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Selecting A Bagpiper

Selecting a musician for your event is a difficult task regardless of the instrument being played. We have seen and heard most instruments being played throughout our lives. We have a sense of how the instrument should be played and what a quality performance should sound like. However, selecting a piper is more difficult for people that rarely see or hear them played well and have little idea of how they should actually sound.

The sound of the bagpipe depends completely on the fingering technique of the player and the ability of the piper to know what the pitch of each note should be. The pitch is determined by what REED IS  selected, how it fits the melody chanter, the ability of the piper to adjust the pitch of problem notes, and then blow properly to keep all in tune. It's difficult and cannot be self taught.

The following is a short list of questions that can be asked to help you hire a good musician. If you review Winter's background, you will discover that her background far exceeds the experience outlined by these questions and of most pipers in Georgia and more specifically the Atlanta area.

Questions To Ask . . .

• Do you currently play in a competition band? What grade level?
  A piper who plays in a competition band is more likely to be working on improving their skills. Here is a rough comparison between band grades and orchestras:
   — Grade 5 – junior high school orchestra
   — Grade 4 – high school orchestra
   — Grade 3 – university orchestra
   — Grade 2 – regional professional orchestra
   — Grade 1 – world class professional orchestra (There are no Grade 1 bands in the Southeastern US)
• What is your highest solo competition grade where you won a prize?
  You should look for a Grade 2 or higher (Grade 1 or Open/Professional). This ensures your piper will know how to set up his/her pipes and be able to tune properly.
• How long have you played?
  At least 5 years with proper instruction to ensure adequate skill and repertoire. Keep in mind, however, that playing a long time doesn't guarantee a good musician.