University of Virginia Library

Fingering Technique

Zissell first practiced
fingering technique on the
chanter, an instrument similar
to but quieter than the oboe
Next he graduated to playing
the bagpipes, which are much
louder.

A little-known ingredient in
the leather bag of the bagpipes
is bee's honey. "It makes the
tone sweeter and keeps the
leather in good condition,"
Zissell commented. He has
found that "the bagpipes have
their own technical difficulties,
as do any instrument.
Maintenance is the biggest
problem.

"The place for bagpipes,"
he continued, "is obviously in
Scott Stadium. We'll get a
group of pipers together to
play at football games when
the other team has the ball,
thus provoking a fumble."

Actually, this idea is pretty
feasible when you learn that
there are other pipers on the
Grounds, in various learning
stages. The only real difficulty
in forming a University bagpipe
band is in supplying all
members with the same brand
of pipe and reed, perhaps an
expensive project.