[Trombone-l] Bagpipes (was Bone guys that play other horns)

[Keith Marr]

> ----- Original Message ----- 
>
> Now for the serious question what are the pipes and the drones usually
> tuned to. Do they make pipes in different keys or how does that work.
> Change key by changing the canter I think it is called? Does anybody know
> how these things work? I have always thought it would be fun to have a set
> to mess with for a little while, just to see what they are like. Probably 
> make
> more money with those instead of being a bone player!
>
The Highland bagpipe has three drones, the usual configuration of which is 
two drones tuned to A (5th line of bass clef), and one to A (first space 
bass clef). The chanter plays the "white keys" of the piano from G (2nd line 
treble clef) up to A (1st ledger line above treble clef). It follows that 
most bagpipe music is roughly in A major/minor/Aeolian mode. I say roughly 
as the tuning isn't to an even tempered scale. The bagpipes have their own 
unique scale. Hence the untuneful impression to sassenachs like Adrian.

A lot of folk music, English village music, "West Gallery" music etc., is in 
the key of G, which suggests that bagpipes from other traditions have drones 
tuned to that note. It needs to be remembered that there are many, many 
different types of bagpipes from all over the world. I particularly like the 
sound of the Northumbrian bagpipe which are small and are played with 
bellows instead of lung power, enabling the player to accompany himself 
singing.

Adrian lives in Scotland and hates the bagpipes. Unless he keeps his head 
down and says nothing about it one can only admire such bravery. As a Scot 
myself the sound of the pipes makes me want to rise up and invade somewhere 
. . . .

Cheers!

Keith in Bb/F/D
Bass Trombone
St Albans Symphony Orchestra
Page Three Big Band