Keeping Cornwall’s Pipe Band Tradition Alive

The unmistakable sound of bagpipes and drums can often be heard echoing through Lovett Hall at Truro School Prep, where members of Kernow Pipes and Drums gather each week to rehearse, learn and prepare for performances across Cornwall.

The community pipe band has been using Truro School Prep’s facilities for the past three years, making the most of both Lovett Hall and the music room. The spacious hall provides excellent acoustics for rehearsals, while the separate practice spaces allow pipers and drummers to develop their skills independently before coming together as a full band.

Kernow Pipes and Drums welcomes members of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to experienced players. The group’s youngest member, 12-year-old Chloe, has been attending for two years, following in the footsteps of her father, who has been a member for many years. The band is particularly passionate about encouraging the next generation of musicians to take up the pipes and drums, with free lessons available to all members.

Among the newest recruits is Skye, who has attended just a handful of sessions but is already amazed by the progress she has made. Having previously learnt music at school, she says she has picked up so much in just two weeks, describing the teaching as clear, supportive and easy to follow. She is currently mastering grace notes on the practice chanter before progressing to the full bagpipes.

With regular practice, learners can make remarkable progress. Dedicated players can move from the small practice chanter to the full bagpipes in around a year, and there are plenty of opportunities to perform. One member joined after seeing the band at a local carnival and, with commitment and practice, was marching and playing alongside the group at the very same event the following year.

Throughout the year, Kernow Pipes and Drums performs at a variety of community events, including Remembrance parades, Trevithick Day and Launceston Carnival, bringing traditional pipe band music to audiences across Cornwall.

Beyond the music, members enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of performing together. Marching while playing provides a surprisingly energetic workout, with plenty of lung power required as the band tackles hills and parade routes. Skye has already noticed the importance of regular practice, explaining that after a week away due to illness, she could immediately feel the difference when she returned to playing.

Membership of Kernow Pipes and Drums costs just £60 per year for adults, with tuition provided free of charge, making it an accessible way for people of all ages to learn a unique musical skill. Whether you’re an experienced musician or have never picked up a practice chanter before, the band welcomes anyone who would like to get involved.

To find out more about joining Kernow Pipes and Drums, visit their website and discover how you could soon be performing at some of Cornwall’s best-loved community events.