Newtonhill & District Village Association

Newtonhill Pipe Band, formerly known as The Craigmaroinn Pipe Band, set up in Newtonhill school in September 1996, teaching the pipes and drums.

Anyone who wishes may learn to play an instrument. The joy and interest has to be based on a personal desire to learn. The age range of the band is from 7/8 years to ... I'd guess early 50's.

We emphasise that folk come to learn, not be taught. there is a subtle but important difference; if the person wishes to learn, we will help.

All but a few of the band started with the band from scratch. Those that have seen and heard the kids practicing at their homes in and around Newtonhill, or playing at the Skateraw Fair, (and up and down the length and breadth of Kincardineshire), I hope that the effort they have put in is appreciated!

The band will try and provide the basic learning materials for the first few months, so that if there is a change of interest, the outlay by the learner is minimal. If there is genuine progress, and interest, then folk are encouraged to invest in the pastime.

The band tartan (Chosen by the band at the time) is ancient hunting Mathieson. The set is unusual in that it has been designed specially to look good on adults as well as small children!

The band and / or individual pipers are available for functions - Weddings, Funerals, Parties, Parent Teacher days, Suprises....

The band try and stick to a procedure, and all requests should be notified to the Secretary. The secretary will ask that a form be completed, so that we have information as to what is required and when. The request is passed onto the Pipe Major, who will ask or cajole the people needed, prior to accepting the function.

This means that if we accept, it is regarded as a contract, and we would expect both sides to realise that even one band member taking time out to cover a function, much less mobilising 19 or so people to be at a function is a major commitment by the band members.

Any monies paid to the band at the functions covered go to the band general funds. The band members do it for the band, and their own satisfaction, usually at their own expense. Because most of the band mambers are youngsters, this means a heavy dependance on parents, who also do their utmost to help the band.

Where does the money go? Well, did you know the sporrans each cost £95.00?
Guess how much a belt is? £30.00! As for instruments - a reed for the practice chanter costs £2.50 - the pipe chanter reeds are a mere snip at £5.80 each... a drum skin is £32.00 ish..

The running costs of a fully functioning competing band will be in the order of £10,000.00 per year. This must be our goal.

We are actively looking for sponsors, who could have the use of the band, and be able to provide advertising on instruments and uniforms, depending on the agreement. Several regular sponsors would be more than welcome!

The top bands like "Hydro Electric Buchan" change their names to suit!