FAQ

FAQ Last modified 03/25/10

What are the membership restrictions?
Do I need an instrument right away?
What are the startup costs?
Do I need to buy a drum or bagpipe?
Where does the band practice?
What time is practice?
What are the monthly dues?
How do I join?
Aren't the instruments too loud for practicing at home?

Q: What are the membership restrictions?

A: Men and boys 8 years of age or older. Parishioners of St. Stephens or Catholics from the Diocese [non-Catholics are welcome to apply & require permission of the band's Manager & Chaplain.

Q: Do I need an instrument right away?

A: Pipers will need a practice chanter. Drummers will need a drum pad and sticks.

Q: What are the startup costs?

A: Pipers need a book and practice chanter costing around $100. Drummers need a drum pad & sticks costing about $30. See the cost sheets [HERE] for further information.

Q: Do I need to buy a drum? Do I need to buy bagpipes?

A: The band has drums to loan. The band will help you to fundraise for your bagpipes, which are your responsibility to purchase. To get a good set of pipes and the associated equipment, it will cost you about $1,500-$2,000. See the cost sheets [HERE] for further information.

Q: Where does the band practice?

A: Practice is held Fridays at the Catholic Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr in Sacramento. The address is 5461 44th Street, one block North of Fruitridge Road, about one-half mile east of Highway 99.

Q: What time is practice?

A: Regular band practice is Friday from 1600-1800. Additional lessons are available for beginners.

Q: What are the monthly dues?

A: $25.

Q: How do I join?

A: Speak with the band manager. The band manager will review the applicant's request for membership with the assistance of the chaplain and make a decision regarding admittance. Adults participating in the band are required to submit to the Diocesan fingerprinting requirements and complete an online course at Shield The Vulnerable (shieldthevulnerable.org ) All members and persons associating with the band need to read and sign the band-member's manual on an annual basis.

Q: Aren't the instruments too loud for practicing in home?

A: Actually, practice at home is not that loud. The bagpipe practice chanter allows the piper to learn fingering and practice music without keeping up the neighbors late at night. Click [HERE] here to see a video of group chanter practice. Drummers are able to use a practice pad and sticks to practice at home. Click [HERE] to see a demonstration of drum pad practice.

St. Patrick's Pipe Band of Sacramento

"Christus in omni oculo me vidente. Christus in omni aure me audiente." [translation: "Christ in every eye that sees me. Christ in every ear that hears me." (from the Lorica of St. Patrick) ]