Building a Stronger Teaching Culture

Attention All Piping & Drumming Teachers!

The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario (PPBSO), in partnership with the British Columbia Pipers’ Association (BCPA), is proud to host Building a Stronger Teaching Culture: Recruitment, Retention & Relevance, a day-long teaching symposium on Saturday, November 1st, 2025.

This unique event brings together expert educators, accomplished performers, and forward-thinking leaders from across the piping and drumming world to explore how we can strengthen teaching culture, inspire the next generation, and grow participation in our art form. Open to anyone involved in teaching piping and drumming, the symposium is free to attend—with limited in-person tickets available and ample space for online participants.

What to Expect:

• Dynamic Presentations: Hear from leading voices inside and outside the piping and drumming community.

• Practical Strategies: Discover new approaches for recruiting and retaining students.

• Community Building: Connect with instructors, performers, and band leaders from across North America.

• Interactive Sessions: Engage in discussions and workshops designed to spark fresh ideas and solutions.

Some of the Speakers and panel members confirmed so far include:

- Trish Kirkwood - Moderator

- Alexandra Duncan - Former chair of Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust

- Shauna Hilder - BCPA

- Mary Ann Fratia - Faculty, Oscar Peterson School of Music specializing in Pedagogy, Teacher & Artist Training

- Peter Aumonier - The Hamilton experience

- Dr. Carole Smith - piper and pediatric chiropractor with expertise in supporting children’s health and wellness

- Iain MacDonald - founder "Sound Advice" Summer School, Saskatchewan

- Steven Hill, Mike Allegretti - Peel Police Teaching Program

- Jim MacGillivray, Brian McCue - St. Andrews College

- Glenna Mackay-Johnstone

The symposium is hybrid, with two ticket types:

• In-Person Tickets – Open to members of PPBSO and BCPA.

• Online Tickets – Open to everyone - anyone, anywhere who would like to participate.

Date: Saturday, November 1st, 2025

Location:

- JamSchool, 225A Hanlon Creek Boulevard, Guelph

- Online via Zoom

Register Now here: Building a Stronger Teaching Culture – Tickets

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the development of our piping and drumming community. We look forward to seeing you there.