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: [email protected] 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