1. Bagpipes are a class of musical instrument that uses a reed, in addition to air provided by the player, to create a distinctive, pleasant, and melodic sound. Bagpipes have been around for many hundreds, if not thousands, of years and some trace the origin of the instrument back to the snake charming pipes of the Middle East. While the bagpipes are often agreed to be an old, if not ancient, instrument, their lineage is a difficult one to decipher. This is the case for many reasons, but probably most likely because the instruments themselves were made of entirely or most entirely of organic materials. They were not long-lasting, and thus, did not preserve well at all. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bagpipes#Ancien t_origins A detail from the Cantigas de Santa Maria showing bagpipes with one chanter and a parallel drone (13th Century) The bagpiper, by Hendrick ter Brugghen (17th Century, Netherlands) A woman street performer plays the bagpipes. A Short History of the Bagpipes http://www.essentialvermeer.com/folk_music/bagpipe_a.html http://encyclopedia.stateuniversity.com/pages/2257/bagpipes.html http://www.scottishweddingpipers.co.uk/History_of_Scottish _Piping.html History of the Pipe Band The pipe band began life in the military, but its origins are obscure, and historical records exist mostly in hints gleaned from contemporary regimental records that had no direct interest in pipes. It is known that pipers served in regiments from the earliest times; the Royal Scots have records referring to pipers dating back to the early seventeenth century. Where pipers were employed as pipers (rather than just happening to be a soldier that also was able to play), they were employed by the officers of the regiments as private pipers. This situation continued until the 1840s, when Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm for all things Highland was instrumental in the War Office’s decision that each regiment be allowed five pipers and a Pipe Major, which continues to be all that the British Army provides funds for to this day. http://www.worldmilitarybands.com/pipers-and-pipe-bands-2/ Military pipers were killed and injured in significant numbers in the Great War (WWI), before the War Office banned the practice of playing in the trenches in 1915. The ban was often not observed; Canadian piper James Richardson was awarded the Victoria Cross for playing in action in 1916. Although that ban still stands today, pipes have occasionally played into battle, notably at El Alamein, Dieppe, the Normandy beaches, and the crossing of the Rhine. Military pipers have also served in both Gulf Wars. The British Army runs its own pipes and drums training facility, the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Famous D-Day piper to be honored by French A WWII veteran who played the bagpipes on a Normandy Beach during the D-Day landings is to be honored by the French government for his contribution to the war effort. Bill Millin, who is now 86, was a mere 21 when – amidst German gunfire – he played ballads to lift the spirits of his comrades while they fought on Sword Beach. Pipers had been warned not to play at the battle because of fears over being an easy target. However, that decision was ignored by the brigade's commander, Lord Lovat, who ordered Mr Millin to lead his troops ashore and play his music. But the Germans did not shoot him, because they thought the calm soldier, who was dressed in a kilt, was mad. When he learned of the gesture, Mr Millin said he was ‘overwhelmed’. "It's a surprise that people remember," he said. "I never expected anything like this. It is a great honour and I'm very pleased." This action is portrayed in the movie, “The Longest Day.” http://iom-rmpa.blogspot.com/2009/11/famous-d-day- piper-to-be-honoured-by.html

2. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Bagpipes.html http://www.hendersongroupltd.com/anatomyBagpipes.asp Ancient origins Some argue that the bagpipe has its origin in antiquity, and could be found throughout Asia, in North Africa, and across Europe. In fact, a type of primitive bagpipe is mentioned in the Old Testament. Ancient Greek writings dated to the fifth century B.C.E. also mention bagpipes. Suetonius described the Roman Emporer Nero as a player of the tibia utricularis. In relation to this, Dio Chrysostom, who also flourished in the first century, wrote about a contemporary sovereign (possibly Nero) who could play a pipe ("aulein") with his mouth as well as with his "armpit." From this account, some believe that the tibia utricularis was a bagpipe. Yet, it is difficult to say anything concrete about the ancient origins of the bagpipes. Some theories also argue that ancient Celts brought the bagpipes with them as they migrated across Europe. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bagpipes#Ancient_o rigins Anatomy of the Bagpipe The tenor drones comprise of two sections: the lower joint and the upper joint. The bass drone is made up of three sections: the lower joint, the mid-joint and the upper joint. The blowpipe comprises of two sections: the blowpipe (blowstick) and the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is removable. There are five stocks. The stocks are the pieces attached to the bag. There are two tenor stocks, one bass stock, one blowpipe stock and one chanter stock. Any part of the pipe which requires hemp and fits into another part is called a tenon. The bagpipes require expert skill in their product selection, carving and assembly. The drones, which must be flawless, are crafted, preferably from ebony or African blackwood. Matured for 15 years, the wood is then drilled and carved. Following this, the chanters and drones are stored for several more years and examined regularly for any signs of warping. Any piper will tell you that the slightest warp will mar the tones produced. On conservational grounds, plastic now tends to be used instead of ivory. On a positive note this has helped reduce the price of bagpipes and make them more accessible for beginners. However, even now a really good set of pipes can cost well upwards of a thousand pounds. The instrument occasionally shows up in Medieval art, such as this carving of an angel. Our man in England, piper Sean "Hawkeye" Stewart, has discovered a charming and important carving of a piper in a church, "Beverley Minster," in the market town of Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire. http://www.hotpipes.com/sstewart.html