The bagpipes are always a big hit with senior citizens! Combined with other Celtic instruments, they make a wonderfully entertaining presentation at senior centers, nursing homes, and even hospitals, as well as performance venues such as libraries and community centers.
Celtic Music Program
(Bagpipes, Irish whistle, small pipes, spoons, Irish drum, singing)
(See instrument descriptions.)
The program begins with a piper in full kilt marching in. (For St. Pat’s Day, he’ll be wearing a bright green leprechaun hat, which he tips to the crowd with a “Top o’ the Mornin’ to ya!”) He explains a little about the traditional outfit, and shows how the pipes work. Then he plays a slow march in traditional formation, followed by popular marches such as Scotland the Brave and Garryowen where he marches among the audience. This is followed by a dance tune where everyone can clap along or even get up and dance! The Irish whistle plays a sweet rendition of Danny Boy, and a lyric sheet of popular Irish and Scottish songs is passed out, so that everyone can sing along. Dance tunes follow on the whistle, and then the double Irish whistle (2 notes at once!) – Here the piper puts bells on his ankles and stomps his foot as plays – Very festive! More popular “old tunes” are sung with the help of the lyric sheet – Tura Lura, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Loch Lomond and Wild Rover are a few examples of songs which seniors can enjoy singing. Then the piper pulls out his set of soup spoons, which he uses to provide rhythmic accompaniment while singing a lively version of “The Beggar Man”. Then he brings out the Bodhran (Irish frame drum), and gives a loud and joyous demonstration of Irish drumming. The softer small pipes then play a few sweet tunes, and finally the Great Highland Pipes conclude the program with up-beat marches and dance tunes.
