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“As always one of the highlights of the annual Sportsman Burns Supper at the historic Fort Canning is the Merlion Pipes & Drums . Led by Yvonne, the pipers, drummers and dancers never fail to bring a real sense of Scotland to the occasion and this year (29 January 2010) was no exception. Their blend of stirring tunes and heart tugging melodies is uplifting and moving at the same time. For Scots and non-Scots alike there is no experience quite like it. If you have not seen and heard them, you have missed out on something very special indeed. See you again in 2011!"
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“Connor had been receiving Bagpipe tuition at his school in Scotland . He had received a shield for ‘Piping Endeavour’ at his final presentation day prior to us moving to Singapore in 2007.
Yvonne has not only been patiently teaching him a number of different tunes but has also been teaching him how to sight read. My son’s confidence has really been boosted and he always looks forward to his lessons. We are very pleased to have such an encouraging tutor. Yvonne often gives him the extra hours of time ensuring that he has acquired the necessary skills. She often leaves him a set of bagpipe’s to practice on his own. I would say Yvonne is a most capable and passionate tutor and I would happily recommend her."
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"Our son, Ross, now aged 16, has been taught first chanter then bagpipes by Ms Yvonne Tan since he arrived Singapore as an 8 year old in 2002. Ms Tan’s flexible approach and range of professional knowledge, kind assistance, and encouraging advice has helped him to be an excellent piper. He has not only greatly benefited from the professional yet thorough coaching, but also obtained three certificates from The Piping & Drumming Qualification Board. This valuable skill he posses is a great achievement for him and will be very useful to him throughout his life and for sure to the world. The combination of personal lessons at home to suit the busy schedule of a teenager and the ability to meet with the rest of the members of MerLion Pipes and Drums on weekends is so ideal. We would highly recommend Yvonne to anyone interested to play bagpipes”
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Yvonne has been teaching our young son for nearly two years. Yvonne is a dedicated instructor and her warm and friendly demeanor and patient attitude have encouraged him to persevere with learning the bagpipes, and to take enormous satisfaction from performing. We are delighted with his progress and the confidence he has gained from playing. We consider ourselves fortunate indeed to have found an instructor as wonderful as Yvonne.
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"My seven-year-old son Ranen, has thoroughly enjoyed taking bagpipe lessons with Yvonne for the last six months. Yvonne creates lessons that are always informative, encouraging and fun. This positive atmosphere has not only allowed my son to learn to play bagpipe but to appreciate and understand the dynamics and beauty of music. Yvonne is an amazing and talented music instructor!”
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Yvonne’s greatest gift and perhaps contribution to piping has been teaching the young folks in Singapore – of many nationalities - to play the pipes. Our son Craig had been playing for a few years but when he hit his teens, like all kids, he was starting to win. Thankfully we were introduced to Yvonne, via the St Andrew’s Society, where she is a true stalwart. Yvonne’s patience is truly remarkable as she encourages the children to appreciate and become confident in playing the pipes. When Craig grew out of his first set of pipes, once again Yvonne’s knowledge was invaluable, she took us through the choice of pipes available, then she organized the purchase of a set of bagpipes from McLion Bagpipe Supplies – we are delighted with the pipes and the ease of purchase. Craig has now passed his piping exams and is progressing to band level, he also plays solo at a variety of functions and his skill and confidence are soaring, as is his enthusiasm… all thanks to the wonderful teaching and encouragement he receives from Yvonne.
Here’s tae her, what’s like her, damn few, and they’re a’ deid - Slainte Mhath
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“When my son was buying his personal set of bagpipe, we have difficulty to decide on the most suitable value for money set. We would like to commend on the remarkable Before Sales Service by McLion Bagpipe Supplies for patiently understand our needs and present a few choices of engraving design, fabric color and materials and the quality of the instrument for our consideration. The After Sales Service is surprisingly exceeding our expectation with prompt delivery of the set of bagpipe for our inspection before assisting us in the assembly of the set with the instructions of care and maintenance of the bagpipe.
We were most delighted with the excellent service and walk away with confidence of having a well tuned bagpipe. We will not hesitate to recommend friends to experience the same excellent service of McLion Bagpipe Supplies.”
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“Thank you very much for the Merlion Pipes and Drums performance at the QBP. I received very positive feedback from many of the guests, including a number of Scots who were impressed with the quality of your performance. The swirl of the bagpipes coming up the drive and onto the lawn is very impressive spectacle.
The Singaporean minister was impressed to see a Singaporean group participating in our National Day in this way, as a sign of the close links between our countries.”
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I was very pleased and proud to have you as my Chieftain’s Piper for 2006/7. It was very fitting that the Singapore St Andrew’s Society lady Chieftain should be piped in at our Feast of St Andrew Ball by a lady piper! It was a proud moment that will live with me forever.
SSAS was also very honoured to have you pipe in the haggis at our Burns Supper, a very important occasion in our calendar, and your presence along with the Merlion Pipes & Drums at other occasions throughout the year adds that distinctively Scottish flavour to our events. The quality of Merlion Pipes & Drums ’s playing is exceptional and we Scots are very proud and pleased that you and your Band continue the tradition of piping in Singapore.
Very Many Thanks
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I have been one of the main organizers of the Saigon St Andrew’s Ball over the last eight years and each year we have had the good fortune to have Yvonne Tan and the Merlion Pipes & Drums from Singapore in attendance. Their piping and drumming skills have greatly enhanced the evening and provided a colourful and inherently ‘Scottish’ ingredient to the occasion.
As leader of the band, Yvonne has always been a pleasure
to deal with and has always organised the band to meet exactly
the requirements of the organising committee. I would have no
hesitation in recommending Yvonne as being a great person to deal
with and would be very confident in her ability to deliver on
anything she says she will do.
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I am proud to have been a member of the Singapore Merlion Bagpipe Band.
Being Celt and now being able to play our traditionnal Bagpipe make my
deepest dream come true.
Thank you to all and thank you Yvonne. You will always be my first and most
admire Pipe Master.
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