Children love the bagpipes! The pipes and kilt make great entertainment, and are also very educational, especially when combined with other instruments for a full Celtic music performance. Here are some of the school programs offered:
Bagpipe Demonstrations & Performances
A piper in full kilt explains the history and purpose of the bagpipes, as well as the traditional attire he wears, and shows how the bagpipes really work! Then the pipes play a variety of traditional melodies, marches and dance tunes. In small groups, the children get to SQUEEEEEZE the pipes of miniature “small pipes” to make a sound, and then get to march and dance with the music. With larger shows, the piper marches in and out among the audience, and everyone claps along.
Celtic Music Performances
A piper in full kilt explains the history and purpose of the traditional attire he wears, and shows how the bagpipes work. With small groups, the children get to SQUEEEEEZE the pipes of miniature “small pipes” to make a sound. The bodhran (Irish frame drum) is demonstrated, as well as the “spoons” and traditional songs. Everyone gets to join in with singing and clapping. The Irish whistle the plays a soft melody, followed by a sprightly jig, and everyone is up and dancing! Then come the marches – With smaller groups, everyone gathers behind the piper and marches around to the stirring sounds of the bagpipes. In large assemblies, the piper marches in and out among the audience. And finally, any children who have studied Irish step dancing, tare invited to demonstrate the traditional dance steps as the Great Highland Pipes play a final dance tune.
St. Patrick’s Day shows
St. Pat’s Day is March 17, and these programs are perfect anytime during the last two weeks of March.
International Day presentations
The programs described above can be geared to focus specifically on either Ireland or Scotland. Please contact for more information.
Audience Size
The programs described above can be presented for any size audience - from small workshops to full assemblies for several hundred students.
Ages
Grades Pre-K – 12 - The shows described above can be geared for any and all of these grades.
Preschool - The programs above can also be geared for young children ages 2-5. Generally these are presented as small interactive workshops for 10-15 children each. The programs are experiential, and children get to touch and try some of the instruments, ask questions, clap, dance, sing and march around… Lots of fun!
“The star of the show! He was awesome! Super professional in the forward planning of the event, and had some great suggestions about bringing it to life for the audience. The bagpipe playing was great. And he was a clear and articulate presenter who was able to tailor his presentation to the age and attention span of the kids. I can't recommend him highly enough!” - Murray Avenue Elementary School, Larchmont, NY
