Anyone here play bagpipes?

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Thinking of learning. Been exposed to the stuff for a long time, including most recently at a local Celtic festival last weekend (thought of Gleno when they played Amazing Grace... ). In high school my parents tried to push me to pick it up, but being a stubborn teenager I foolishly refused.

 

In the 20+ years since, I've reconsidered it from time to time. Done a bit of reading, I'm familiar with the basics of the process, i.e. starting with a nice quiet practice chanter before working one's way up to the whole grand contraption.

 

My musical background:

I picked up a saxophone in fifth grade, played in a concert band through the end of high school, followed by five football seasons in a marching band in my undergraduate years. Haven't had sax in about fifteen years, but my fingers still know the drill: I often find my fingers playing "air sax" along with whatever music I happen to be listening to.

 

I seem to be blessed with perfect pitch, the ability to identify a musical note without any context (such as a recent tuning pitch); I'm told this is somewhat rare. Years ago a piano-playing friend of mine was in awe of my ability to name the pitch of random keys he struck one at a time on his piano, something he simply could not do.

 

I've found that I'm terrible at sight reading sheet music, but if I hear a tune once or twice I can play it back in whatever key I want. Back in school it was a puzzle to me that other kids couldn't play various pop songs and TV show theme songs without being shown a sheet of music, but knowing what I know now about perfect pitch, I get it (FWIW, I was jealous about everyone else's sight-reading abilities...)

 

So...anyone here a skilled piper? How hard is it to learn - more importantly, how hard do you estimate it might be for me, with a reasonable music background/ability, to learn?

[Bob Palin]

You know, bagpipes weren't designed, they evolved from earlier bladder and pipe instruments which...

 

Haircut anyone?

 

[Albert]

That's wierd Mitch, I was thinking about a year ago I'd like to try that too. I have a similar musical background, starting with piano then on to trumpet then guitar. Marching bands progressed to dance bands which progressed to making a "semi" living playing clubs for a few years. My mother's side of the family is Scottish and I remember going to pipe and drum shows when I was young. Something about the pipes is moving to me. I'll be interested to see if anyone has some feedback.

[leikam]

Haven't had sax in about fifteen years, but my fingers still know the drill

 

Is this really an appropriate topic for this board, Mitch?

[David]

Haven't had sax in about fifteen years, but my fingers still know the drill

 

Is this really an appropriate topic for this board, Mitch?

 

No kidding. He might as well just come out and say he bought a Miata.

[Wheels Rollin']

How hard is it to learn - more importantly, how hard do you estimate it might be for me, with a reasonable music background/ability, to learn?

With your musical background and determination, I think you'll do just fine with the pipes... As a 17-year old entering a college with a pipe band, I was immediately smitten... I went to the Pipe Major and made my case -- I remember me telling him I couldn't read music, but that if he'd teach me how to play, I'd be the best student he ever had... I guess fortune was smiling upon us both that day... I practiced every day for whatever time I had, in the process, memorizing everything... I even came up with my own 'fingerings shorthand' that seemed to make more sense to me than sheet music... I must've done something right -- I ultimately became, in his words, '... a pretty decent piper...', and in my Senior year, I was honored by being named the group's Leader (Drum Major)... That being said, with what I know of your background, I can tell you it's all about practicing, 'cuz like so many other acquired skills in life, the more you practice, the better you'll get (Hmmm... That has a familiar ring to it, doesn't it >...)... You may come by this naturally... If so, good on ya', lad... If you're more inclined to be someone like me with limited formal musical training, it's more challenging -- but -- you can do it to a level that'll provide you some wonderful satisfaction <>... There is some ability involved here, even with only 9 notes... The 'added' fingerings (grace notes and the like) seem to distinguish the better players...

 

So, my advice? Go for it... And by all means, go all the way... Get a kilt and all the fixin's... I was in an all males, military school Pipe Band, and it did take some... shem.. fortitude to wear a 'skirt' in the midst of all that testerone <>, but true to my understanding of Scottish history, we didn't take any guff from anyone, anytime, anyhow <>...

 

I make no claim of normalcy -- but -- I truly enjoy bagpipe music... In my experience, one either loves it or hates it, with little ground in the middle...

 

That's my $.02... Enjoy!

 

~ Bill

[Bheckel169]

Me too. I've wanted to play pipes for years and always put it off. Entire family, mother, father, sister, brothers, wife and both girls play instruments and sing and I'm the only one who never had the patience but I do sing (in shower). I'd love to learn and saw a musician recently that rekindled the thought. Later this year in Hendersonville, NC, they have a world scottish games festival and I'm certain to find somewhere there who can teach me.

Bruce

Mother's maiden name was McKay

 

[90%angel]

I didn't know there was a quiet version of bagpipes. It seemed to me, that's why there aren't more players; you have to have at least 10 acres to be able to practice the darn thing without annoying your neighbors!

 

I have perfect pitch too. I always have A (the orchestral tuning note) and B flat (the band/brass tuning note) and Middle C in my head. From there, I can get any note.

 

One of my pet peeves is people singing/playing a song in the "wrong" key. One of Russell's pet peeves is me saying he's singing/playing in the "wrong" key.

 

I can't sight read very well either. I have to hear it a couple times, then I'm fine.

 

Interestingly, this auditory capability does NOT translate to much else. For instance, just read me directions, and my eyes will glaze over. show me directions on paper (turn by turn is better than a map), and I'm better. The best would be to lead me there once or twice, then I've got it. So I guess that makes me more kinisthetic.

 

Sorry, drifting off topic a bit there!

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Me too. I've wanted to play pipes for years and always put it off.

 

My hope is that it's never too late. one of the first (and most informative) sites I've found so far:

 

http://www.hotpipes.com/

 

If you've got $117 burning a hole in your pocket, you can get their "No. 1 Practice Chanter Outfit:" a practice pipe, "Greenbook" tutorial booklet (supposedly the most commonly used one), and an audio CD to accompany it.

 

Nine years ago I surprised my parents by arriving at their house on my brand new RT; Dad thought it was cool, mom was, um, less happy about it. Anyway, my latest daydream is to perhaps surprise them at Christmas with some fine pipe music. Not sure whether it could/will happen by then, as I'm still trying to decide if I've got the time and gumption to justify making an attempt. Stay tuned...

[Les is more]

It's never too late. A captain in Jamie's dept. started the pipes in his mid fifties. He's a natural but not a trained musician. between keeping the drone going, breathing to fill the bag and playing the chanter independent of when you breathe, it's got to be great mental exercise.

 

I love the pipes.

[Bheckel169]

If not now when, huh? I guess I jump in and try getting this initial information.

If I can take my dog to obedience school every Saturday morning, I ought to have the discipline to play an instrument, or at least try.

Bruce

[Damean]

 

I can't sight read very well either.

 

Anyone who claims that they can sight read well is either lying, or worse, a witch:grin: That was my biggest fear every year in high school during the district try outs was the sight reading portion.

 

Joe, after you get that practice kit, and get tired of it, I'll give you $20 for it:grin:

 

I to, have always wanted to learn to play pipes. It'd be interesting if someone did a poll I bet, on how many people would like to learn to play them.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

I didn't know there was a quiet version of bagpipes. It seemed to me, that's why there aren't more players; you have to have at least 10 acres to be able to practice the darn thing without annoying your neighbors!

 

My coworker told me today that the definition of a good neighbor is one who can play the bagpipes, but chooses not to.

 

If you're looking to really keep things quiet so you can practice more, you can spend some more cash and pick up an electronic chanter, which enables the use of headphones, and confers the ability to practice in places one otherwise wouldn't (like on a transcontinental flight...). Apart from being silent to outsiders, it also allows you to practice finger action a whole lot without wasting your breath.

[BFish]

screw the hitech gadgets they're bagpipes!! make the noise/music for all to hear!

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

screw the hitech gadgets. make the noise/music for all to hear!

 

Repeat after me, in a thick Scottish brogue:

 

Loud Pipes Lose Rights

[Les is more]

When I was working for the CA State Parks, in Anza Borrego Desert,

I was opening up the campground check station one morning. As I was getting things in order, I heard a distinctly undesert-like sound in the distance. Upon surveying the scene I spied with my little eye, a guy waking around betwixt the cactus and creosote bushes, playing bagpipes.

 

I had this vision of the guy telling his wife that he really needed to practice and of her handing him the car keys and a map.

[BFish]

LOL...either that or he just buried a good friend betwixt the cacti!... and mitch we all know new pipes do not increase performance...better sound maybe and of course slight weigh loss.

 

sorry for the hijack...on with the the bagpipe thread. BTW-you may be able to make some scratch on the side playing at funerals, weddings, etc. more reason to get that camera!!!

[Scriber]

I seem to be blessed with perfect pitch

 

Then why on earth would you want to play the bagpipes?

[Francis]

Hey Mitch,

 

Thanks for opening this topic. I think many of us have wanted to play this instrument. I know I have. Practicing in a NY City apartment is a bit tough on the neighbors but thanks for discovering the electronic chanter. I played baratone horn in my high school band and could read music for this instrument. Would require a refresher course today. I still know my parts for Stars & Stripes Forever.

 

Good luck on taking up this instrument and keep us posted.

 

 

[Bheckel169]

You can talk about it or you can do something about it. I jumped in and purchased the Kit 2 chanter and the John Cairns, "Bagpipe Solutions" workbooks. I checked the area and nobody is close enough to instruct me so Oliver, the gentleman in Mendocino who has the bagpipe store recommended this workbook. He made it clear it would take patience and not to spend a lot of time practicing. He recommended 15 minutes a day instead of a 1 hour Saturday exercise. So, thanks Mitch, I needed this discussion and it was the right time.

To further assist me, on a regular basis, please ask me how I'm doing on the bagpipes. I think having a gentle reminder from people on the forum will make sure I stick with it, though I'm committed to this.

Bruce and his Pipes (sans bag)

[Twisties]

I always have A (the orchestral tuning note) and B flat (the band/brass tuning note) and Middle C in my head.

 

OMG, have you seen anyone about this?

 

Jan

[Bullett]

Mitch, if you have the time to take on a new instrument, go for it.

 

OK, I have to admit that I'm really jealous of anyone with perfect pitch.

[Bullett]

I have perfect pitch too. I always have A (the orchestral tuning note) and B flat (the band/brass tuning note) and Middle C in my head. From there, I can get any note.

 

OMG! Sorry Lisa, but you just gave me a really bad flashback to the kid who was Concert Master in the Ft. Worth Youth Orchestra, then the TCU Orchestra. . . picture a really nerdy white guy with a blonde 'fro playing A 440, on the violin, of course . . . Aaaargh, now my brain hurts!

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

OK, so it looks like this is my next project. The practice pipe and Green Book showed up last week (below).

 

Based on my first attempts, two years to competence is probably a reasonable expectation.

 

We'll see how this goes...

 

[Boffin]

How did I miss this thread the first-time round?

 

Back in 1974 when I was a young RAF radar technician I was posted to RAF Sealand, probably the least interesting place for a young man to go. Although close to the delightful city of Chester, it was a non-flying unit, home to number 30 Maintenance Unit - an electronics repair factory. To add insult to injury, they still had regular fire picket and gate-guard duty for all. Well all except the station band who were exempt fire picket. I fancied learning drums, but they did not need drummers, they needed pipers.

 

I spent over two years 'learning' the pipes but never achieved the standard required to play during parades - I had to mime!

 

Ah, blessed memory of long-departed youth.

 

Andy

[Bheckel169]

That's basically what I got and I've now been at it several months. Frankly, the hardest part for me was learning the notes and fingering which really delayed my enjoyment because I'm so slow to pick up on this stuff. Now it's getting to be second nature and though I sound like a very sick goose who has lost his way during migration, it's coming along. Time, perserverance and earplugs (for my wife). Works!

Bruce

[Paul_Burkett]

Good luck with learning to play the pipe. I enjoy the sound of bag pipes, I don't know why, but there is a soulfull sound that comes from the belly of that beast.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

...I sound like a very sick goose who has lost his way during migration...

 

Well, that's about where I'm at. It was easy to play each note immediately just by progressively lifting up more and more fingers, but it takes time to learn/memorize the "correct" finger patterns for each note, which are surprisingly complicated. One week in, I've got about half of them memorized, but don't ask me to play anything fast; still too much conscious thought required.

 

The chanter is quieter than a full-blown (!) bagpipe, but it's still louder than I would like. The double-reed (like what's on an oboe or bassoon) is completely hidden away in the "swell" of the blowpipe (see pic, my previous post in this thread). Since your lips never touch the reeds, embouchure is irrelevant; a certain minimum airflow is required to make any kind of sound, and there's nothing you can do to make it play more quietly.

 

That also means pitch is very sensitive to how hard you blow. When I played the saxophone, embouchure was kind of semi-conscious: you could adjust your lip/bite pressure on the reed to keep the pitch from running flat or sharp despite changing how hard you blew. In contrast, the chanter pipe is pretty much all over the place depending on how hard you blow into it; it's bad enough solo, but I could imagine a whole herd of these things in a room together would be truly grating on the ear.

 

Anyway, I'm keepin' at it...