Bagpipes Offer Bonnie Good Time

The Spokane British Brass Band, under the direction of Michael Warner, begins a new season with a program titled “Pipes and Brass.” The group will join forces with the Angus Scot Pipe Band for Sunday’s show.

The concert will take place at Whitworth College, but if you open your window, you should be able to hear it from wherever you are. I heartily recommend buying a ticket, though, if you thrill to the sound of bagpipes.

The theme of the program is, of course, Scottish music. The British Brass Band will play “Scottish Dances” by Sir Malcolm Arnold, “Great Revival” by William Gordon, “Edinburgh Dances” and “The Wee McGregor.” Leon Vostrez will be featured in a euphonium solo on “The Wee Cooper of Fife.”

Bill Thomas, the leader of the Angus Scot Pipe Band, will front the band with a number of solos. He will join the brass for “Highland Cathedral,” “Morning Has Broken” and “Amazing Grace,” among others.

The full entourage, at least eight pipers and five drummers, will take the stage in full dress for a demonstration of some traditional Scottish tunes, some in harmony. On Highland pipes, most of the harmony you ever hear, even with multiple players, is actually just the three drone pipes wailing away at the same notes while the melody is played on the chanter pipe. With the limited scope of the instrument, working out additional harmony is a special event.

While the scope of the Highland pipes may be limited, volume is not. Today’s audiences are used to electrical amplification, but the bagpipe does not need a microphone. Maybe the sound is an acquired taste, like single-malt Scotch, but it is a thrilling sound that cuts to the bone and leaves no doubts.

Now in its second year, the Spokane British Brass Band is carving out a new niche for Spokane. The British Brass Band tradition, with its specific instrumentation, special literature and all-volunteer players, is something that has not been tried in this area.

If you are sitting on the fence, thinking you might like this kind of music but are not sure, give it a shot. And if the kids haven’t heard bagpipes up close and personal, give them an experience they’ll never forget.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CONCERT The Spokane British Brass Band and the Angus Scot Pipe Band will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday in Whitworth College’s Cowles Auditorium. Program will be repeated Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at Ferris High School. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students or seniors, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.