The Bagpipes
The Scottish bagpipes are thought to date back to around 100 AD, and were traditionally a solo instrument, with each clan chieftain having his hereditary piper. The pipes themselves consist of a bag of sheepskin or elk hide, from which five pipes protrude. There is a mouthpiece for inflating the bag, a single octave chanter for creating the melody and three drones, one bass and two tenors, which sound a constant two-note chord that softens the overall sound. The bag is covered by the tartan of the piper's family or pipe band and the pipe major, or leader of the band, will often fit a banner to the base drone.
In Tokyo we are very fortunate to have the Tokyo Pipe Band, a group of skilled and dedicated pipers. The group was formed in late 1974, in order to commemorate a royal visit to Japan by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Since their formation, the band has taken part in many international bagpiping competitions including the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
Practices are held every Monday, in Meguro.
If interested, please contact Atsushi Yamane
Tel/fax: (03) 3322-5447 Email: yamanex@bb.mbn.or.jp
