The band practices every Wednesday night in McKelvy Hall at the Riverview School, 551 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537. Practice is from 6-9pm, with the first hour being dedicated to students - and lessons are free!
We welcome students of all age and experiences. Whether you've played an instrument before or are looking for a new hobby, Colum Cille is the place for you.
Our pipers are instructed by 6-time World Champion Pipe Major Davy Methven of the Grade 2 Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band. Davy is from Stirling, Scotland and has competed in the World Pipe Band Championships from Grade 4 to Grade 1 prior to moving to America. Davy also instructs a number of other pipe bands in the area such as the Irish-American Police Officers Assn. Pipes & Drums and offers private lessons to piping students. We are very fortunate to have Davy working with us weekly!
In addition to Davy, every piper in Colum Cille is always willing to offer assistance to new students and each other. There are 150 years of combined pipe band experience among our members. We do our best to ensure every student has all their questions answered, and know that there is always someone to reach out to if they have questions about learning new music or maintaining their instruments.
Katie Zanello teaches the drum corps and volunteers her services as the band's drumming instructor. Katie is a founding member of Colum Cille, has competed up to the Grade 2 level, and has been teaching bagpipe bands throughout New England for over 20 years. In addition to Colum Cille, she teached the Mass. Dep't of Corrections Pipe Band as well as the Irish American Police Officers Assn. Pipes & Drums. The drum corps also receives instruction from industry leaders at our drumming workshops.
You are invited to attend band practice every week; the more consistent you are regarding attendance, and how much time you put into practicing will directly affect your ability to become a playing member. Once you are a playing member, we ask that out of respect, you give back a commitment of one year to the band. If you are interested, feel free to contact us through email or social media!