The Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band are incorporating the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board into the framework of the Pipe Band tuition syllabus after the October holidays. 

Highlighting the opportunities for our young pipers and drummers, Mr Sumner said: "For those pupils who wish to sit the certificates, these provide an alternative incentive to work towards musically while piping and drumming lessons continue online. They are non-compulsory and there are levels for all abilities and experience from beginner to advanced."

The Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) is the certificating body for a range of qualifications offered jointly by The Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, The Tri Service Cadet Centre, The National Piping Centre, The Piobaireachd Society and The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA). Qualifications are currently available in Piping, Pipe Band Drumming and in teaching these instruments. The PDQB qualifications in Scottish Bagpipes and Scottish Pipe Band Drumming, which are validated and certificated jointly by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and PDQB, are available nationally and internationally through the 4 PDQB Examinations Centres. 

Alexandra S (S4) comments: "I am looking forward to PDQB as I think it will be a great opportunity to improve my piping and will allow us to show our level of piping through the formal qualifications."