During the first section of the course, you'll hear discussions between Andrew Douglas, Camille Layt, and Andra Stoller.
Andra and Camille are experienced pipe band leaders who have successfully (and coincidentally, completely independently!) set up "Beginner Factories" in their own bands over the last few years. Over the rest of this course, we've included snippets of interviews where they've generously donated their time and insights about what worked, what didn't, and how their experiences can apply to your band.
So you can put faces to names, here's a bit about each of them, their background, and how they fit into the picture here!
ANDREW DOUGLAS
Co-founder and Owner, Dojo University
Andrew has been active at the highest level of competing, performing and teaching for pipe band and solo contests for the past 20 years. He was 2017 & 2019 World Champion with Inveraray and District Pipe Band, 2017 Winner of the USA Silver Medal for Piobaireachd, 2008-2013 Pipe Major of Grade 1 Oran Mor Pipe Band, multi-prize winner of Silver Medals at Oban and Inverness, the 2004 B-Grade Winner Strathspey/Reel at Oban. He's also an Accredited Bagpipe Teacher and Examiner (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and holds a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University.
ANDRA STOLLER
Pipe Major, Pikes Peak Highlanders, Colorado, USA
Andra is the Pipe Major of the Pikes Peak Highlanders, a local competition, performance, and training band in Colorado Springs, CO. They are a band with a large number of military and first responders (as well as some other great non-service people). Andra is a full time piping teacher and lifelong learner who works hard to become a better piper and leader every day.
CAMILLE LAYT
President and Pipe Sergeant, Brisbane Pipe Band, Australia
Camille is the president and pipe sergeant for Brisbane Pipe Band in Queensland, Australia. Brisbane Pipe Band aims to strike a balance between competition, performing, and social events, and currently maintains around 30 active pipers and drummers, with a strong focus on teaching new players. Camille has competed and performed as a soloist and in bands in Australia and internationally. She teaches bagpipes and has led Brisbane Pipe Band's organization since 2019.
Listen In
In the discussions that follow, Andra and Camille will discuss with Andrew how they have built successful Beginner Factories, and how doable it will be for you to make your own as well.
Click play below to hear the introduction to our discussion that will pan out in this course.