Introduction to the Great Highland Bagpipe

Conclusion

The scope of this report was quite broad; however, it will allow someone completely new to piping have a good understanding of the Great Highland Bagpipe. After reading this material, people interested in learning to play the bagpipe should know the first steps that should be taken.

Bagpipes have existed for thousands of years, and the Great Highland Bagpipe has been played in the Highlands of Scotland for several hundred years. The modern Great Highland Bagpipe consists of three drones and a melody chanter. The drones provide a constant background of sound to complement the notes of the chanter. The bag provides a constant supply of air, so that there is no interruption in the flow of the music. Although this arrangement is complex, it allows for a musical instrument with a rich, full sound.

Learning to play the bagpipe is simplified by starting on a practice chanter. The practice chanter allows a student to concentrate on learning the fingering and music of the bagpipe before having to learn to use the bag. Because of the unique expression of the music of the bagpipe, a teacher is extremely beneficial to a new student. Self-instruction is possible, though extremely difficult. Students that are self-taught will often pick up bad habits, which a teacher could have corrected early in the student's learning process.

The music of the bagpipe is rich with variety. Though piobaireachd is the original music of the bagpipe, other forms of music have been adapted to be played on it. Marches, strathspeys, reels, jigs, hornpipes, and airs are all part of the range of music of the bagpipe. Unlike this newer music, piobaireachd was originally taught by canntaireachd. Canntaireachd is a language used to pass on tunes by oral tradition. Pipers originally learned phrasing and notes from their teacher's singing, and not from written music.

Although most cities do not have a retail store for purchasing bagpipes and supplies, pipers can easily find needed equipment through mail order and at Highland games. The World Wide Web allows a piper to shop through several mail order catalogs quickly and easily. When purchasing a first set of pipes, a student should start with a high quality instrument, but one that does not have a great deal of ornamentation. A typical bagpipe will probably cost between $800 to $1200, and it should last the piper many years. Highland attire and piping supplies will usually cost as much as the bagpipe itself, so this must be budgeted by the student. A student cannot compete at a Highland games without Highland attire.

Competition provides a way for pipers to test and increase their skills. Whether competing solo or as part of a band, pipers have the chance to receive objective feedback from an accredited judge. This is vital to a piper's growth. Pipers are placed in grades based on level of expertise, so that pipers will be competing against musicians of similar ability. There are five amateur grades, plus an "Open" grade for professional pipers. After playing well at several competitions, a piper can advance in grade.

The Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) provides the structure and rules for competition. In addition, it trains and accredits the judges that preside at competitions. By joining EUSPBA, a piper has access to competitions. Also, a piper will have access to The Voice, which is the quarterly publication of the EUSPBA. This magazine contains results of competitions, educational articles, interviews of top pipers, and reviews of the latest piping material. The EUSPBA has a general membership meeting annually.

garycox@io.com
Date last modified: 8/8/98