RSPBANI Branch School is delighted to announce record enrolment numbers of 241 for 2012/13.

This follows on from 2011/12 with the following having been achieved.

Regional Centres – Ballymena, Banbridge, Cookstown, Enniskillen and Londonderry were the five centres which operated each Saturday from October up to the end of March 2011

Piping, Drumming, Qualifications Board Certificates;

182 students in total took up the courses on offer

Piping – 85% ‘A’ Grade success, 97% Pass.

Drumming  – 65% ‘A’ Grade success, 94% Pass

Foundation Certificates;

Piping – 100% Pass

Drum Majors – 89% Pass: Enniskillen Centre

The Foundation Syllabus was developed for the benefit and encouragement of beginners. Instructors deemed it necessary to provide the young students with a

stepping- stone toward PDQB Level 1

Band Workshops; 

Three workshops were held for the Grade 4 Bands in Garvagh, Fivemiletown and Gilnahirk respectively.

The theme for each was “Setting the Foundation for Tonal Balance,” which attracted representatives from over thirty bands; some attending more than once.

Piobaireachd seminars;

6 Piobaireachd seminars were held between October and March with 14 pipers enrolled. The impact of these sessions were easily measured with 13 out of the 14 competing in the Ulster Solo Piping Championships.

Due to the provision of quality instruction, served up by PM Chris Armstrong plus back – up from the School Centre instructors , the application of dedicated students and appropriate planning we can confidently expect the mini – revolution in this discipline to gain momentum in the future.

Ulster Scots Agency  & RSPBA NI Branch Collaboration

Three significant developments:

1)Stormont Launch of the foundation Certificate

2)The first Residential Summer Adventure Programme was held in August at the NEELB’s Bushmills Education Outdoor Centre. A sincere thanks is due to PM Andy McGregor, and his team, who ensured this was an outstanding success. 2013’s is in the pipeline.

3)The success of the  Ulster-Scots Agency Day School programme in raising the profile of piping, drumming and related activities within the formal education structure.