How do I join?
To join our association, you simply need to fill out the membership form. Don’t worry—the membership is only validated after it has been signed by both the new member and a representative of the association.
As a new member, you benefit from a 6-month trial period to choose the instrument you wish to practice and to decide whether you want to commit to the life of the pipe band. Either the member or the association’s board may end the trial period without having to justify their decision.
What does it cost?
The membership fee for the year 2026 is €30 for an individual member or €50 for members of the same family living at the same address, regardless of how many there are.
For new members, the membership fee is due for the current year at the end of the 6-month trial period.
In return, members who are up to date with their membership fee—or who are still within the 6-month trial period—benefit from free lessons for the instrument of their choice.
Welcoming new members
We welcome new members on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month between 6:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Salle Polyvalente La Vigne Catherine, Rue du Stade, 02290 Ambleny.
Please remember to inform us of your visit by phone at +33 (0)7 49 55 27 29, as the rehearsal may be relocated if the venue is unavailable.
During this first meeting, you will have the opportunity to discover the training instruments and receive the new member kit, which includes the association’s articles of association and internal regulations, the membership form to sign, and any other useful information.
What about the instruments?
Training instruments
Training instruments (practice chanter for the bagpipes, sticks and pad for the snare drum, mallets for the toms and bass drum) are loaned to new members in exchange for a refundable deposit of €40 (2026 rate).
If the training instrument is returned in a reasonably worn condition (intact and functional, aesthetically acceptable, and suitable to be loaned to another member), the deposit will be fully refunded.
Performance instruments
Performance instruments (bagpipes, snare drums, toms, etc.) are very expensive items. Whenever possible, the Association lends these instruments to its members.
Each member is responsible for taking care of the loaned instrument and returning it, if necessary, in its original functional and aesthetic condition, allowing for normal wear and tear.
A loan file is created for each instrument, including photographs and a detailed description. This file is signed by both the member and a representative of the Association.
Uniforms
The jacket, waistcoat, kilt, and caubeen (Irish beret), as well as braids* and shoe buckles, are loaned to the member by the Association.
Each member is responsible for taking care of these items and returning them, if necessary, in their original functional and aesthetic condition, allowing for normal wear and tear.
A loan file is created for these uniform items, including photographs and a detailed description. This file is signed by both the member and a representative of the Association.
Except in exceptional circumstances, accessories (socks, shoes, white shirts, bow tie) are purchased by each member, at cost price for items taken from the Association’s stock (excluding shoes and white shirts).
(*) “Braids” = ribbons crossed around the lower leg over the sock.