Experts drum up support for music at Whitburn school

Jan 28 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Experts drum up support for music at Whitburn school

DRUMMING up support for traditional Scottish music was the aim of a special workshop.

Whitdale Primary in Whitburn played host to two experts from The Pipers’ Trail, in a project to encourage youngsters to join their local pipe bands.

Drum Major Drew Caldwell and James Craig of 51 (Scottish) Brigade, led an assembly for the whole school last Thursday, to showcase their skills.

They then began workshops for primary five to seven pupils with youngsters learning some drumming techniques.

And Gordon Bruce, who teaches the bagpipes to P6 pupils, also got onboard and demonstrated his skills as part of the day’s events.

The event was the first of two being held at the school, with the second session to be held today (Thursday).

And it is proving to be a popular workshop with Whitdale’s pupils.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “The kids had a great time at the workshops – they had an absolute ball.

“The highlight was probably when Drew and James were drumming in the dark with neon sticks. The kids were blown away by that.”