Bagpipes have a very unique place in modern culture; as a remembrance of heritage, patriotism, and times past. They are a piece of America's greatness and help make this country so unique! I challenge anyone to find an instrument that invokes so many emotions as bagpipes can. At one event I can see someone crying because it reminds them of their grandfather's funeral service with military honors, next to another cheering because of pride in their heritage t another cringing hoping it will stop soon. I Great Highland Bagpipes (GHB) are such a special instrument that has been in wars for hundreds of years, up to WWII leading soldiers to the fighting and even in the current fight against ISIS and terrorism, you have pipe bands, who are soldiers first, and musicians second) playing in an active warzone. |
Bagpipes are not for everyone, and I always say you either love'em or hate'em. Next time you hear the mournful bellows of the highland bagpipes and a piper in traditional garb, don't pretend to pop the bag or mess with the drones or the kilt, instead give the piper a smile or a head nod and maybe drop a few dollars his or her way. It's a costly instrument to maintain and don't forget the saying, "time to pay the piper!"
As much as you might not enjoy it, it could be making someone else's day. Also, as St. Patrick's Day comes, you can only play so many Irish tunes on Scottish pipes. And no, we cannot play Free Bird.