The Branch School still have several project running for the 2013-14 year however, with our big exam day completed a few weeks ago our attention now turns to 2014-15. The Education Committee will be meeting on Wednesday 23rd April to consider the programme for next winter. We would like to hear from individuals (pipers, drummers and drum majors) and bands about their educational needs.

While the Saturday Centres and other initiatives are working well for many we understand that for others it may not possible to attend classes due to other commitments. There are other possibilities but we need to know where the need is so that we can target the resources that we have available.

We are also keen to hear from bands that already have (or would like to have) an association with a local school or group. We may be able to offer some advice and support.

Resources are limited but if there is a specific need we will do our best to provide what assistance we can. Please contact us either via Ian Burrows in the office on 028 9267 0445 or via email admin@rspbani.org

Members of the RSPBANI Branch School performed at an Irish and Ulster-Scots Social Evening on Saturday, 8th March 2014 at the Skanios Centre in Belfast.

They played as guests arrived, performed a set of  tunes on stage and then played Auld Lang Syne with all performers at the end of the night.

The RSPBANI Branch School have been touring with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, on Sunday 16th March they performed at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Click here to listen to coverage on Radio Ulster, interviews and music start at 1 hour, 21 minutes 40 seconds into the programme.

Click here for UTV coverage

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland Peace Proms, February 2014 with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch School Pipers and Drummers performing 'Aires De Pontevedra' at Dublin City West Hotel. 

Click here to view the video 

Please note the video is mobile phone quality.

A reminder that the second school term starts on the 18th January in our 5 Saturday Centres.

Interviews from the Foundation Certificate Awards evening at Stormont are now available to listen to on A Kist O Wurds radio programme by clicking here. The feature starts at 10 minutes 38 seconds into the programme.

On Wednesday 13th of November RSPBANI Branch School and the Ulster-Scots Agency were hosted at Stormont by the Minister for Culture Arts and Leisure for the presentation of Piping, Drumming and Drum Majoring Foundation Certificates.

Pictured are just some of the recipients.

Please click here to view the Northern Ireland Executive press release. 

The next practice for the CBOI National Tour for Branch School members will be held this Sunday, 13th of October in the Hub, Burn Road, Cookstown commencing at noon.