Melvin Reeds

Does your pipe corps sound amazing... until the medley hits the strathspey or jig?

You're not alone.

Many bands start with a beautifully balanced chanter sound, only to lose it when the music becomes more demanding.

Often, it's not the reeds.

It's not the pipes.

It's the fight-or-flight response. Under pressure, many pipers unknowingly overblow, causing the chanter balance to disappear.

One of the best ways to identify this is by playing one-on-one with your Pipe Major through these tunes. Individual sessions make it much easier to spot overblowing and develop the ability to control their pressure from the first note to the last.

A great medley isn't just about starting well—it's about finishing with the same sound you started with.


https://wix.to/dDDq8

How often should I season a hide bag?

Only when it needs it.

Signs your bag may need seasoning:

• You can test the bag by blowing it up with corks in the stocks and count to 20 slowly. If you need to add half a breath in after the 20 seconds then you need to season the bag in order to improve the air retention.
• If the bag is feeling dry and gritty when you rub two parts of the bag together. When seasoned properly it should feel a little slick.
• If you're experiencing increased air loss with no obvious leaks.

Remember: The goal is an airtight bag, not a bag full of seasoning. Over-seasoning can create more problems than it solves.


https://wix.to/Fx4pduD