The bagpipes are mainly associated with the Scots, but probably were introduced to the British Isles by the Romans. Bagpipes exist in a variety of forms, from no drones up to three. To briefly describe the instrument, there are four components. Bag, blowstick, drones and chanter. These last three are tubes attached to stocks (shorter tubes that are tied to the bag). The piper plays (or produces noise, depending on your opinion) by blowing into the bag via blowstick and maintaining steady pressure on the bag with his/her upper arm or elbow. There is one bass drone and two tenors. The continuous sound is produced by the reeds, tuned to "low A". The piper plays notes by covering or uncovering different holes in the chanter. I never know whether I'm explaining too much or not enough. Future articles will address the mechanics of sound production (complete with links).
About myself. Like many Oklahomans (I'm a native), I have Scottish & Irish ancestors (and Danish, German, Dutch, Scotch-Irish, American Indian, and some I forget.) From my appearance, I also have either Welsh, Spanish or French ancestors. After a brief period identifying with Indians as a child, I chose to focus on my Scottish/Irish heritage (primarily the Scottish; I am inclined to be pessimistic).
I have been crazy about the GHB (Scottish bagpipes) since I was 16 or 17. Recently (about a year or two ago), I decided I was capable of learning anything and bought a practice chanter. (Brief explanation: the first "instrument" of a piper. It sounds rather like a kazoo, requires less lungpower and requires little maintenance. Plug and play, if you will.) It hung on my wall for a year. I had a book and tape and kept meaning to practice, but was never satisfied with the way it sounded. The nearest pipe band I was aware of was a couple of hours away, in Oklahoma City. A daunting prospect.
Then, at the Scottish Games and Gathering at Chandler Park (about forty-five minutes away), I ran across representatives of a local pipe band, the Tulsa Pipes and Drums". Going to their practices seemed a good way to stimulate my learning efforts and keep me honest.
At this point, I still consider myself a beginner. If only I practiced regularly... I've been on the pipes about nine months and don't sound too terribly bad. Marching while playing the pipes is like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time. You have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. I'm getting past enough of the learning curve that I feel I'm finally getting into the advanced beginner stage. I am continually amazed by the people who think it's hard. I always tell them it's about as hard as any other musical instrument & the important thing to remember is "practice, practice, practice".
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