Piping Events  

The Highland Bagpipe is one of the most ancient instruments known to man. As you can see from the many medieval paintings and etchings scattered throughout this site, it has been used by many cultures, but is today associated with the Celts. Greek sculptures of about 4000 BCE show the bagpipe, and reference is made to it in the Book of Daniel (Bible).

The Scottish bagpipe is thought to date back to about 100 CE. Early instruments bear some resemblance to the instrument we know today as the Great Highland Bagpipe.

Today's bagpipe consists of a bag of sheepskin or silkhide from which five pipes protrude. There is a mouthpiece for inflating the bag, a chanter, and three drones. The single octave chanter creates the melody, while the drones ( one bass and two tenor ) sound a constant two chord note which softens the overall tone of the instrument (say the Scots!) The bag is covered by the tartan of the piper's family or band, and the pipe major of the band will often fit a banner to the bass drone.

Over the centuries the sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe has inspired Scottish warriors and terrorized their enemies. It is however, a traditionally solo instrument. Each Clan chieftain had his own hereditary piper.

At the Games you will hear pipers entertaining at the Main field and at Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Competitions

See Piping Competitions in 2008!

Massed Bands

All of the  bands will come out at closing ceremonies and perform together in what is called a massed band. This is the highlight of the day at a Games and should nae be missed! To hear a hundred pipers play "Amazing Grace" ,"Highland Laddie", or "Scotland the Brave" is worth the day's ticket alone!

Source: internet

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The Scottish Heritage Society of Sarasota, Inc