Did you know that bagpipes are among the oldest known musical instruments and forms of the instrument can be found in many countries? The LSHoF hosted a full house for Saturday’s “A visit with the bagpipe” presentation, Saturday July 11 at the museum. NSU Art professor, musician and piper Collier Hyams was joined by his wife, fellow piper, and Scottish Dance instructor Susan Hyams, in presenting the history, function and background of the Highland bagpipe and its cousins from around the world. The Thistle Dancers also demonstrated Scottish dances for the audience.

The audience then got to try out their musical abilities with chanters and finally with an actual set of bagpipes. Parish councilman Wayne Halm was the first of several audience members to try their hand at piping. As Collier Hyams said during his presentation, “Bagpipes don’t have a volume control.”

The Thistle Dancers will also be performing at the upcoming NSU Folklife Festival to be held at NSU’s Prather Coliseum Saturday, July 18.

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