March means many things … including St. Patrick’s Day! Increase Miller Elementary students enjoyed the sights and sounds of Celtic culture with a visit from two bagpipe players—Increase Miller dad Andrew O’Donnell, who plays with the New York Metro Pipe Band, and Peter Butler, who plays for the Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester.
The students learned about the ancient roots of the bagpipes—they originated in the Middle East—as well as how the instrument works. Third graders loved learning that bagpipes use similar finger positioning to recorders, which they are learning right now!
Best of all, the musicians filled the school's big space with the unique, surround-sound of bagpipes—from upbeat jigs to slower laments.
Students’ questions included several about what the visitors were wearing. They learned that the little pouches that hang from the bagpipers’ waists are called sporrans. They are used to carry personal belongings because kilts do not have pockets!
Thank you to the IMES PTO for arranging for this cultural celebration!