The National Piping Centre has produced a series of videos with the aim of engaging young children who are at home, in lockdown, and who may wish to learning a new skill.
The ten-part series takes complete beginners through the basic stages of learning to play the practice chanter. The videos are short – approximately five minutes each in duration and include and introduction to reading music, rhythms and note recognition.
NPC teacher and the video presenter, Margaret Dunn said: “The idea behind the series was to give children who haven’t gone back to school something new to learn whilst they are still locked down at home. This series will help them learn the very basics in clear and easy steps. It is designed for children aged 8+. In the final episode we introduce the tune, Auld Lang Syne.
“The videos are short to engage with the audience which are likely to be young. There are some fun element such as melodies challenges that can be completed after each episode and shared on our social media channels.”
The series is designed to encourage those who have never played, but might like to give it a try, into picking up a practice chanter for the first time. Go to https://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/bytesize-bagpipes
Hamish Nicholson of Perthshire, Scotland, a member of the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society and the Piobaireachd Society for many years, died at home recently. He was 86 and had chronic chest and heart conditions. His passing was peaceful.
Hamish, pictured, lived at Foss near Pitlochry and was for many years the Piping Convenor of Strathardle Highland Games. He was a long-term subscriber to the Piping Times and had built up a more or less complete run from September 1950 until the last issue. His widow, Elizabeth, tells us that it would give her great pleasure to be able to donate back numbers to anyone who would like them.
Please contact us in the usual way in the first instance.
Pipes for sale
Ian Duncan, the well-known Scottish piper and judge, has a set of newly refurbished Scottish smallpipes he wishes to sell. Made by Hamish Moore in 1988, the pipes are in the key of C. The refurbishment was carried out by Fin Moore, son of Hamish, who now runs the business now that Hamish has retired.
Ian is asking for around £1,000 for the sale.
Also selling a set of pipes is Yahya Hussein of New York city. Yahya has a fantastic set of Lawries from 1912 or possibly earlier – with the original receipt, pictured below.
The sale includes the original practice chanter. The asking price is $2,200 US which includes the shipping.
Anyone interested in either of these pipes should contact us in the usual way and we will pass on their details.
