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 From 22-26 July 2013, the Bamboo Pipers in Scotland are organising a non-residential Bamboo Pipes Festival in Edinburgh. This exciting new opportunity will include making, decorating, and playing in small and large groups. The festival will be held at The Engine Shed within one mile of Waverley Train Station and very close to Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. Accommodation, which you need to arrange yourself, is available at the many B&Bs and hotels in Edinburgh - Visit Scotland is a good place to start your search. Why not extend your stay to see more of Edinburgh?
The application form and further information form are available here. We look forward to seeing you!
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After a successful Summer Course at the Cotswold Conference Centre near Broadway, planning is well under way for the next year's Summer Course, to be held 11-17 August 2013 at Hinsley Hall, Leeds.
Set in attractive grounds, Hinsley Hall is close to the Yorkshire Dales, stately homes, ancient abbeys, art galleries and museums. The shopping and entertainment facilities of Leeds are only a mile and a half distant.
Further details and application forms are now available - and if you book by 28 February 2013, there's a £50 reduction!
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2011 International Course |
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From 24-31 July 2011, the Guilde Française des Flûtes de Bambou hosted an International Course. Held at St Charles College in Athis Mons, the course will brought together pipers from all over the world. Photos can be seen here, and here, and here. |
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A History of the Pipers' Guild |
 Who was Margaret James? Why did she start building bamboo pipes? What does this painting have to do with it? Where did it all begin? All these questions and more are answered in this new History. After 30 years of research, Shirley Drake's history of the Pipers' Guild is now available. With nearly 200 pages, including 12 pages of photographs, this A4 comb-bound book details the Guild's history from its very beginnings to the present day. The cost is £15 + £3 p&p. To order, contact Ted Drake. Read John Jordan's review here. |
The Guild was founded in Britain in 1932. Its main aim is the threefold craft of making, playing and decorating bamboo pipes. Pipes are made for personal use, and are not sold - i.e. if you want to play one, you'll have to make one! The idea of making bamboo pipes has spread around the world, with groups and guilds in Great Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, the U.S.A., and Japan. All of the guilds are members of a federation, which meets every five years at an international course.
What are Bamboo Pipes?
The bamboo pipe is a simple hand-made wind instrument, similar to a recorder but with a gentler tone. While looking for a recorder-type instrument to use with her schoolchildren, Margaret James stumbled across a Sicilian shepherd's pipe. After many experiments the simple treble pipe in D was perfected. Later a full quartet of pipes of alto in A & G, tenor in D and bass in G was developed. This range has since been extended to include sopranino in G, quartbass in D, and great bass in G. In addition, treble, alto, and tenor extended pipes with a range of an octave and a sixth or more are also made.
Why Bother?
Firstly, for the satisfaction: there is a special thrill in playing an instrument you have made yourself. Secondly, it makes you a craftsman as well as a musician. Thirdly, it is an ideal way of learning the rudiments of music. Pipes are made and tuned one note at a time; the complete beginner (of any age) learns to play their pipe as they make it. For more advanced players there is the pleasure of ensemble playing in trios, quartets and larger groups. |
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