Sign up for free to our in-person 18th June workshop!

Mackay’s Memoirs creates an opportunity for The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland to connect with young instrumentalists of various levels, ages, backgrounds and genres to work with us on Martyn Bennett’s fantastic piece.

Martyn was one of Scotland’s most exciting and feted musicians . He wrote this piece originally for young people to play and it’s a masterclass in tasteful accessible music for a large ensemble. You can find out more about Martyn and his work from the Martyn Bennett Trust here.

The project includes:

  • Free access to specially created online learning resources, including videos and new accessible parts to the score!

  • The chance to play along to guide tracks and submit your own recordings which will be woven together to form a unique film of the piece.

  • Live workshop events where young people will be able to work on the piece with NYPBS players.

Mackay’s Memoirs Workshop

18th June

We are welcoming all abilities to a free a workshop, open to all instruments and vocalists!

For young people aged 12-18, or up to 25 if you identify as having a disability. This free music workshop brings together young music-makers in Glasgow to look at Mackay’s Memoirs by Martyn Bennett.

There's no need to know the piece already. We'll be working in creative ways: adding our own parts, learning the rhythms and melodies and using our listening skills. We will have written music on the day but you can also take part learning by ear. This will be a day of learning from each other's musical skills so all abilities and genres are welcome.

Places are free but limited so sign up now to claim yours!

For community organisations and schools taster sessions can be arranged via nypb@thepipingcentre.co.uk

The workshops will be lead by tutors from various genres and instrumental disciplines.

Where: The National Piping Centre, Glasgow.

When: 18th June, 10am - 4pm.

  • We are launching accessible online resources, open to young people across Scotland very soon!

    These include scores, parts, videos and figure-note notation of the piece.

    For more information and access to the resources sign-up for free!

  • NYPBS members will collaborate with young musicians across the country from various backgrounds and disciplines on Martyn Bennett’s iconic piece Mackay’s Memoirs.

    We have included accessible parts within the arrangement and tutors will be on hand during workshops to adapt parts to any instrumentation unaccounted for in the initial score.

    Workshops are free to all however places are limited and must be obtained through sign-ups. Bursaries are available to address access or financial barriers.

    Sign up to our open Glasgow workshop 18th June here

  • During the workshops themselves and also in their own time young musicians will be able to submit video recordings of their performance of the piece along to the guide tracks

    We plan to assemble these recordings to create a digital performance of the piece which would be showcased in on our youtube channel.

Created by the National Piping Centre with support from Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Targeted Fund.