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Bagpipes.
Yes, it was hilarious when the piper on “So I Married and Axe Murderer” played “If you think I’m sexy”, but you sound like a tool when you ask that. It was years and years ago, so just stop. And yes, we wear kilts when we compete and perform. They aren’t skirts, they aren’t dresses, they’re kilts and they all cost 500-600 dollars and are made of 9 yards of material and weigh several pounds each. Yes, we wear underwear too. Stop asking ridiculous questions.
Anyways…
The bagpipes are one of the oldest instruments we know of. There are hundreds of different versions, and they all have a different tone, and come from a different part of the world. Actually, the only peoples I can think of that didn’t develop some sort of instrument that used a reservoir to hold air while playing were the Native Americans and Native Australians (HA…PC at it’s finest).
Now, instead of starting you off with something more traditional (we’ll get there though, don’t worry), I decided to go with a really unique tune. It’s an adaptation of the famous “Cannon in D” by Pachelbel, and I had previously never heard anything like it.
It’s performed here by Simon Fraser University Pipe Band (a 5 time World Champion at this time of this writing). Simon Fraser was the first grade 1 (Highest level) band that I ever saw in person.
Previous to that moment, I felt like a lot of you do about the bagpipes. Bagpipes are interesting, but what is the point?
Well…then I heard 17 pipers and 6 snare drummers and 4 tenor drummers (if I remember correctly) and a bass drummer all playing together PERFECTLY, in person. It will always be one of the most memorable experiences in my life. It was then that my perspective changed completely. It cannot be described…the power was absolutely amazing. After that day I have no doubts why the British put a ban on the use of the “Great Highland Bagpipe” centuries ago. The moral boost for the ally, and shear terror it must have produced in the enemy could easily have changed the flow of a battle. If you ever have a chance to see a good pipe band playing, do it. You will not regret it. There are festivals all over the world every summer, and they are a blast.
I hope you enjoy this, as it is a little different than what can normally be found out there. I will be sure to hit on something a little more traditional in the future, so you can compare and see just how cool this really is.
In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day we think it only appropriate to put on a couple of our favorite Celtic tunes. No, they are not all Irish, but they are all awesome.
