The jig isn't up yet for bagpiping fans
May-19-2006 17:25 |
Bagpipes
Paul Glader
Wall Street Journal
May. 14, 2006 12:00 AM
PITTSBURGH - As the only student majoring in bagpipes at any American university or college, Nick Hudson walks a loud, lonely road.
A recent day found him practicing by himself in a basement room at Carnegie Mellon University's student union. Pulling back his shoulder-length red hair, the 18-year-old freshman jammed rubber plugs into his ears before he adjusted the reeds and tuned the drones of his instrument.
Then, tucking the bag under his arm, he began to step methodically around the room in time as he played Scottish jigs, classical pieces called piobaireachd and, to show the instrument's versatility, a lightning-fast rendition of Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
The earplugs are crucial since the instrument churns out up to 122 decibels, making it louder than a chainsaw.
Bagpipes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, amid a broad interest in folk music and ethnic music. Jeff Mann, chairman of the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations, said there are 9,000 bagpipers in North America registered with the 10 regional associations, up 50 percent since 1999. The count doesn't include those who play as a hobby but don't belong to the bagpiper organizations.
Read more here...
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Wall Street Journal
May. 14, 2006 12:00 AM
PITTSBURGH - As the only student majoring in bagpipes at any American university or college, Nick Hudson walks a loud, lonely road.
A recent day found him practicing by himself in a basement room at Carnegie Mellon University's student union. Pulling back his shoulder-length red hair, the 18-year-old freshman jammed rubber plugs into his ears before he adjusted the reeds and tuned the drones of his instrument.
Then, tucking the bag under his arm, he began to step methodically around the room in time as he played Scottish jigs, classical pieces called piobaireachd and, to show the instrument's versatility, a lightning-fast rendition of Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
The earplugs are crucial since the instrument churns out up to 122 decibels, making it louder than a chainsaw.
Bagpipes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, amid a broad interest in folk music and ethnic music. Jeff Mann, chairman of the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations, said there are 9,000 bagpipers in North America registered with the 10 regional associations, up 50 percent since 1999. The count doesn't include those who play as a hobby but don't belong to the bagpiper organizations.
Read more here...
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