THE CLAN PIPERS
As one of the best-known pipe bands in Germany and continental Europe, we have been playing gigs at home and abroad for nearly 50 years. And for almost as many years we have been travelling to pipe band competitions in Germany, continental Europe and Scotland.
Our dress is the uniform commonly worn by civilian and military pipe bands in Scotland. We have our very own Clan Pipers tartan which is registered with the official Tartan Register in Scotland.
We aim to perform authentic pipe band music at a high level. For our players we provide group and individual tuition not only within the band but also with external teachers and at our band workshops. The latter are often held by experienced teachers from Scotland or other piping hotspots.
We also know how to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of our labours. Above all we love it when audiences enjoy our music and you remember us for a great performance.
MUSICAL LEADERSHIP
Thomas Wandt
Pipe Major AND BAND PRESIDENT
Florian Spamer
Drum Sergeant
Markus Arndt
Leader Mid-Section
Our pipe corps, led by Thomas Wandt, is responsible for the melodic interpretation of our music. We continually expand and rearrange our repertoire so that it remains attractive and interesting. As bagpipes have a constant sound level output, there is no way of catering for dynamics. We achieve expression in our music through phrasing, intricate grace notes and harmonics. We perform marches as well as dances such as strathspeys, reels and jigs, and of course slow airs. Much loved tunes such as “Scotland the Brave”, “Amazing Grace” and “Highland Cathedral” are a mainstay of our repertoire for public performances and private gigs.
The Scottish side or snare drum is a key component of a pipe band. Experienced percussionists quickly realize the challenging technique required to play the intricate rhythms our drummers perform on the tightly tensioned drum heads. While playing, the corps will, for each part of a tune, pick up the phrasing previously played by our leading drummer Florian and will support the pipe corps through pulsing rhythms often played in counterpoint to the melody played by the pipes.
The centre piece of our mid-section is the large bass drum, played by mid-section leader Markus Arndt. With its deep, sonorous sound, the bass drum is key to keeping time and supports us both on and off the beat. Our tenor drummers form the bridge between bass and snare drums. They pick up further detail from the music, supporting us rhythmically and building further dynamics. Through their playing and impressive flourishes they provide both a tonal and a visual support to our music.
OUR SUCCESSES
The Clan Pipers started competing soon after being founded in 1974. As an ambitious competing pipe band we pay particular attention to our competition repertoire and performances. From our competing players we expect dedicated band work as well as practice at home. For more than four decades the Clan Pipers have been regulars at many competition venues. We do not always succeed in making it to the top, but every competition helps us to be a better band. Below is an overview of our successes:
OUR PARTNERS
