To the sound of pipe and drum…

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“Wail, wail, screech, wail, honk, honk, squeak went the bagpipes, increasing the captain's already considerable pleasure at the thought that any moment now they might stop.” ― Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I only have to travel just a few kilometers to find content for my Blog. Many thanks to Sonja Reid for letting me know about this event.

It was a morning well spent.

Did you know ?

The Bagpipes are also traditional to Northern Spain…well now you do!

 

 

 

You need to have your soul stirred by pipes and drums while you read my post, so listen as you read.

Did you know?

“Flower of Scotland” is frequently performed at special occasions and sporting events as an unofficial national anthem of Scotland.

The song was composed in the mid-1960s by Roy Williamson of the folk group the Corries. It was first heard publicly in a 1967 BBC television series.

 The words refer to the victory of the Scots, led by Robert I, over Edward II of England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Although no official national anthem for Scotland exists, “Flower of Scotland” is used, along with the older “Scotland the Brave”.

The song has been used as an anthem by the Scotland rugby union team, ever since the winger, Billy Steele, encouraged his team-mates to sing it on the British Lions tour of South Africa in 1974.

As Scotland is part of the United Kingdom (as I write this) they, Like the rest of the nations that make up the UK sing “God save the King” as the ‘official’ anthem.

 

 

 

Did you know that you can tune a bagpipe? I did not, I do now.

One of the most frustrating things for pipers to learn is how to accurately tune their instrument. The drones must be precisely tuned to each other and also to the chanter. Each note of the chanter must be pitched so that it properly harmonizes with the constant background sound of the drones.

 

 

 

Playing the bagpipes properly requires the right stance, a strong set of lungs, and a good understanding of the relationship between pressure and sound. To start playing the bagpipes, you’ll need to learn what each piece does, how it works, and where you’re supposed to position it. To get better at the bagpipes, practice playing notes on a practice chanter and that way you won’t annoy your family or the neighbours.

 

 

 

To tune a snare drum, tighten the resonant head as tight as it can go without creaking. Next, tune the batter head incrementally until the drum is tight and vibrates well. Adjust the tuning until the drum sounds as good as possible. A good-sounding snare is vital for every drum sound.

Or you can just bash away and make a noise.

 

 

 

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum.

The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum.

I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum,

Me and my drum

Little Drummer Boy. Boney M

 

 

 

SANDF was represented, but they seem to wear kilts that have no patterns. Or perhaps that was a clan tartan that I was unaware of?

 

 

 

Egbert makes tartan! He runs a company called Cargokilts that makes anything that has tartan on it.

Would you believe that the loom that he uses to weave the material for the kilts is in Nairobi as it is a heritage loom and cannot be moved. When they are not producing tartan, it produces kikois as the weaving process is the same.

 

 

 

“Can you hear the drums Fernando”?

Actually, not yet as we are still practicing twirling our drum sticks.

 

 

 

This fellow seemed to be enjoying himself.

 

 

 

Keeping your pipe clean makes for good bagpipe health

Ensure that the bore and holes of the chanter are kept free of dirt at all times. The chanter can be kept clean by using an appropriately sized bottle brush and/or pipe cleaners. Ensure that the reed is securely fitted in the reed seat in the bottom half of the chanter.

 

 

 

The Sword Dance is one of the best known of all Highland dances, an ancient dance of war. Performance of sword dances in the folklore of Scotland is recorded from as early as the 15th century.

Tradition says that Ghillie Callum defeated a rival clan chief and afterwards he took his sword and crossed it with the sword of the defeated chieftain and danced around them in order to celebrate his victory in battle.

 

 

 

I was unaware that Highland dancing could be performed by men. I now know better.

Over the years Highland dancing has moved from being an exclusively male pursuit, to one that today includes more than 95% of female dancers.

 

 

 

Look at the mini-me in the background.

But why does the dancer look so serious?

A universal tartan is one which anyone can wear, without offending anyone. This view has changed dramatically over the past 50 years and in fact when you wear a clan tartan, it is now seen as a sign of respect and friendship towards the family/clan.

 

 

 

Are these plastic or ivory…I should have asked.

 

 

 

The end caps of some of the pipes are more ornate than others.

This looks like it might be silver or pewter?

 

 

 

I would like to believe that the pony tail is attached to the hat as the hair colour varies from what can be seen under the hat. Perhaps this was a dare? Or maybe I am incorrect. If it is the latter, then I apologize for making assumptions.

 

 

 

In a band you cannot march to the beat of your own drum…unless it is YOUR drum that is setting the pace.

 

 

 

Note the position of the playing fingers. Also perfect for holding a tumbler of single malt Scotch.

 

 

 

There were dancers, both young and old, competing in the various dance events. Both with and without using the swords.

 

The sgian-dubh (/ˌskən ˈd/ skee-ən-DOO) – anglicized as skene – is a small, single-edged knife worn as part of traditional Scottish Highland dress along with the kilt.

Originally used for eating and preparing fruit, meat, and cutting bread and cheese, as well as serving for other more general day-to-day uses such as cutting material and protection, it is now worn as part of traditional Scottish dress tucked into the top of the kilt hose with only the upper portion of the hilt visible.

The sgian-dubh is normally worn on the same side as the dominant hand.

 

 

 

Rather functional sporrans. Not a dead badger to be seen.

Originating in the Scottish Islands, perhaps even Ireland, sporran makers say that the origin of the sporran was as a bag to keep the hunger at bay. A pouch that would have been used for storing food, probably oats or similar when people were away from home for long periods or long journeys.

Despite modern enhancements, sporrans retain their basic design principles and now carry everything from car keys to mobile phones.

 

 

 

Just one of the groups represented.

Their motto, by the way, means “Truth in charity”.

 

 

 

Highland Dancing originated in the Highlands of Scotland and was originally performed by men. It’s a great activity for boys as it helps them develop in so many areas. In order to dance a boy must follow multiple detailed instructions, refine gross motor skills and increase flexibility.

 

 

See you all next year. However, if you cannot wait, there is another gathering being held on the 27th May at De La Salle Holy Cross College in Victory Park.

 

 

 

Check out the archived and current interviews… click on the image above.

 

 

 

 

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