Pipeband with contemporary kilts?

[replicant]

While at Dublin Irish Fest in Ohio, I believe it was the Columbus Police pipe and drum band wore Utilikilts.

was there too, and yup, they were:

[Raphael]

Oh yahh!... But do you think Robert Pell or any of the other good leather kilt makers could be arm-twisted into outfitting an entire pipe band?
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Instead of tiring Robert and other kilt makers' arms, we should instead encourage the leather kilt owners to take up piping and drumming.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Instead of tiring Robert and other kilt makers' arms, we should instead encourage the leather kilt owners to take up piping and drumming.

A band willing to let loose and have some fun outside of the traditional boundaries... willing to intentionally break the rules both with both the music and attire, might generate some new interest with younger folks.

The intent not being to dispense with or desecrate the traditional but to celebrate it by puting a fresh face on it.

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[Scott Gilmore]

Not to denigrate, but this is a perfect example of why a real pipe band should NOT dress down, IMHO. Obviously I don't know what they're playing (could just be rehersal for all I know, and I hope it is), but they certainly don't inspire by their appearance now, do they?

Picture this: Jimi Hendrix at the `67 Monterrey Pop Festival lighting his guitar on fire while playing Wild Thing sporting a full-on serious three-piece business suit -- complete with tie and wing tips. Makes you want to wash your eyes out with soap!

Sorry, I'm not talkin' smack here, just my opinion stated with respect for the views of others.

On the other hand, the band shown below maintains pomp commensurate with the kind of music pipe bands play even though they wear what appears to be safron rather than tartan kilts. This is as far from 'traditional' as a real band should get -- which, of course, is quite traditional. Again, just my opinion.



Just one man's opinion.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[Blu (Ontario)]

... this is a perfect example of why a real pipe band should NOT dress down....

Why.... ?

Is it necessary that pipe bands always take themselves so seriously? Is there no room at all to relax the traditional pomp a bit? :confused:

[Scott Gilmore]

Why.... ?

Is it necessary that pipe bands always take themselves so seriously? Is there no room at all to relax the traditional pomp a bit?

In my opinion, yes, a real pipe band should always take what they do seriously - if for no ther reason than to show respect for the traditional music they play. This doesn't apply strictly to music, mind you. As a general philosophy, do whatever you do right. Put your heart in it or stay home on the couch. Playing the pipes dressed like you're about to do some gardening just doesn't measure up.

Qualifier: If the music being played isn't traditional Scottish fare, that's another matter. I guess what I'm saying is that -- again, in my opinion -- the music and the musician are inseperable. It's a symbiotic relationship.

Example of non-traditional bagpipe music that'll make yer netz twiggle: AC/DC's It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock and Roll)

Examples of traditional bagpipe music that'll make yer netz twiggle: Too many to count. You all know; you don't need me to tell you.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[Blu (Ontario)]

I completely respect your views on this. Don't get me wrong... I love traditional pipe music and the art of the marching band.

But I guess we can just agree to disagree on the rest.

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