Bagpipe 101

Class Description

SCOTTISH BAGPIPE
Course Objectives: To introduce you to the world of bagpipe music through demonstration and first-hand experience. Acquire the essential elements of bagpipe music, as you learn to play a few basic tunes on the practice chanter. Although you will not learn to play an actual bagpipe in this course, the information you will learn, should get you off to a very good start. Learn about the historical and cultural ramifications of the instruments. Learn to identify the different genres of pipe music in various performance contexts. Learn how to listen to bagpipe music and recognize quality in a performance. Develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the Scottish bagpipe.

Course Description: You will be taught the fundamentals of bagpipe music, including the scale, grace note embellishments, and a few basic tunes. The course will also deal with historical and cultural aspects of this distinctive instrument. No, you do not have to own a set of bagpipes in order to take this class! Beginning pipers learn on a “practice chanter”—a relatively inexpensive, mouth blown instrument similar to a recorder in appearance but with a plastic reed.

Instructor: Hilton McLaurin

Currently a Piper in the Llano Estacado and District Pipe Band, Co-founder Texas Highland Pipes & Drums 1991, Pipe Major Texas Highland Pipes and Drums 1993 - 1997. My teachers have been Michael Cusack, Roderick MacDonald, Patrick Regan and Doug Frobese. Greatly influenced by the piping of Hugh MacCallum and Jimmy McIntosh.

Supply List

Required Text and Other Supplies: The practice chanter and College of Piping Tutor Book 1 (Green Book) required for this course may be obtained from the instructor or online. Please contact instructor for recommended vendors. contact@hiltonmclaurin.com