The Black Raven Pipe Band was founded in 1910 by Thomas Ashe in the village of Lusk in North Co. Dublin. In 2021, we decided to offer structured learning classes in Piping and Drumming to our students which lead to certification following examinations. We partnered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Association (RSPBA) and the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) to conduct these courses. Fifteen students took part and following the ten week program all fifteen sat their examinations for level 2 certification. We had a 100% success rate and when results were announced all students were keen to go forward to level 3 courses including some more students willing to take part in level 2 courses. We would expect somewhere between 20 and 25 students to take part. All courses certified by SQA are recognised by Quality and Qualification of Ireland (QQI) under the foreign study programme. For the future of the Black Raven Pipe Band it is most important that we continue with our structured learning classes. We hope to offer 10 x 2-hour classes in Music Theory and Practical Piping and Drumming as set out by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) Music Board, and certified by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). These classes will be followed by examinations conducted by qualified assessors from the RSPBA. The assessments will then be certified by SQA.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.