ABC news recently ran a feature story about bagpiping. While they call it a “resurgence” many in the piping world think of it as continued growth in public interest. Rock Band “Red Hot Chili Pipers” is given some credit for “mainstreaming” bagpipes, but the story covers several of the reasons why bagpiping seems to be gaining popularity. The reporter attempts playing pipes in a humorous depiction of how challenging the instrument is to master.
“It takes some blowing power, and, of course, the skill and coordination. It’s rather like, if you can tap your head and rub your tummy at the same time, you’ve probably got it”
Watch the video, “Bagpipe Rock“
“So, why learn? Playing makes you look like a blowfish. And the pipes can reach 111 decibels — that’s louder than a pneumatic drill. In the wrong hands, it’s torture. ‘Being played by someone who knows how to play them, they will not sound like a strangled cat. You get a lovely sound from the instrument,’ said Manderson. It’s a sound that does something inexplicable to anyone with a lick of Scottish blood. But even those of you not lucky enough to be Scottish seem drawn to the drone.”
It’s good to see the “mainstream” press continuing to pick up on the work so many put into this unique hobby/lifestyle/music.
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