Pupils can progress through the development and novice bands with the ultimate goal of joining the juvenile band which competes at the highest level.

Development Band 

This is the first band that young pipers and drummers will join.  Members will be selected and invited to attend by Simon Grant and Lee Moore as and when they have reached the level required to perform within the group.

The aim of the development band is to develop the members into pipers and drummers who can perform with the band at various events such as galas, concerts and local competitions.  This will teach them about what is involved in pipe bands and help give the parents a feel for what is involved as they develop and progress through the Preston Lodge Pipe Band structure.

The band wear school uniform with the grey pipe band jumpers.

Novice Band

This is the second band at Preston Lodge. Members of the development band will progress to this band when the tutors feel they are ready for the promotion.  The novice band is a step up from the development band and gives pipers and drummers a chance to play more difficult tunes and take part in larger competitions including the world pipe band championships.

The band wear full pipe band uniform.

Juvenile Band

This is the final step in the pipe band ladder at the school.

It is the most difficult band to join due to the complexity of the music played and standard of other juvenile bands at competitions.  There are less than 10 juvenile bands in the world and there is no higher level of competition for bands whose members completely consist of children under the age of 18. Joining the juvenile band is not guaranteed to everyone who progresses from development to novice and to reach the juvenile band is a huge achievement.

The band wear full pipe band uniform.

 Tenor and Bass Club

The tenor and bass club is for primary school children who want to learn either the bass or tenor drum and who don’t receive lessons in school. Its aim is to teach players the basics of bass tenor drumming and to help them understand what is involved at a band practice.  This prepares pupils for the progression into the Novice Pipe Band.

Times and location

All band practices take part in the music department at Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans.

Development Pipe Band

• Every Monday after school 3:45pm – 4:45pm. Led by Lee Moore and Simon Grant.

Novice Pipe Band 

• Every Monday after school 3:45pm – 5pm. Led by Lee Moore and Simon Grant.
• Every Friday after school 3:30pm – 5pm. Led by Lee Moore and Simon Grant.

Juvenile Pipe Band 

• Every Thursday after school 3:45pm – 5pm. Led by Lee Moore and Simon Grant.
• Every Friday after school 1:30pm – 3:00pm. Led by Lee Moore and Simon Grant.

Bass and Tenor Club

• Every Friday after school from 1:00pm – 1:45pm – Led by Jordan Bailie

During the summer holidays band practices usually run twice a week from the middle of July to the end of the summer holidays to rehearse for competitions and other performances. Locations for this are confirmed closer to the time and are dependent on availability but are always local to the Prestonpans area. Workshops are usually held in the morning to avoid disruption.