SOMETHING epic is happening for pupils in Cumnock and Doon Valley.
Encouragement and Praise Inspires Champions (EPIC) have visited every primary school in the area and have now launched a new chanter club.
More than 200 pupils in P5-7 have joined the club which is part of the East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy – run by EPIC, which is a charity venture
They have been fundraising over the last year with the aim of giving young people in the area free tuition on Scotland’s national instrument – an opportunity that has been denied throughout the area for the past seven years.
Paul Warren, the project manager said “We have been delighted with the support we have been given by the schools, and incredibly fortunate to have secured assistance from The Minerals Trust, the Coalfield Community Trust, The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, The Gannochy Trust and the Foyle Foundation.
“Without their support we would not be able to offer this opportunity.
“Every young person in Scotland should have the option to learn the chanter.”
The teaching is being led by Paul and Karen Warren, who is originally from Cumnock.
Both have played at the top level — coming 10th in this year’s World Pipe Band Championships in August.
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