Practice Chanter Kit

Practice Chanter Kit

This is a professional quality Regular sized Polypenco Practice Chanter Kit made by Warmac Bagpipes (Warnock) of Ireland. Polypenco is a Dupont product with exceedingly dense and machinable calibers making it perfective for musical instruments. Mr. Andrew Warnock formulated the Polypenco Practice chanter in 1958 and the rest is history. Polypenco exercise chanters are now the frequent and most mutual exercise chanter applied by pipers around the world. The chanter is 18 1/2″ in length. The vantage of polypenco over wood is that it better withstands temperature and moisture changes. The sound is further heightened by a Gibson Practice Chanter Reed. The kit also includes”The College of Piping: Tutor For The Highland Bagpipe PART 1″ by Seumas Macneill and Thomas Pearston. The 72 page book starts with the exercise chanter and ends with the bagpipe. There are 26 Lessons in the book. Each lesson is followed by a sound clip. In addition there are over 16 Videos and 14 songs. In addition to audio lessons, videos, and songs, the CD also holds over 38 pages of study material and quizzes. Please NOTE that in numerous cases, plastic chanters offer a more consistent sound and lasting lifespan.

It has become progressively usual for U.S. military veterans and their families to specifically request a piper to not only pipe for a funeral, but to pipe Taps for the rendering of military honors as well. Funerals for law enforcement and fire personnel in the United States have a long tradition of incorporating pipers and military honors, and most departmental funerary protocols closely follow those of the U.S. military. The following is a brief standard outline of what to suppose and what will be expected of you as a fellow member of an honor guard when playing Taps.

You ought to be well prepared before the funeral, your pipes will have to be well tuned, well set up, steady, and reliable. Paramilitary band uniforms, appearance, and instrument ought to meet or exceed the military standards as outlined in British or Canadian Army regulatings for pipers. Civilian dress ought to look evenly neat and presentable; jacket brushed, metalwork polished, leather waxed, and kilt pleats and glengarry ribbons pressed; each bit as squared away as a military uniform. A homemade kilt in MacWal-Mart tartan with athletic socks and a JC Penny blazer unquestionably won’t cut it. You’ll need decent sufficient kit to look respectable standing alongside Marines in their Class A’s. However, do not wear a Prince Charlie and bow tie unless all the other members of the funeral party are in tuxedos and evening gowns. Active responsibility or retired military personnel and members of the VFW or American Legion may wear their uniforms. Police, EMS, and fire personnel uniform will have to conform to agency guidelines; when in doubt check with your departmental chaplain prior to arrival. It is completely beyond my comprehension that this even needs to be said, but unluckily it does; the wearing of military uniform and insignia to which you have not earned the right is exceedingly offensive to those who have. It’s unconscionable, grossly inappropriate, and in a good deal of situations may be physically dangerous (in my opinion, justifiedly so). Do not humiliate yourself, dishonor the decedent, and deeply offend their friends and family by “playing soldier”. If you show up dressed as a Pipe Major in the Black Watch, you’d damned well better be a Pipe Major in the Black Watch!

Under perfectly no circumstances must you be late, so plan ahead; taking traffic, weather, and road conditions into account. You ought to report to the funeral website well prior to the indicated time and report without delay to the Officer In Charge (OIC) or Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC). If piping at a National cemetery, it will in all probability be very busy; check in at the gate, and make sure they know that you need to precede the family to the website in order to coordinate with the honor guard. For a military funeral, at a minimum there will be two uniformed active obligation military personnel assigned to the Military Funeral Honors detail, at least one of which will be from the decedent’s branch of service. The most eminent rating of the two will be the NCOIC. There may likewise be a color guard and/or firing detail made up of veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. Fire, EMS, and police honor guards will likewise have a team leader or rating officer in charge. Always check in and coordinate with this person. Regardless of anything written herein, the OIC/NCOIC is in charge of the ceremony and is to be considered the authorized source of protocol.

Generally speaking, when you’re attached to a detail, the leader of that detail will render all salutes. However, there are a heap of points in a lot of funerals when the entire company present will be called to Attention to Present Arms. As always, when in doubt, check with the NCOIC/OIC. Regardless of uniform, if you are not, nor have you ever been, enlisted in the military, you are by definition a civilian, and you will hence render all hand salutes by placing your right hand over your heart. The one and only exception to this is uniformed civilian fire, EMS, and police personnel, who ought to conform to their departmental protocols. Just do not forget to listen, watch, and follow the lead of the OIC/NCOIC and honor guard (unless you’re actively piping); if they come to Attention, so do you, if they salute, so do you. If they uncover, so do you, if they come to Parade Rest, so do you. Most drill commands are given in two parts; the preparatory command, and the command of execution (for example; Present, Arms). When your cue is the execution of a two-part command, go on the command of execution, not the preparatory command (i.e., “Arms”). The piper of an honor guard is a highly ceremonial role; solo pipers who haven’t had much exposure to drill ought to seek to learn some from a Drum Major of a local band if at all possible, and exercise a lot of basic drill movements with pipes, such as Parade Rest, Attention, Pipes Ready, and Pipes Down.

Remember always that this is a very solemn ceremony and a obligation to be taken very seriously, and this must be reflected in each aspect of your demeanor and deportment at all times from the primary moment of your arrival until your departure from the site.

CHURCH SERVICE

If piping for a church service at a civilian facility, uncover upon entering the chapel unless piping the casket in. Uncover and stay uncovered allround the service unless actively piping. Generally follow the lead of the honor guard; they will uncover and stay uncovered until time to render military honors. If there is any doubt, check with the officiant beforehand. No weapons of any type must be worn in church; this includes skian dubhs.

Just before the ceremony begins, if not piping the remains in, stand outside by the officiant and OIC/NCOIC or wherever they designate, and salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) along with them as the remains are brought out of the hearse and into the church. If piping the remains in, the OIC/NCOIC will normally call the gathered company to Attention; your cue to carry through Pipes Ready; and then Present… Arms as the casket is withdrawn; that is your cue to strike in. You may or may not have been requested to enter the church with the honor guard or casket team, or to play a tune for the duration of the service. If you’ve been requested to stay outside until the end of the service, end your tune as the casket enters the chapel, and do not forget that you are still actively engaged in a funeral detail, and maintain the solemnity and dignity of the ceremony.

Casket: If not piping, be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) as the pallbearers make a five step formal turn with the casket.

Urn: If not piping, be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) after the pallbearers have retrieved the remains and are standing with the other pallbearers, when you listen the command “Ready, Step”.

It is not not common to pipe the remains out of the church at the conclusion of the service; coordinate with the OIC/NCOIC as to whether they want you to lead, follow, or stand aside. Once outside, stand to the left, near the hearse or apparatus. If already outside, the OIC/NCOIC will normally call the accumulated company to Attention (execute Pipes Ready), and then Present… Arms as the casket emerges; that is your cue to strike in. When you cut off, carry out Pipes Down and render a hand salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart). After the remains are secured, drop your salute (take your cue from the OIC/NCOIC) and move to a position predetermined by the OIC/NCOIC, and stand at Attention or Parade Rest; follow the lead of the OIC/NCOIC.

If not marching to the gravesite with the hearse or apparatus, be prepared to come to Attention and render a hand salute as it moves out. (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart).

If marching in a funeral procession, the piper (or band) will traditionally lead the marching factor right behind the color guard; coordinate with the OIC/NCOIC. When the OIC/NCOIC begins to move along the hearse or apparatus to the front, they will salute. If you are not directly attached to the detail but will be a lone piper, salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) as you move past the hearse or apparatus to the front as well, dropping the salute when in front of the flag draped coffin (when marching with a band, the Drum Major will render the salute). Move to a point in well in front of the marching element in order to take your place in the funeral procession, directly behind the color guard.

If it is a funeral with cremains or memorial service without remains, you will sound Taps on completion of the service and at a prearranged signal by the OIC/NCOIC or officiant. Usually, the flag will be encased and displayed upon the altar or stand. Usually, the honor guard will unfold the flag and hold it outstretched as you play Taps. When the flag bearers come to Attention and the flag comes taut, that is your cue to strike in. Start off on the original note; Low A, just like a bugler. Regardless of what you may have been told or how you may have been taught, in this instance do NOT sound an E pick-up note! After sounding Taps, carry out Pipes Down. After the flag is folded, the bearer will turn and present the folded flag to the OIC/NCOIC. They will salute the bearer with the flag and take the flag with their left hand on top and their right hand on the bottom, and stand while the bearer salutes the flag. When the bearer drops his salute, they will wait until the bearer is dismissed and then go to the next of kin (normally seated on the left front seat) and present the flag, or present it to the officiant or rating officer, who will present it to the family. After presenting the flag, they will salute.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Unless piping the casket to the gravesite, you will stand at Attention and render a hand salute as the casket is carried to the gravesite (as a general rule, salute whenever the flag is in motion and you are standing still; take your cue from the OIC/NCOIC and follow their lead on when to drop your hand). If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart. If you will have to move in front of the flag, salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) as you walk past the flag draped casket. If you’re indoors, plainly stand at attention.

Casket: be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) as the pallbearers make a five step formal turn with the casket.

Urn: be prepared to drop your salute (If you are a civilian, place your right hand over your heart) after the pallbearers have retrieved the remains and are standing with the other pallbearers, when you listen the command “Ready, Step”.

You may be called upon to pipe the remains to the graveside. This will of course have been coordinated well beforehand with the officiant and OIC/NCOIC. Strike in as the casket is got rid of from the hearse. Stand at Attention facing the casket as it is being withdrawn from the hearse, carry out a proper About Face, and march the casket to the gravesite, in regards to 60 steps per minute, stepping off on the left foot on the firstborn note of the introductory part. When you arrive at the gravesite, veer off to your prearranged position for the service, then turn and face the gravesite. You must position yourself near the gravesite, alongside the firing party. In any event you must take care to stand in a emplacement where the sound will carry to the funeral party and where you may be seen by the next of kin. You will have to be facing the casket. End your tune as the casket is placed upon the letting down device. Stand at Parade Rest for the duration of the funeral service; follow the lead of the OIC/NCOIC and firing party. You may be called upon to play a short tune, commonly after the opening prayer. This will of course have been organized well beforehand with the officiant, and you will take your cue from them. For a Fire service funeral, there may be a ringing of the bell, three times, three rings each, signifying the end of an alarm. For air personnel, there may be a fly-over in a missing man formation.

The casket team will position the remains over the grave and unfold the flag, keeping it taut over the remains. When the service is complete, the OIC or NCOIC will Present Arms. The firing party consisting of seven riflemen will come to Attention and fire three volleys. Come to Attention with the firing party (bring in left foot, drop right hand to side), and Pipes Up with the command “Ready”. Sound Taps after the third volley and after the NCOIC of the firing party orders “Present, Arms”; that is your cue to strike in. Start off on the basi note; Low A. Do NOT sound an E pick-up note! After sounding Taps, carry out Pipes Down with the firing party on the command “Order, Arms”. After the flag is folded, the bearer will turn and present the folded flag to the OIC/NCOIC. They will salute the bearer with the flag and take the flag with their left hand on top and their right hand on the bottom, and stand while the bearer salutes the flag. When the bearer drops his salute, they will wait until the bearers are dismissed and then go to the next of kin (normally seated on the left front seat) and present the flag. After presenting the flag, they will salute. You will be dismissed on the command of the NCOIC of the firing party at the conclusion of the service.

When a firing party is not available, you will sound Taps upon completion of the service and at a prearranged signal from the OIC/NCOIC or officiant. Usually, the honor guard will hold the flag outstretched over the coffin as you play Taps. When the flag bearers come to attention and the flag comes taut, that is your cue to strike in. Start off on the initial note; Low A. Do NOT sound an E pick-up note! After sounding Taps, carry out Pipes Down. After the flag is folded, the bearer will turn and present the folded flag to the OIC/NCOIC. They will salute the bearer with the flag and take the flag with their left hand on top and their right hand on the bottom, and stand while the bearer salutes the flag. When the bearer drops his salute, they will wait until the bearer is dismissed and then go to the next of kin (normally seated on the left front seat) and present the flag, or present it to the officiant or rating officer, who will present it to the family. After presenting the flag, they will salute.

DRILL FOR CEREMONIAL PIPERS

ATTENTION

On the command of execution ‘TION, fetch heels together with feet at approximately 45 degrees. Do not lock your knees. As blood pools in your lower extremities, it is possible to pass out if your locked knees inhibit venous return. Pipe bag tucked beneath your left elbow, with bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand, palm upward. Bass drone will have to be perfectly horizontal and 90 degrees from your body. Right hand at your side thumb resting along the primary joint of the forefinger, hand cupped (but not clenched as a fist) with palm facing your leg. Stand erect, shoulders square, eyes straight ahead. DO NOT MOVE, FIDGET, OR LOOK AROUND! If you’re in this position for a while, very more or less flex your knees, wiggle your toes, shift your weight, etc. to keep circulation going, as long as it’s imperceptible to bystanders.

PARADE REST

From the position of Attention, on the command of execution REST, move the left foot in regards to 10 inches to the left of the right foot, with regards to shoulder width apart. Keep the legs straight without locking the knees, resting the weight of the body evenly on the heels and balls of the feet. Simultaneously, place the right hand at the little of your back, fingers outstretched. Pipe bag remains tucked under your left elbow, with bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand, palm upward. Bass drone ought to be perfectly horizontal and 90 degrees from your body. Stand erect, shoulders square, eyes straight ahead. DO NOT MOVE, FIDGET, OR LOOK AROUND! If you’re in this position for a while, very more or less flex your knees, wiggle your toes, shift your weight, etc. to keep circulation going, as long as it’s imperceptible to bystanders.

STAND AT EASE

From the position of Attention, on the command of execution EASE, you may relax and move around, as long as your left foot doesn’t move. Keep silent.

STAND EASY

You may relax and move around, as long as your left foot doesn’t move. You may talk quietly.

PIPES READY

From the position of Attention, on the command of execution Ready, draw your pipes forward in front of you, bass drone utterly horizontal and 90 degrees from your body, bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand palm upward, comprehend bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your right hand, and then with no problems or difficulties swing them up into playing position. Rotate the chanter down into playing position in your left hand; bag tucked in under left upper arm, blowstick in your mouth. Drop your right hand to your side, eyes straight ahead. You ought to be ready to strike in.

PIPES DOWN

From the position of Pipes Ready (in playing position on your shoulder, chanter in your hand and blowstick in your mouth), on the command of execution DOWN, with the right hand, rotate the chanter and blowstick up to the bass drone, grasping all three. Bring the pipes down in front of you, bass drone utterly horizontal and 90 degrees from your body, grasping the bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand palm upward with your right hand palm downward on top of the bass drone. Draw the pipes straight back tucking the bag underneath your left elbow and then dropping your right hand to your right side. Eyes straight ahead.

PRESENT ARMS

From the position of Attention, on the command of execution ARMS, a civilian will fetch their right hand up to their heart, palm inward, fingers extended and close together. Pipe bag remains tucked under your left elbow, with bass drone, chanter, and blowstick in your left hand, palm upward. Bass drone must be perfectly horizontal and 90 degrees from your body.

ORDER ARMS

From the position of Present Arms, on the command of execution Arms, drop your right hand to your side, and resume the position of Attention.

ABOUT FACE

From Attention or Pipes Ready, on the command of execution Face, place your right toe in regards to 10″ behind and somewhat to the left of where the right heel was. With your weight evenly on the ball of your right foot and left heel, turn smartly around to your right. Done properly, you will have to still be at Attention or Pipes Ready facing the opposite direction.

CADENCE

A funeral march is 60 beats per minute.

Practice Chanter Kit Picture

Practice Chanter Kit Pic

Practice Chanter Kit Picture

Practice Chanter Kit Picture

Most helpful client reviews

14 of 14 persons found the following review helpful.
A Great Way To Start
By Josiah D. Wilson
I basi received this kit regarding a month ago. And, I ought to say that has been an magnificent learning experience therefore far. The items came in splendid condition and it came with everything a person would need to get started. Also, the book, exercise chanter, and reed are of the most eminent quality and are known to be a good deal of of the best that pros use.

Now, for galore advice, the Gibson reed that comes with this exercise chanter may be a little difficult for a beginner to the woodwind instruments. However, the reed has an magnificent sound and is made of very high quality. In the professional world, most prefer to use Gibson reeds. However, I personally had a difficult time getting used to it, so I purchased another reed from the same seller. For me, the Warmac reed is a little bit requiring little effort to use, but that is completely personal preference.

Now, with all of that said, I’d highly suggest anybody contemplating learning the Great Highland Bagpipes to begin here. It’s an inexpensive way to find out if it’s in truth an instrument you would like to invest in.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
It helps to have an instructor!
By David McEldery
There is not one thing wrong with the Warmac exercise chanter or the reed. The reviewer who discussed switching reeds is plainly a welleducated piper with some experience who offers good advice. The person who received his exercise chanter wrapped in newspaper in all likelihood did get a applied instrument and is entitled to be unhappy, but don’t blame the maker, unless you got it from him that way. The tin whistle/recorder player will have to find a piping instructor. Playing a woodwind instrument may be challenging. Learning to play the pipes is best done with an instructor.

After Braveheart hit the silver screen, I received a call from an acquaintance who purchased a set of pipes made in Pakistan for less than $200. He and a friend were both self-taught musicians who could play pianos, guitars, mandolins, and a potpourri of whistles. They couldn’t get a sound of any kind to issue from their Paki pipes. They’d never heard of exercise chanters. I asked them a assortment of questions, and was told that they’d even shoved popsicle sticks into the drone reeds to open them up, and had tried to pry the chanter reed open. I suggested that they fetch the pipes over to my house and I’d see what I could do to get some sound out of them. I likewise offered my sentiment of bargain pipes made of questionable materials, mounted on leaky bags, and with dubious fit and finishing. Unfortunately, I had laughed out earsplitting when they told me when it comes to inserting popsicle sticks into the reeds, and apparently insulted the would-be pipers, because they never cast a shadow on my doorstep. I later heard that they considered themselves rather accomplished musicians, and what they took away from their experience with the Paki pipes is that bagpipes are an inferior instrument not worth the time to self-learn.

So my counsel to you do-it-yourselfers reading this review – FIND AN INSTRUCTOR! Your life will be so much having little impact and you’ll be playing “Scots Wha Hae” in no time at all! Also, if you can’t afford piping lessons, you probably can’t afford a set of pipes. If you can’t play well, what’s the point? It’s requiring little effort to learn to play the right way the introductory time than to discover you’ve taught yourself improperly and then have to unlearn your bad habits later.

0 of 0 humans found the following review helpful.
Quality Issues?
By Ed Vineyard
I purchased this product with high hopes but have been frustrated so far in my endeavors to master it. I have been unable to get any sort of suitable sound from it. It seemed to me that the fault was with the reed that came with it but when I emailed the company with my concern they replied (which was appreciated) that the reed looked incisively as it should. Frankly I am stumped as to what the problem is. I own both a recorder and and Irish Whistle and have had no problem getting the right sound from them. Anyway, hopefully your luck with this product will be better than mine.

See all 4 client reviews…