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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

A different kind of gift for the holidays

Photo courtesy NWJPB

By Amy Lawler

With the approaching holidays, families are looking to spend their time and money wisely. Rather than rushing from store to store, looking for that “perfect” gift wrapped up in a bright red bow, perhaps a gift of music lessons is in order, good year-round and for a lifetime to come.

Let me introduce you to the Northwest Junior Pipe Band (NWJPB).

Photo by Jerry Pickard
As you approach the Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave NW in Shoreline, on any given Thursday evening, an uncommon sound may drift out to you – the sound of bagpipes. With their unmistakable soul-stirring appeal, the pipes and drums have the ability to stop you in your tracks.

Yet, if you go into the building you may be surprised at what you see – this is not your grandfather’s pipe band, but a group of children and teens, ages 6-18, creating the signature sound of their band. They are practicing for parades, for community events, for competitions at Scottish Highland Games, and most importantly, for fun.

Come see what the band is all about! NWJPB will be holding a Holiday Open House on December 8th with music, tours of group lessons, and of course, delicious holiday cookies. Join us from 6:30-7:30pm at the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Shoreline. All are welcome.

As the only youth pipe band in Washington State, this community ensemble pulls from all corners of the Puget Sound – drawing kids from Ballard to Part Angeles, Sammamish to Sultan, Mukilteo, Redmond, and Vashon Island. NWJPB is always looking for children interested in learning, and no musical experience is necessary.


Marching in Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Photo courtesy NWJPB

If you would like to see them perform, the Northwest Junior Pipe Band will also be at WinterFest on Saturday afternoon, December 3rd at the Seattle Center. A gift of music lessons is a way to pull families closer together, create skills, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

NWJPB is dedicated to preserving Scottish musical heritage and developing young musicians, and above all, life-long friendships. These children and teens travel the world together for competitions such as the World Bagpiping Championships in Scotland where last year they won 6th place in the world for their division, making them the highest ranked juvenile band outside of Scotland. NWJPB is also proud to be the 2015 and 2016 BC Pipers Association Grand Aggregate Winner, Washington State Champions, and the US West Coast Drum Corps Champions.




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