Irish Pipe Band Association

The IPBA caters for 50 pipe bands in 26 counties , consisting of some 1000 active musicians of all ages . Bands within the association are geographically very dispersed , ranging in location from Gweedore , Co. Donegal to Ringaskiddy , Co. Cork and from Dublin to Achill Island .

The IPBA has links with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association . The association has close links with the RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch and shares joint councils with that organisation when organising events on an All-Ireland basis . On alternate years the IPBA organises the All Ireland Pipe Band Championships and the All Ireland Solo Piping and Drumming Championships with the RSPBA (Northern Ireland) .

For organisational purposes the association is divided into five branches : Leinster , South-East , Munster , Connaught , and North-West.The Association accepts affiliated bands from areas which are not normally covered by a Pipe Band Association . The affiliation fee for bands at the moment is £65 per annum .

Individuals can become Associate Members of the IPBA for a fee of £5 per annum . Associate members may become officers of the association and may attend AGM’s and other meetings but they do not have a vote at same as the voting system works along the lines of one band , one vote .

Much of the IPBA’s contribution to Piping and Drumming is done through its College of Piping and Drumming which holds Certificate courses throughout Ireland , sets music and practical musicianship examinations and awards certificates to successful participants . The College also organises information seminars for players who do not wish to take part in examinations but who have a desire to improve their knowledge of music theory and musicianship . The College is partially funded by the Arts Council of Ireland . The remainder of its budget is made up of course fees . The College is in the process , at the moment of producing its own text books/workbooks for courses .

The IPBA produces its own magazine called ‘The Tartan and Green ‘.

The PBAS is an affiliated member of the RSPBA. This means that member bands of the PBAS who whish to be members of the RSPBA only pay half membership fee to the RSPBA.

Note that, in order to compete in Scotland, a band must be a member of the RSPBA.

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