449 - How To Start a Pipe Band (Dojo Conversations Episode 119)

Ever thought about starting your own pipe band? Where would you even begin?

This week, Andrew and Jim dive into the nitty-gritty of building a band from the ground up. Picking a name, sorting out uniforms, finding a practice space—it’s all on the table. Andrew shares some real-world advice on organizing rehearsals, setting up a beginner program, and making sure band dues actually cover costs. And let’s not forget the heart of any good band: community.

Got a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a comment or email us: support@pipersdojo.com

Here's what we cover this week:
00:00 – Morning greetings & intro
00:24 – What’s in a name?
00:55 – The first steps to starting a band
03:49 – Why education matters
08:38 – Finding a practice space
12:46 – Naming your band (yes, again—it's important!)
16:37 – Uniforms & kilts: what to consider
19:22 – The logistics struggle is real
20:35 – Drummers & their gear
23:16 – Band dues, gigs & keeping the lights on
25:40 – Beginner programs = future success
33:28 – Using Dojo U to level up
39:35 – Final thoughts