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The SMALLPIPES

When most people think of bagpipes they think of the great Highland Pipes from Scotland but the bagpipe is a large family of traditional music instruments which can be found all over Europe in many different forms .

The Northumbrian Smallpipes consist of a set of elbow-operated bellows which deliver air to a large airbag.   This in turn feeds the air to the chanter and also to a set of harmonising drones.   Each of the drones produces a single note, but they are tuned to produce a harmonic background sound to complement the melody being played on the chanter.

© David Burleigh, Longframlington, Northumberland

There are three particular features which make the Smallpipes one of the most sophisticated and refined forms of bagpipe:

1. The addition of keys to the chanter extends the range and allows the player to use accidentals (sharps and flats) outside the normal scale.
2. Unlike any other bagpipes (or any other wind instrument) the end of the chanter is closed or stopped up, so that when all the holes on the chanter are covered by the player’s fingers no sound is produced.   This allows the playing of the staccato sound associated with traditional Northumbrian music.
3. The small size of the Northumbrian Pipes produces a sweet and gentle sound which is a pleasure to listen to.

Beginners

Tuition

Tuition will be provided By Richard JOHNSTONE prior to the monthly society meetings commencing in September  depending upon demand.  (Go to Contacts page)

Instrument loan

We also run a number of instrument loan scheme's to make instruments available to those interested in learning to play the smallpipes.   For a modest charge, sets of pipes can be hired for a period of up to two years   These scheme's are open to members of the public (who must  become members of the Society to oarticipate in  the scheme) or via the County Music Service

Terms and hire conditions can be obtained from the Secretary Di Jevons

We do not have a limitless supply of pipes so there is sometimes a waiting list for sets of hire pipes.  Please contact Dave Medd for availability Go to Contacts page

Evening Classes

It is anticipated that tuition will also be available during the Winter months at the Rothbury Evening Classes held at the Dr Thomlinson School, Rothbury ( Subject to the Adult Evening Class being continued.     Tuition will be provided by Dave MEDD

Anyone interested in tuition    Go to Contacts page.