Teach Yourself Bagpipes by Lindsay Davidson

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Auchmountain’s Bonnie Glen

auchmountain

Link to RSPBA (Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association) source

Five discussion points

1   The doublings after the very short notes can be a trap. It is important to get used to taking some time from the preceding 32nd note and giving it to the gracenote. Given that this is quite a slow march the gracenote should be less than half of the 32nd note. In the interests of not introducing extra complexity this then means really dividing the 32nd note into 4 equal parts and making the gracenote come up in the last quarter so that it closes on the beat.
2   The throws can all sound the same in this tune and all should have a substantial amount of low G. Indeed, making a feature of the throws being identical will make the tune very attractive. The low G should be closed a 32nd note before the beat.
3   Tachum - in bar 3 the B and the D gracenote can be the same length as each other, although in a very slow tempo this sounds odd (as do most things very slow). Making this note and gracenote equal will give the impression of sharpness as the listener hears the end of the B. Providing this is measured and everyone gets on the low A together, this will make a strong impact. This rhythmical scheme can easily be replicated at the beginning of the second part.
4   The grips in bar 4 can be fairly slow and open, taking up fully an 8th note, or half of the B.
5   The F doublings in the second part need care to make sure and sound the F before doubling it and not giving an impression of rushing. This is achieved by being careful about the G gracenote going into the doubling - not opening it too late, nor too soon. Also, doubling with a highly rhythmical effect will give the tune a certain lilt and lightness appropriate for a slower tempo.

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Five exercises

For more information on how to use these exercises and videos to play along with please click on the links.

Exercise 1

mapex3
 
Exercise 2

mapex8
 
Exercise 3

mapex10
 
Exercise 4

mapex11
 
Exercise 5

mapex12
 


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