BAGPIPES :

a) BAGPIPE HISTORY
b) BAGPIPE USAGE
c) TRADITIONAL VALUES OF THE BAGPIPE

a) History of Bagpipe
The bagpipe is a wind instruments used many European countries, well known in
Scotland and Ireland, The instrument consists of a leather bag from which air is
pressed into one or several pipes.
Most of the people probably think that the Bagpipe is an intrument which has its
origins from Scotland but the thing is that most historians say that the bagpipe is
an instrument of great antiquity an instrument which has its origins in the Middle
East and was brought by the romans to Europe.
There is now many variations of the bagpipe such as the Modern Irish Bagpipe,
the spanish gaita, the french musette and the northumbrian bagpipe
b) Bagpipe Usage
In Scotland the bagpipe has two main usages : first of all, traditional usage which
consist of 3 purposes : for war to accompany warriors in battle, for ceremonies
like weddings and for national celebrations such as seen on the burning of the
clavie. Secondly it is recently seen in modern music as an instrument rather than
a traditional one. Now, the bagpipe make his appearence in musical genre like
celtic music or most importantly rock.
c) Traditional values of the bagpipe

The traditional Scottish bagpipes have a convoluted history that is enshrined with
legend. The Menzies clan claim to own the remnants of a set of pipes that were
carried into battle at Bannockburnit was customary, and still is in ceremonial
terms, for a Scottish regiment to be accompanied by a piper in 1314, although
there is much controversy regards this as the first mention of such an instrument
in written lore does not occur until well over a hundred years later.
The history of bagpipes in Scotland is, however, one that is very much part of the
myth and legend of this glorious country, and that there is still a tradition of pipe
bands in the British Army today, as well as any number of ceremonial and
traditional occasions at which pipers are required, is clear indication of just how
closely the Scots value their bagpipes.

Alexandre PHAM, Monyrachsmey TORN, Assim RAHMAN