Not every bagpiper plays in competitions—and not every bagpipe setup should be designed for a competition piper.

At the Valley Forge Highland Band (VFHB), we work with many new and experienced pipers whose playing schedule includes parades, memorial services, church events, civic ceremonies, community concerts, and local performances. Many of these musicians perform 12 to 24 times each year, making them what we like to call "The 12 to 24 Bagpiper."

This series of articles is dedicated to helping recreational and community pipers get the most from their Great Highland Bagpipes without unnecessary frustration.

A bagpipe setup that works well for a piper practicing every day isn't always the best choice for someone who plays only once or twice each month.

For example, some reeds and accessories require frequent playing and regular adjustment to perform at their best. Recreational pipers often benefit from equipment that offers greater stability, easier maintenance, and improved air efficiency between performances.

Our goal is to help you build a bagpipe that is:

• Easy to blow
• Air efficient
• Stable from one performance to the next
• Reliable after periods of storage
• Consistent in tone
• Enjoyable to play

The recommendations throughout this series are based on one simple philosophy: make the bagpipes work for the piper, not the piper work for the bagpipes.

Throughout this series, the Valley Forge Highland Band will share practical advice on topics including:

• Beginner-friendly bagpipe setups
• Selecting the right bag, chanter reed, drone reeds, and accessories
• Improving air efficiency
• Achieving a steady, pleasing bagpipe tone
• Maintaining your instrument with less effort
• Reed selection for recreational versus competition pipers
• Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of cane and synthetic reeds
• Common setup mistakes and how to avoid them
• Product reviews and recommendations
• Helpful maintenance tips that extend the life of your equipment

Whether you're just learning the Great Highland Bagpipes or have been playing for years, these articles are written for musicians who want dependable equipment that performs well at local events—not just on the competition field.

Many pipe bands are focused primarily on competition. While there is certainly a place for competition piping, there are thousands of pipers whose goal is simply to make good music, enjoy playing with friends, and represent their communities at parades, ceremonies, and public events.

The 12 to 24 Bagpiper series is written specifically for these musicians.

We'll discuss equipment that is dependable after sitting in the case for a few weeks, accessories that improve air efficiency, and setup techniques that help make the pipes easier to play and more enjoyable to own.

Our recommendations are based on practical experience teaching new pipers and maintaining instruments that must perform consistently throughout the year.

Founded in 1947, the Valley Forge Highland Band is one of the oldest continuously active pipe bands in the greater Philadelphia region. For generations, the band has been dedicated to preserving the traditions of Scottish piping while welcoming new players of all ages and experience levels.

The band performs throughout southeastern Pennsylvania at parades, memorial services, civic ceremonies, concerts, festivals, and community events. Whether your goal is to learn the Great Highland Bagpipes, improve your playing, or simply enjoy performing with a friendly group of musicians, the Valley Forge Highland Band offers a welcoming environment where learning and fellowship come first.

Have a question about your bagpipe setup? Looking for advice on reeds, bags, moisture control, drone reeds, or making your pipes easier to play? We'd be happy to help.

The purpose of The 12 to 24 Bagpiper is to share practical, real-world advice with recreational and community pipers. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover in a future article or video, please let us know. Your questions and suggestions help us create content that benefits pipers of all experience levels.

If you're located in the Greater Philadelphia area and have always wanted to learn the Great Highland Bagpipes, or if you're an experienced piper looking for a friendly, active pipe band, we invite you to contact the Valley Forge Highland Band.

We offer:

• Free bagpipe lessons for beginners
• Guidance on selecting and setting up your first set of bagpipes
• Help choosing reeds, bags, and accessories that match your playing style
• Opportunities to perform at parades, ceremonies, concerts, festivals, and community events
• A welcoming, supportive, non-competition environment where pipers can continue to learn and enjoy the music

Whether you're just beginning your bagpiping journey or returning to the pipes after many years away, we'd love to meet you.

Visit VFHB.com to learn more about the Valley Forge Highland Band, our free lessons, rehearsals, performances, and membership opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you—and if you have a question, don't hesitate to ask. Chances are, if you're wondering about it, other pipers are too!

The 12 to 24 Bagpiper is an ongoing educational series from the Valley Forge Highland Band designed for recreational pipers, community band members, and anyone who wants practical advice on setting up, maintaining, and enjoying the Great Highland Bagpipes. New articles will be added regularly, covering equipment reviews, setup guides, maintenance tips, instructional videos, and recommendations based on decades of real-world piping experience.