Free Lessons In

Bagpiping And Drumming

DANBURY — Free lessons in bagpiping and drumming are being offered by the Celtic Cross Pipes & Drums of Danbury. Instruction is given Thursdays at the Elks Lodge, 346 Main Street.

Piping students are asked to come from 6 to 7 pm, drummers from 7 to 8 pm. Band practice follows, and students are welcome to stay to see what lessons yield.

To participate, piping students will need a practice chanter, a $60 instrument. Drums will be supplied. Most piping students spend nine months on the practice chanter before they are ready for the bagpipes.

Successful students will be invited to join the band, which performs in Danbury on the Green, at the Mall, and at the Ives Center. The band has marched in parades in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and in 1997 at a tattoo in Bermuda.

For information, call Pipe Major Terence manning, 203/758-8220.