Artwork by John Vallely
Fáilte romhat agus tar isteach! Welcome to my page devoted to the uilleann (Irish) bagpipes—one of the most unique wind instruments in the world. These pipes have been a cornerstone of traditional Irish music since the early 18th century, although the number of uilleann pipers in the world is still small, in part because they’re a diabolically difficult instrument to play. Nevertheless, they’ve enjoyed something of a renaissance in the last few decades, and the number of good pipers (and good pipemakers) is constantly increasing. The uilleann pipes are also beginning to enjoy popularity on Broadway and in Hollywood—if you’ve watched the original “Riverdance,” or seen movies like “Braveheart” or “Titanic,” you’ve heard the evocative sounds of well-played uilleann pipes. The self-accompanying nature of the pipes makes them ideal for solo playing (the piper has three octaves of drones at his or her disposal, and three additional pipes called “regulators”, which can play basic chordal harmonies), but they are also quiet enough to blend with other instruments, unlike their more strident cousins from Scotland. My set (in concert D) was made by Charles Roberts of Glencar, Co. Sligo, and I play a chanter made by Tony Hebdon.
The Piper (Me, a.k.a. Dan)
I have been studying and playing the uilleann pipes since 1999, and have
a special interest in the interpretation of sean-nós (“old
style”) airs, a repertoire derived from the traditional, unaccompanied
vocal music of Ireland. I have studied with some of the top pipers in
Ireland, including Éamonn Ó Bróithe, Mick O’Brien,
Néilídh Mulligan, and Joe Doyle, as well as the late Al
Purcell. An anonymous bit of Irish folk wisdom asserts that “It
takes 21 years to call yourself a piper—7 years to learn the instrument,
7 years to practice, and 7 years to play.” There may be a bit of
exaggeration involved here (I hope so, anyway!), but the uilleann pipes
are certainly a challenging instrument to master. So far, the rewards
have been worth the work. . .at least, when all my reeds are working properly!!
I am available to play the pipes in a concert setting, for weddings or
funerals, for private functions, or for any other occasion, and I am also
available to teach students of all ages in the New England area. Additionally,
I enjoy playing and teaching the tin whistle and Irish flute, and have
occasionally been spotted (quietly) keeping time on a bodhrán.
Interested in having pipes at your event, in learning to play, or just
curious? Click the links above for more. . .