On August 2, Wanda Goundrey is going to blow into her bagpipes with pleasure. The Huntingdon resident, a member of the Elgin & District Pipes and Drums corps, has been chosen to be part of the group that will play at the Highland Games in Monreal that day.
«We are only six or seven bagpipe groups in Quebec, » Goundrey explains. « It’s important to play in order to perpetuate this tradition that is anchored in Scottish roots. We must keep this art alive. »
Of Scottish origin, it goes without saying that Wanda is interested in this instrument. She played it for the first time at the end of the 1960s. « It takes about seven years in order to master it properly, » she says. « One must have good coordination between blowing into the instrument while pressing the bag hard. One must also memorize the music, »
Practising the bagpipes leaves one out of breath, however. Few youths get interested in this art, so that the musical ensemble from Elgin depends on six U.S. residents who cross the border to play with them.
The group participates in numerous events. At the Ormstown Fair, all the groups of that type were present. The Elgin & District Pipes and Drums are going to give seven or eight concerts this summer.
With her instrument, she will be part of a massive musical ensemble that will play traditional tunes at the opening and closing of the Highland Games. « There will be a survey from among the musicians, but we’ll play standard tunes that everybody knows, » said Goundrey about the songs that will be interpreted.
The Monreal Highland Games are a festive event with Celtic music, traditional dance and competitions such as caber toss, hammer throw and sheaf toss. For its 38th edition, which will take place in Verdun, the Prince Charles Pipe Band orchestra from San Francisco will be present.
Montreal Highland Games
The Montreal Highland Games exist since 1976 and drew their inspiration from the Caledonian Games which were held from 1856 to 1973. During the past 38 years, the Montreal Highland Games are counted among the most seen events of Scottish games on the North American circuit.
