Archive for January, 2011
The Secret to Never Missing Bagpipe Technique
Bagpipes Technique
So, when it comes to bagpipe music, it’s “all technique all the time”. With nine notes, no rests, no sharps, no flats, no dynamics, technique is pretty much all we have to create rhythm. We’re not so big on understated embellishments.
OK. So the secret to reliable technique: first, it’s a given that you practice hard.
Here, though, is the super-lucky-hyper-magnetic secret: the ’d’ gracenote. Yep, that lowly mid-chanter blip, the ‘d’ gracenote.
Consider the bedrock of Highland bagpipe technique: ‘b’ and ‘c’ doublings, tachums, leumluaths, taorluaths, crunluaths, ‘gde’ triplets, what’s the common thread? There’s no question: the ‘d’ gracenote.
When we “miss” technique, or under-execute a ’d’ gracenoted embellishment it’s more often than not the ‘d’ gracenote that has under-performed or misfired.
It makes good sense to me that we isolate this gracenote and really work the muscles that create the sound. I’ve always done this. It seems to work for me.
So what to do?
Sound large, oversized ‘d’ gracenotes on every bottom hand note that you can (not floppy, but exaggerated versions of the gracenote with a healthy degree of tension, or crispness – never tight, by the way).
Start with a chunky ‘d’ gracenote on ’c’, follow with ’b’, and on to low ‘a’ and low ‘g’.
Repeat back up to ‘c’. Repeat this up-down sequence slowly and correctly a dozen times.
Once you have mastered this mix it up a bit by increasing tempo and, if you really get ambitious, different sequences of the sub ‘d’ notes.
Follow this approach as a regular part of your practice schedule and it’ll be a cold day at Glenfinnan when you ever chance missing technique again. Guaranteed.
Bagpipe Cover & Cord, Black, Miniature
Bagpipe Accessory. Origin Country: Pakistan. 0.5 lbs. Made by Mid-East.
Bagpipe Cover & Cord, Black, for Miniature sets. The drone openings are 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Includes cream colored cord.
Price: $29.90
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Bagpipe Marches Of Scotland
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Bagpipe Marches Of Scotland by Massea Scottish Bands
This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply.
Price: $12.00
Bagpipe, Black Rosewood, Black Cover
Bagpipe. Origin Country: Pakistan. 8 lbs. Made by Mid-East.
40″ x 20″. Black rosewood. Black velvet cover, with turned nickeled ferrules & sole. Includes 2 sets of reeds, 1 set of rubber stoppers, seasoning, and hemp.
Price: $209.90
4 Steps to Learn How to Play Bagpipes
So you want to learn how to play bagpipes? Before you make that decision, understand that the classic, beautiful, melodious instrument can also bring you a few snickers and smirks. Not to mention the comments. You know, “Hey, buddy, where did you get that skirt” or “I think you forgot to tune that thing”.
With that being said however, if you still are willing and able, here are my four steps in order that you must do to learn how to play bagpipes.
1. Get Yourself A Practice Chanter.
What is a practice chanter you ask?
Well it is a double reed woodwind instrument that resembles a recorder. It is used to learn the unique and difficult fingering technique that you will need when you pick up the actual bagpipes.
The bagpipes are also very loud and physically demanding and make it extremely difficult to practice with. As the bagpipes are a very loud and also physically demanding musical instrument to play, we would not always want to play the full instrument whilst performing these tasks. These chanters are usually made from black plastic or African Blackwood.
You should never stop using your practice chanter as long as you play the bagpipes.
2. Visit A Bagpipe Sheet Music Store And Purchase A Scale/Exercise Book.
The best and easiest way to buy an instruction book as well as sheet music for the bagpipe are online. You will find great deals there and possibly instant downloads. If not, you will need to find a store that actually sells bagpipes, sometimes a tough proposition.
The instruction booklet should give you scales and exercises that you will need to practice daily with your chanter. You will also need to start reading bagpipe sheet music. Remember, it is all about fundamentals.
3. Check the classifieds and get a teacher.
I love to teach myself how to play musical instruments but honestly, there is no way I could ever learn bagpipes on my own. So your next step is to find an instructor. This will make the learning curve much less steep and allow you to begin playing songs much quicker. (Which is the whole point isn’t it?)
Again, you will need to find a store that sells bagpipes and ask for recommendations for teachers.
4. Go Buy Some Bagpipes
You have been practicing with your chanter, you know where to put your fingers, your teacher says you are ready so now it’s time for the big moment; buying your bagpipes.
My advice is to look for a used instrument that is in great shape. You can always upgrade later. If you spend a fortune on new bagpipes and then decide that you no longer have the patience to learn to play, you have wasted a great deal of resources. Again, check online for great deals on used and new bagpipes as that is where you will find the best deals. My opinion is that you should try to get Highland Bagpipes as they dominate the market and most people feel they are the best.
So stop stalling, get your chanter, find a teacher and start learning how to play bagpipes today!
If you are interested in searching for great deals on bagpipes, accessories, and sheet music please visit my comprehensive site; http://bagpipesheetmusicstore.com
Bagpipe Superstitions
Piping Superstitions
There are superstitions all over the world about pretty much everything – don’t step on a crack, don’t let a black cat cross your path, pick up a penny for good luck. Here are some of the superstitions relating to bagpipes.
In Italy, bagpipe drones are traditionally tied with red ribbon to ward off the devil.
Some believe that you should only walk clockwise, never walk counter-clockwise while playing piobaireachd.
Many people believe that you should never play Lord Lovat’s Lament at a wedding. This one has some historical basis to it. Simon Fraser kidnapped, raped and forced into marriage the Widow of the 10th Lord Lovat. During the attack, he had his piper play so that the music would cover up the screams and protests.
The tune “Flowers of the Forest” holds many superstitions. This tune was written by Jean Elliot of Teviotdale as a lament for the defeat at Flodden Field in 1513. Thousands of Scots were killed including several nobles, and King James IV. This tune is often performed at funerals and memorials. Some pipers believe that it is bad luck to play the tune unless someone has died. To do so would bring an impending death to someone close to the piper. Others say that the tune is not to be played in public unless it is at a funeral. Some believe that the tune should not be played indoors for any occasion. Another superstition says that when practicing “Flowers of the Forest”, you must only play on the chanter, not the bagpipes.
Rauncie Kinnaird owns Kinnaird Bagpipes & Reeds specializing in Celtic jewellery, food, Guinness clothing, gift items, Highland Dress, and pipe band supplies. Sign-up for free articles on Scottish history and events at http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com
Wee Tot’s Bagpipe, Rosewood, Red Tartan
Toy Bagpipe. Origin Country: Pakistan. 3 lbs. Made by Mid-East.
12″x14″, Functional rosewood chanter, three non functioning drones, synthetic bag, red Tartan cover. Great for a decor item.
/!\ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts – Not for children under 3 years.
Price: $37.90
Uilleann Bellows and Connecting Pipe
Bagpipe Accessory. Origin Country: Pakistan. 3 lbs. Made by Mid-East.
Replacement parts for Uilleann pipes.
Price: $149.90
A Highland Christmas
“This visual aid for the piping student will be a welcome tool for those who wish to take up the Great Highland Bagpipe. It follows closely the instructions in the College of Piping Tutor – Part 1, and should be used in conjunction with that successful publication. However, for those who have a different Tutor, you will find many advantages in the video as it shows clearly the proper fingering exercises necessary to the making of a good piper. The instructor, Seumas MacNeill, principal of the College of Piping and editor of the Piping Times, is shown instructing College students in the proper finger movements for the practice chanter – from the basic scale through the various grips and doublings. With diligent practice, the beginner should be able to play some simple and time honoured tunes such as Highland Laddie, Scots Wha’ Hae, Brown Haired Maiden, The Carles wi’ the Breeks and others in a short period of time.”
Price: $5.98