A Brand New Bagpiper

Subject: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 07:53 AM

They've arrived! Bright and early this morning - a knock on the door. The postman! Holding a parcel for me! A flurry of brown paper, parcel tape and bubble wrap and there, before my eyes, was a brand new set of Jon Swayne Student pipes, in G with two drones – a thing of rustic beauty. And how auspicious, to arrive on what promises to be one of the sunniest and hottest September days in years. I've not tried them yet, as I had to get to work so roll on home time. I'm really quite excited.

I've also picked up (on Jon's recommendation) Play the Bagpipes: a tutor book by Bernard Boulanger which looks comprehensive, is logically laid out and easy to read. And it arrived yesterday.

Wish me luck people

Subject: RE: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 08:19 AM

Welcome to the club Dazbo. But watch out - it becomes an obsession. This will be your first set of many. Other people less fortunate (or more fortunate, according to the views of some unenlightened souls) won't understand. They just won't get it. But We understand!
John Kelly.

Subject: RE: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 08:35 AM

You play pipes as well, John??

Wish you well, Dazbo; I had an old set of EMS pipes about 30 years ago but gave up after a few months. I still dream, but having once played in a band with Annemarie Summers I'm usually only too happy to let others do the piping! Unless it's something like this of course:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hBqgp9JGOo

Subject: RE: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 08:57 AM

The road to perdition manifests itself in strange ways.

From a heathen in Canada--enjoy yourself and may you find happiness in that wonderful instrument. The links below are for the occasions whereupon you've been threatened by your neighbours.

http://web.ripnet.com/~nimmos/humour/humour_2.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeyjbqDCIeg

Subject: RE: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: GUEST,999
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 08:58 AM

That was me. Tried seven times and it wouldn't take.

Subject: RE: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 08:18 AM

Thanks for the comments (and the jokes!)

I think I'm doing OK so far but just when I think I've got something cracked it all goes horribly wrong (at least the neighbours haven't come round to complain yet).

Are there any good music books suitable for Jon Swayne's border pipes in G (one and a half octaves starting from F natural to a high C with most accidental inbetween)? I've found Matt Seattle's book on the web so that's one source. I'm not particularly looking for a Highland pipe tune book preferring English or European tunes (Flemish, French, Breton, Italian etc) suitable for European Dancing.

Cheers,

Subject: RE: A Brand New Bagpiper
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 05:14 PM

F natural to high C? recorder music might work, though you will need a B-flat.

What do you mean by European dancing? Old music? If so, check out Susato, Attaignant, and Praetorius - all editors of collections of old European dances.

There is a famous collection of English dances by Playford, too.