FAQ

FAQ Last modified 03/09/11

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 $125. Drummers need a book, drum pad & sticks costing about $75. See the cost sheets [HERE] for further information. A limited number of scholarships may be available, ask the manager for details.

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

A: The band has a limited amount of equipment to rent to own. The band will help you to fundraise for your bagpipe or drum, which are your responsibility to purchase. To get a good set of pipes and the associated equipment, it will cost you about $1,000-$1,500. A drum, case & harness may cost about $1,000. A limited number of scholarships may be available, ask the manager for details. See the cost sheets [HERE] for further information.

Q: Where does the band practice?

A: Practice is held Tuesdays 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 Tuesday from 1600-1800. Additional lessons are available for beginners.

Q: What are the monthly dues?

A: $30.

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) ]