Indifference can be one of the most corrosive forces in a pipe band. Unlike outright conflict or disagreement — which at least shows people care — indifference is apathy. It’s silence where there should be effort. It’s showing up late, unprepared, or not at all. It’s shrugging off tuning issues, missed notes, or the absence of a fellow member. Over time, indifference eats away at a band’s culture, cohesion, and quality.

At Wake and District, we talk a lot about service. About showing up. About playing with purpose. But behind every set of pipes and drums,...

When to Step Away from a Pipe Band Relationship There’s no perfect time to leave a pipe band. The reasons are as varied as the people who...