A Hundred Pipers — Bagpipe Sheet Music
Time Signature: 2/4 | Key: Two sharps (standard bagpipe key)
A Hundred Pipers (also known as A Hundred Pipers an' A') is a traditional Scottish march tune and song. It has a brisk, confident feel that makes it one of the classic tunes in the pipe band repertoire. It is a 32-bar march in AABB form.
Tune Structure
The tune has two sections (A and B), each 16 bars long, with each section typically repeated. The A section is lighter in character; the B section has a bolder, fuller sound.
Note Sequence Guide
The outline below shows the main note movement by section:
Section A: Low A B D E | E D B D | E High G E D | D E D B | D B Low A B | D E F High G | High A High G E D | D . Low A . | Section B: High A High G E D | E D E High G | High A . E D | B D E D | B D E High G | High A . High G E | D E D B | Low A . . . |
Tips for Learning This Tune
- This is a march, so keep a steady 2/4 pulse throughout. Every crotchet is one march step.
- The B section rises to High A, which requires good breath support. Make sure High A speaks clearly without over-blowing.
- Work on the Low A — B — D opening figure until it is clean, as it appears repeatedly throughout the A section.
- Strikes on Low A add definition in the A section. Add them only after the bare notes are secure.