by Eavin Moore
If you’ve ever been to a wedding or a funeral where bagpipes were
involved, I don’t have to tell you how emotional it is. There is just
something so ancient and elemental about the sounds that come out of this
strange contraption. With the approaching St. Patrick’s Day celebration
upon us, I thought it a good opportunity to take a closer look at some of
the local practitioners and pass along a bit of their schedule, so you
can check them out in person.
I met with Roger Heard, the Pipe Major of the Buchanan Highlanders Pipe
and Drums, for a short visit to learn more about his group and the
unusual music they produce.
As one of the founders of the group, Roger has been playing the pipes
since 1991. Since that time he has performed countless times, both with
the group as well as solo, all over the area and in every corner of the
state. His day job is in law enforcement and on many sad occasions he
is called on for funerals of officers, firemen and veterans. On many
more happy occasions, he has had the privilege of playing at weddings,
marching in parades and performing at churches, schools, and senior
facilities.
I was under the mistaken impression that bagpipes were specifically a
Scottish invention. Roger informed me that actually Ireland has a deep,
multi-century old connection there as well, as do most countries around
the world. In fact the current world champion group is from the
Emerald Isle.
The instrument itself is produced in various forms other places, but
the finest examples do come from Scotland. Constructed from African
blackwood, an entry level set runs about $1,000, while a set with gold or
silver engraving can go as much as ten times that.
Roger himself has almost as much invested in his traditional outfit as
in his bagpipes. The local group chose the tartan pattern of the
Buchanan Clan, and each kilt has over eight yards of heavy wool. Individual
members can personalize their outfits with kilt pins and cap badges that
honor their own family or county of origin.
Interest in bagpipe music in this country took a big upswing around
1971. That is when The Scots Dragoon Guards released their album, and
needing a last-minute filler, threw in a version of Amazing Grace. That
song, instead of the wide variety of bagpipe standards is now the most
requested piece in this country. Roger has played it countless times at
funerals, even though he always recommends “The Flowers of the Forrest”,
a more traditional Scottish choice for the occasion.
On Saturday March 15th you can hear the Buchanan Highlander Pipe and
Drums at establishments all over town. For several years they have
started the evening at the Ground Round about 5:30 pm, and stopped in at the
D&G, Hi Ho, the Brown Bear, Bottoms Up and many others. This year they
are adding the Felix Street Experience to their evening.
This is the group’s big fundraiser of the year, and they will be
accepting donations at all their stops. They are sponsored in part by Wyatt
Park Christian Church where they practice, and donations help offset the
expenses of providing the many benefit performances they put on every
year.
If you would like a bagpiper for an upcoming event you can get more
information at Roger’s website www.bagpiper4u.com.
If you are out and about this St. Paddy’s weekend, you just may
encounter these guys doing their thing. Think about maybe having one less
green beverage and tossing the difference in their cup. I’m sure any one of
them will tell you “Come Look At My Stuff”. But no peeking under the
kilts, unless you want to get smacked with a shalaylie.