FAQ

Our pipers and drummers get asked a lot of questions when we are out and about. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we get asked from time to time.

Are bagpipes as complicated as they look?

There are 14 pieces, nine joints, three drone reeds, one chanter reed, and one bag that get put together to make one set of great highland bagpipes. They are usually made of wood and the joints are hemped, both of which react to temperature and humidity changes.

How do you play pipes?

Great highland bagpipes play only nine notes. Unlike other wind instruments, the piper’s blowing has nothing to do with the melody being played. The bag is not squeezed like an accordion, but is used to maintain an even pressure through the drones and chanter. To differentiate notes, pipers play a wide variety of grace notes and embellishments: grips, taorluaths, doublings, strikes, and slurs. There is no battery power, just lung power.

Are bagpipes hard to learn to play?

Why, yes! We all started on practice chanters and after about a year, moved on to the big pipes with all the drones blocked. One by one, drones are added in until the new piper is wrestling the entire Scottish octopus. All this with only 20 minutes a day practice. Every day. For years.

Where does the sound come from?

Reeds. Drone reeds have a one-tongued reed similar to a clarinet. Drones are called drones because they keep playing the same tone all the time. Chanter reeds look like the double reeds used for oboes. Chanters are called chanters because they sing the melody.

Can you turn the volume down?

No, but the drums can play louder. Bagpipes have no volume control, it’s just all loud, all the time, and we never play any rests. Altogether the volume is about 100 decibles.

Who invented pipes?

It is believed that pipes, without the bag, go back at least 5000 years to the middle east. The bag found its way into piping about 1000 BC, and likely came from Sumeria to Assyria to Egypt to Greece to Rome. Roman legions used bagpipes as their instrument of war to inspire fear in their enemies. The Scots were among the last to start piping.

Where can I learn to play bagpipes?

Pipe Major Dan Aird teaches a beginner class every Monday at 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead. The class begins the first Monday after Labor Day. You can find more information about it in the Lessons page.

Are pipe band snare drums different from regular marching snare drums?

Yes, they are. A pipe band snare drum has a snare under both the batter drum head and the resonant drum head. The heads are also tightened much higher, which results in a crisp, high pitch snare drum sound.

What tartan pattern does the band wear on their kilts?

The tartan pattern is called Caledonia. The Caledonia tartan is considered to be a general tartan suitable for use by Scots who have no clan connection.

Do you have to be Scottish or Irish to join the group?

While a few members of our group have Scottish or Irish heritage, it is not a requirement. A love of Celtic music and a desire to learn is all that is needed.

What do you wear under your kilts?

Socks and shoes, of course.