The Pipes
The Great Highland Bagpipe is no more difficult to learn than any other instrument, all you need is a reasonable level of fitness and a bit of passion. As a piper, you'll develop a good set of lungs!
Everyone learns at their own pace, but if you're really keen, you can be playing some tunes with the band within 3-6 months. However, it usually takes another year to build your repertoire - pipe bands don't carry music when they play so you need to know the tunes by heart.
The Drums
Learning to play the drums is actually not hard at all. As with any other instrument, the more you practise the better you'll get and they don't take 30 minutes to tune! (like bagpipes).
To start off, you'll want to invest in a set of Pipe Band (PB) Drum Sticks, which the band can supply for you for a minimal fee, and if they wear out you can purchase another pair for $30.
If you can manage 10 minutes of practice per day to build up your wrist, finger and memory muscle strength, then you'll be doing well! The practice isn't hard at all as long as you can make time for it and do it as often as you can.
