NORWICH UNIVERSITY PIPES & DRUMS: THE STORY
Established in 1989 and revived in 2006, the Norwich University Pipes and Drums has been coordinated over the last decade by Ian MacHarg and has been led by student leadership. The band originally had only a few scattered pipers here or there. Now, the band has an overwhelming group of 15-20 beginning and intermediate performers. Under the 23rd President of Norwich University, RADM Richard Schneider (USCG Ret.), the band has performed in many campus-wide events like football march-downs, freshman recognition ceremonies, junior ring ceremonies, echo taps for fallen first responders and military members, and much more. As a band, we strive for excellence in anything and everything we do. We stay the course through the rugged times, we hold each other up, we become a family with a mission.
This band has readily improved my confidence and has strengthened my skills as a snare drummer.
Miranda Sturgeon
It's a working progress, but I believe that I have learned so very much from the student instructors as well as Captain MacHarg
Noah Rhodes
I've been playing for around 7 years now on the bagpipes and some of the newest people come through not knowing anything can quickly get on pipes within 7-8 weeks of classes and practices. That is extremely effective for us as a growing band.
Patrick Darby
Not only has the band been able to provide such an amazing outcome while at Norwich, but it also helped me improve my leadership skills and musical talent.
Andrew Helmin
UNIT ADMISSION
CANDIDACY & TRAINING CLASS
Those seeking admission into the band that formally request to earn rank will notify the Quartermaster. From there, candidates are broken into training classes. Training Classes learn and train with each other. Cadets and Civilian/Commuter Students are intermixed within the training classes and will undergo trainings in knowledge-based and physical fitness preparedness.
TRAINING SETTING
Unlike most specialty units on-campus, the Pipes and Drums have a relaxed learning environment, where candidates will be learning our history, customs, tradiations, and required knowledge to perform at the EUSPBA Grade V Competition scale. In addition, physical fitness is centered around the units standardized Readiness Test, known as the N.U. Scots Readiness Test (NUSRT).
MUSICAL STANDARDS
Formal training for the candidates will be tested on the musical level, where bagpipers and drummers must qualify at a mandatory event on or off-campus, while representing Norwich University and the Northfield community.