The Capital District is known for a number of things, but being home to one of the world’s finest pipe bands probably doesn’t come to mind first for most people.
The Albany based Oran Mor Pipe Band is ranked as the 14th best pipe band in world after the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, on Aug. 13. Andrew Douglas, a Schenectady resident, leads the bag pipers in the band and fellow Schenectady resident Eric McNeil is the drum sergeant. The 29 member band’s performance was featured on BBC Scotland and BBC’s website. Also, the band competed in the Grade 1 finals for the first time, which is the highest level.
“We do a lot of competitions, this is obviously the biggest one, it is definitely a thrill when the band is going well like it was this year,” said Pipe Major Andrew Douglas. “The bagpipes have a really amazing sounds, especially when it is played properly. I don’t think it is paralleled by any other instrument. It is a very expressive instrument that has a lot of potential for great music making.”
Also, while the band was in Scotland it finished second at both the North Berwick Highland Games and the Bridge of Allan Highland Games. Band members got the chance to play at the Piping Live Festival in George Square and at the National Piping Centre too.
“We’re competing with the best bands in the world, and doing so on their own turf,” said Douglas, a 26-year-old. “Our members combine strong fundamental skills with a dedication to spirited music-making. Each year, we take it to an even higher level, and I can see Oran Mor placing even higher in years to come.”
The band was founded in 1992 in Central New York, but since 1997 its operated out of the Capital District and practices at the Celtic Hall in Colonie. Douglas said the area is one of the better places to be for experienced and talented bagpipers.
“This is definitely one of the top spots (for a bagpiper),” he said. “I think it has to do with the fair degree of Scottish and Irish lineage, but also there is a lot of excellent bagpipers in the area that have taught students as well.”
During nice weather, he said the band practices in area parks. Even practicing at home isn’t an issue with “practice version” of the instrument, which he said isn’t too loud and could be used almost anywhere without disturbing others. Besides helping lead the band, Douglas also owns The Pipers Dojo in Colonie, which is a bagpipe shop. He said the “economy” bagpipes have a starting price around $1,200 and the more elaborate pipes approach $10,000.
“Bagpipes are pretty expensive … it is somewhat of an expensive hobby,” he said. “I think the key if you are interested in getting into is to find a good instructor that will teach you the fundamentals.”
To be a part of the band, he said, being able to play the pipes is a key requirement.
“There are a lot of pipe bands out there looking to get people into a kilt and get them out in parades,” he said.
Douglas started learning how to play the pipes when he was 8 years old and was taught by his father. His great grandfather came to the United States from Scotland in 1911, but he actually didn’t play the bagpipes. His grandfather did play though and started the family tradition spanning three generations.
“I remember sitting down with my dad at the dinner table and going over the lessons.”
