Chanter Practice Music 
Pipers will need a
practice chanter. These can be purchased from the band at cost. (about $65). The
band uses Gibson Regular Polypenco practice chanters. It is important to use the same
chanters for unison practice so that the ear can be accustomed to proper tones.
There are many cheaper rosewood versions out there, but the matched band
chanter is highly recommended for serious students. One will be issued to new
students at practice, and you may try you talent for 4-5 weeks before committing
to purchase. (Any other brand of Polypenco chanter is probably fine if you
already own one, bring it to practice). Pipes are traditionally owned by the
piper, and as with the practice chanter, there are many types of pipes being
manufactured. Any Scottish well-made set of pipes will do. Please do not buy
Pakistani-made bagpipes and expect them to tune with a Scottish set of Bagpipes.
They are tempting because the cost is less than half that of a real set of
pipes, but they truly are to be considered decorations or toys at
best, and should not be purchased if you plan on playing bagpipes seriously.
Bagpipes are an investment of $800-$1200 for a new set of well-made pipes. Do
not let money discourage you from learning how to play pipes. There are ways for
the not-for-profit organization to raise money for pipes for students to borrow
until they can afford their own pipes. It is also possible to find good used
sets of pipes in the $500-$600 range.
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