly, you'll be able to play and march in the next St. Patrick's Day parade!

Intermediate

For pipers who are already comfortable with the instrument, the intermediate classes will definitely help you get better. Intense practice chanter sessions will alternate with full pipe playing, including emphasis on marching, ensemble and competition playing. These classes are ideal for individual pipers and bands to take their piping to the next level.

Advanced

For the serious competitor, one-on-one sessions with Ben and Rene will be available to help you plot out your competition strategies and move up through the grades.  Instruction will include competition format for grade 4 up to open, both in light music (jigs, reels, strathspeys) and the big music, Piobaireached (pronounced Pea-brock), the classical music of the bagpipes.

General

All Piper Campers at RMFC will have complete access to all of the other activities at RMFC. If you wish to take classes in any other instrument, such as fiddle, piano, guitar, etc., you are most welcome to. All evening events, including jams, concerts, and dances will be part of your RMFC experience. Please see the rest of this website for information about registration, accommodations, and activities.