members not progressing...

[JRM]

A friend of mine recently asked me this question regarding their band players. Week after week, a few players show up not knowing the tunes, some with instruments in disarray, generally not progressing.

How do you stop this pattern; change it, without dumping/ discouraging players and seeming to be a tyrant? I passed on a few motivational methods that I know of, but was wondering what sort of techniques work for other pipe-majors and teachers out there in bagpipe-land. Now we're definitely not talking about Grade 1 bands here so keep that in mind. Would your approach differ if they were teenagers? Adults?
:wave:

[Lyle Walker]

If you're talking a lower grade band, members may not know how to do proper maintenance or even realize that their pipes are not in shape. It may be well worth devoting a practice session to taking one of the sets in disarry and doing a demo of putting it right.
Learning new tunes...if the tunes are going to be played, then play them regularly in practice. The people that don't know them will get tired of just standing there.
my two pence worth,
lwalker

[Dave Sanderson]

Excelent question but the answer is elusive. I think everyone who has ever lead people has had to struggle with this one. All you can do is be a good example and lead the way, but many will not follow. As long as one is decent & ethical in your conduct and do the best you can do that is all you can do. Some people will quit for all kinds of reasons and this can be a source of frustration.

Alot of times you can ask them directly some questions,in a friendly probing way, ie. what is holding them back, anything to help them ?? Alot of people are just afraid of looking foolish and will not ask for help. At least you may get to the root of the situation.

Dave

[Stormy]

Lineer,
As you have already posted this topic in the adult pipers section I see no need for a duplicate thread.
I'll close this and replies can be made in the adult section.