What is the National Youth Pipe Band?

The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland is a non-competing cutting edge performance pipe band for 10-25 year olds in Scotland. Launched in 2002, the National Youth Pipe Band is the first and only organisation of its kind to bring together Scotland’s most talented young musicians at a national level. Membership is drawn from across Scotland’s 32 councils, and young pipers and drummers come from an array of different competing pipe bands and musical backgrounds, brought together as a collection of the very best chosen to play for their country. The National Youth Pipe Band provides unique development opportunities for its young members and an exceptional musical experience for its audiences. The NYPB is a dynamic, exciting, and modern spin on the traditional pipe band experience, and performs both at home and abroad.

The Bands

The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland now encompasses two bands: a Senior Band and a new Development Band. The Senior Band remains the ultimate goal for young pipers and drummers. The new Development Band provides developmental and performance opportunities along with the training and experience to progress to the senior band, and though it primarily acts as an escalator to the Senior Band, it will perform in its own right. The existence of both bands opens up the National Youth Pipe Band to a wider range of young players, from novice to advanced.

The Concerts

The National Youth Pipe Band has toured the world with performances in China, Spain, Italy, Northern Ireland, has appeared on the children’s television show Blue Peter, and most recently a group was taken to Mexico to perform with the Galician piping star Carlos Nunez at the Chihuahua Festival. As well as touring the world, the NYPB is keen to develop the awareness of the band to potential members and to broaden its audience with concerts at home. In Scotland, the National Youth Pipe Band has played in Aberdeen, Dundee, Forfar, Perth, Dunoon, Campbeltown, and Glasgow. Please check the current Diary for upcoming NYPB performances.

The Music

The music is designed to challenge the performers while entertaining both the piping and non-piping audience. The repertoire is selected and arranged by the band’s senior members and often includes many of their own compositions. The senior members are involved with all aspects of producing the show which includes working very closely with the backing musicians. Our aim is to produce a show that represents the highest quality of pipe band music while providing a “wow” factor for its audience. We aim for our show to illustrate our traditional music and young musicians while continually striving to push the boundaries of performance.

For more information, please send an email to amclaren@thepipingcentre.co.uk