To the uninitiated, the bagpipes might look like a confusing jumble of sticks and bags. But the Great Highland Bagpipe is actually a very logical instrument. It consists of the “chanter” (where the piper plays the melody), the “bag” (the…
The sound of the bagpipes has been part of Ontario’s DNA since the first Scottish settlers arrived on these shores. Thousands of families moved from the Highlands to the Great Lakes region, bringing their music, their language, and their traditions…
If you’ve ever watched a pipe band and seen the drummers in the middle row swinging their sticks in elaborate circles, you’ve seen the tenor drummers. This style of drumming is called “flourishing,” and it’s one of the most visual…
Being a pipe band in Port Dover means dealing with the extremes of Ontario weather. During the summer, we’re out in the heat, marching in parades and performing at the beach. But when the Lake Erie winds start to howl…
In the world of pipe band competitions, “ensemble” is the holy grail. It’s a judging category that doesn’t just look at how well the pipers play or how fast the drummers drum, but how well the two groups work together.…
If you were to peek inside a Highlander’s pipe case, you’d find a lot more than just the instrument. To keep a set of pipes running in the Port Dover humidity, you need a full survival kit. We carry things…
Finding a hobby that is both physically challenging and artistically rewarding can be tough for kids these days, but the North Shore Highlanders have the perfect solution. Learning the pipes or drums is a fantastic way for youth in Port…
The history of the bagpipes is deeply tied to the Canadian military, and one of the most incredible stories is that of James Richardson. During World War I, this Canadian piper played his comrades “over the top” of the trenches…
While the pipers get the glory for the tunes, the bass drummer is the undisputed leader of the band’s pulse. Often referred to as the “metronome,” the bass drum provides the steady, thumping foundation that every other musician relies on.…
Have you ever seen the band standing in a tight circle for twenty minutes before a parade starts? We aren’t just gossiping! We’re engaging in the delicate, and often frustrating, art of tuning. Because bagpipes are made of wood and…