We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Bass and Tenor Drumming instructor on a maternity cover basis to join our highly talented and successful Pipe Band Department and contribute specifically to the continued development of Bass & Tenor Drumming within the School.
The position will primarily involve the tuition of Tenor Drumming. Bass Drumming experience would be preferred but is not necessarily essential.
This is a key role within the Department, which is comprised of a small team of two full-time and two part-time instructors, led by the School’s Pipe Major and ultimately responsible to the Principal.
The George Heriot’s School Pipe Band is one of the leading school pipe bands in the country.
The Band supports internal school events such as the annual Founder’s Day, Sports Day, Open mornings and Usher Hall Concerts. Being part of the Combined Cadet Force, the Band participates in the Scottish Schools’ CCF Beating Retreat Ceremony at Holyrood Palace as well as inter-School CCF competitions for Pipe Bands and soloists. The School’s bands regularly participate in RSPBA competitions in the Novice Juvenile and Juvenile Grades.
The Band also supports local parades and charity events such as the annual ‘Edinburgh Riding of the Marches’. In addition to our two competition Pipe Bands we have a Development Band in which our pipers and drummers gain their first experience of playing in a band environment.
There are over 160 children receiving tuition at the School in piping, snare drumming, bass and tenor drumming. Tuition is given to both Junior and Senior school pupils, ranging from P4 – S6 year groups (8 - 18 years) and covering a full spectrum of abilities from complete beginner to the most experienced members of the Juvenile Band. Pupils have the opportunity to sit SQA Music exams at National 5 and Higher levels with bagpipes or snare drum as their principal instrument. Preparation towards achieving PDQB qualifications is also available.