Bagpipes Audio samples Videos
“Are the Bagpipes Scottish or Irish”? Answer: They’re both! Historically, the pipes appeared in Ireland first - in the first Century A.D., playing hymns for the early churches. Eventually they came to play an important role in the national identity of Scotland, and were used for dances, weddings, and funerals, as well as for the more serious “piobaireachd” or classical music of the bagpipes. Nowadays in the U.S., “The Great Highland Pipes” are often associated with the pageantry of St. Patrick’s Day marches, and are used frequently for weddings, parties, funerals, and events of all kinds.
It is interesting to note that every country in Europe has its own version of the bagpipes. Variations of the Celtic pipes occur all over the world, and sculptures of bagpipes have been found in Africa dating back 6,000 years!
(See also Notes for Composers)
(**NOTE: If you are a composer or recording engineer interested in using the Bagpipes or Irish whistle for studio work, please see Notes for Composers)
Irish Whistle (aka “Tin Whistle” or “Penny Whistle”) Audio samples Videos
This is a small, high-pitched, sweet-sounding flute which can play either slow melodies or quick dance tunes. If you don’t think you’ve heard the whistle before, you have! It’s been used on literally thousands of CDs and soundtracks, including “Titanic” and “Lord of the Rings”. (See audio samples). Whistles come in all keys and ranges, from very low to very high. They have a 2-octave range, allowing them to play virtually any melody. And they can be a wonderful addition to a wedding ceremony, cocktail or dinner, as well as parties and events of all kinds, including funerals and memorials. (See also Notes for Composers)
Small Pipes (“Shuttle Pipes”) Video
The shuttle pipes are a smaller, softer version of the bagpipes. They are perfect for intimate, indoor settings where the Highland pipes might be too loud and intrusive. They can also be played while walking among the attendees at an event.
Bodhran (Irish frame drum) Video
The bodhran (pronounced “bohdron”, “bohron” or “bauron”) is a traditional Irish frame drum made from goat skin, and played with a double-ended stick called a “tipper”. It can be used as a percussive background accompaniment to songs and dance tunes. It can also be used to demonstrative an amazing range of sounds and rhythms, and is capable of filling a hall at maximum volume – Lots of fun to walk among the audience at a show!
Spoons Video
Two soup spoons is all it takes to make a rhythmic instrument! Used to accompany songs. (Ex: “Beggar Man”)
Singing
The choices for Irish and Scottish songs are endless. When lyric sheets are provided, the audience can sing along – Lots of fun, especially for the “old timers!” Examples of popular sing-along choices are: Danny Boy, Loch Lomond, Tura Lura, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Wild Rover, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, and Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go.
