Scotland’s National Instrument in Danger of Extinction

The Economic Voice ^ | 31 December 2014 | Economic Voice Staff

[ConorMacNessa]

The iconic sight and sound of pipers playing Auld Lang Syne at Hogmannay Street Parties could be under threat – according to piping enthusiasts who are campaigning for more tuition in state schools.

More than 75,000 people are expected to descend upon Princes Street on December 31 to attend one of the world’s biggest and most famous celebrations, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, which will see thousands of revellers sing along to the famous song at Midnight.

However, according to David Johnston, Championships Convenor for the Scottish Schools Pipe Band, the world famous tradition could become a thing of the past unless more is done to increase the number of opportunities for state school pupils to learn how to play the pipes and drums.

David says there is also a concern in piping circles that the skills will become regionalised and elitist with many of the country’s top bands coming from rural communities or private schools

[gov_bean_ counter]

No fair. :)

[rawcatslyentist]

It's a long way to the top if ya wanna rock n roll. 5:14

[heylady]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNwu8qRllJ0

Gary Owen 1=7 Cav

http://www.first-team.us/tableaux/apndx_09/

[ConorMacNessa]

Outstanding - adopted by the 7th Cavalry, of course!



"Nemo me impune lacessit!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[tbpiper]

Get your blood pumping:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1bffYZdRm0

[tbpiper]

Bliadhna mhath ùr!Mo charaid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNhWxH_NUh8

[Swanks]

No fair.

Darn right and the mother's side would do the same, and switch to Dutch. A lot of family history died with that generation...

[ConorMacNessa]

And to you as well, my FRend!



"Nemo me impune lacessit!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

Just listened - have never heard such a duet - if I could roll back the decades, I would learn to play the pipes!



"Nemo me impune lacessit!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[cpdiii]

Though the Scots and English fought many years ago, today both are buried as comrades in arms to the sound of bagpipes.

In Arlington Cemetery today you will see both Union and Confederate Soldiers buried in the same earth. They are buried there by choice, next to the foe they once fought.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

Fantastic!

I’ve never even heard of Carlos Nuñez. He’s great! Thank you

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

That one is good. I also really like the Scottish Soldier (tune: Green hills of Tyrol) and My Home in the Hills. *sigh* Wish I could play the bagpipes.

[AnAmericanMother]

No reason you can't learn. You can get what's called a "practice chanter" (just the chanter or melody-making portion of the bagpipes, you blow into it like a recorder) quite cheaply, along with a teach-yourself book.

Once you have the basics down you'll have to find somebody who can teach you technical stuff like the ornaments and handling the pipes themselves. But there are pipe bands all over, and they are always looking for new members. Who knows? you might be really good at it.

If you have ever played a recorder or a penny-whistle, it should be a cinch to get the fingering. The only funny bit is that you use the 2nd joint of your right hand fingers to cover the holes rather than your fingertips.

College of Piping online store

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

Maybe I should do that. I have played pennywhistle for a while now, and though the fingering may be different, I bet I could pick it up in a short time. Thanks.

[AnAmericanMother]

Go for it! It’s always fun to try something new. I’m going to take pipe organ lessons, just for my own private amusement.

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

OOoo gosh that sounds loads of fun too. Are you buying your own pipe organ or using one at a church or what?