The question – Is it better to make a so-so job of a difficult tune and or a good job of an easier tune? The answer should be obvious however I consistently hear pipers attempting tunes or tempos that are beyond individual and collective (the band’s) abilities and I am left to wonder… “why?”. I have heard some say that you’ve got to play difficult tunes in order to improve. This logic makes sense, to a point. If all your circumstances are such that improvement is possible, then I suppose this would be correct. By circumstances, I’m talking about age, ambition, time, mental and physical abilities, etc. etc. Not everyone is so endowed and we need to face this reality.

Choosing tunes that are appropriate for individuals and bands can be daunting. Some traditional tunes are not difficult, however they are often overlooked. They may be also passed-by because of a too-difficult measure or phrase. Next question – Is it OK to re-arrange a difficult measure or phrase to suit the player or players within a band?

Last week I watched a video of a small band playing “Rakes of Mallow”. There were five or six pipers. Two didn’t play and stood holding their pipes while the remaining pipers performed with the drummers. (Nothing wrong with this. I’m just painting the picture for you.) I watched knowing what the final outcome would be. Repeat after repeat the tempo increased. Commensurately, the technique and unison declined into chaos. At the end, the crowd cheered, reinforcing the notion that “people don’t know…” Don’t kid yourself. People know.

I know why a band would select to play Rakes of Mallow, but I don’t understand what I heard. The pipers were “Average Pipers” by my definition. By following a more disciplined practice regimen, I’m certain that technique and unison would improve. The tempo was highly inappropriate for the skill level within the group and needed to be ratcheted back, in my opinion. That, or the tune need to be dropped in favor of something easier for “average” hands.

Please look at your repertoire. Is it appropriate for you, given your circumstances? Is it appropriate for your band? Let’s talk!

The picture today is of a bagpipe made by French maker Dorig Le Voyer.