subject: Pipe Bands Around The World [print this page] Pipe Bands Around The World Pipe Bands Around The World
Pipe and drum sections are well established as an integral part of the military, giving morale to the troops. The lone bagpiper is the oldest element with a piper and drums playing together a more recent element dating back to the 16th century.Following the battle of Culloden the victorious Hanoverians banned bagpipes, this was as the same time that the wearing of tartan was always banned.Playing military pipes was seen as on a par with any the role of any other member of the regiment - highlighted by the sentencing to death of a piper in the regiment captured during the 1745 uprising.'a Highland regiment never marched without a piper...therefore his bagpipe, in the eye of the law, was an instrument of war'So what music did military pipers play - there were three types of 'pibrochs' (tunes) - as well as tunes for marching to and well as laments for playing at funerals. Many of the pibrochs were inspired by famous battles in particular the Jacobite Rebellion. As such some tunes are linked to certain regiments.In 1840, the popularity of military pipe bands was given a boost - Pipe bands were given a boost by Queen Victoria who falling in love with all things Scottish decreed that all of the Highland Regiments should have a pipe band. Pipe bands grew in reputation both at home and abroad a positive image of Scotland. While pipers were forbidden in playing in trenches many pipers disobeyed this order and many were killed alongside their comrades, with some pipers receiving the Victorian Cross for their bravery. Military pipers have also played in more recent conflicts such as the Gulf War. Today pipers in the army are also required to take on a secondary role in the army, such as a medic.Today military pipe bands, also referred to as 'pipe and drums' have expended and are common outside of the military and thousands of civilian pipe bands have sprung up all over the worldPipe band proficiency is typically measured in grades from 1-4. With grade 1 the highest level and grade 4 the most basic or training level. Pipe bands commonly contain several different elements - snare drummers, a single tenor drummer and a single drummer.Pipe and drum bands are also very popular in countries that have been shaped by Scottish emigration such as America and Australia and Canada where bands play at Highland games, festivals and parades.At the annual World Pipe Band Championships pipe bands from around the world come together to perform. The Edinburgh Tattoo is also a key fixture for pipe bands - military bands from around the world play together to create a magnificent sound and spectacle.An important part of playing in a pipe band is the specific dress that is worm, this allows members to feel part of Scottish Heritage and the impressive look of the uniform adds to the spectacle.
