David Shackelford – Bagpiper
BIO
I’ve been a musician for most of my life, beginning on brass and stringed instruments, and began the journey of pipery in 1995. Now a few decades later, I’m a professional bagpiper and I have performed solo as well as with Austin’s oldest pipe and drum band at numerous venues and events. Take a look around the site, and thank you for coming.
THE GREAT HIGHLAND BAGPIPES
I do have to say that this can be one of the most temperamental instruments ever created… it’s surprising that it was imagined by primitive man. Pipes are sometimes called “one of the hardest instruments to learn” – mostly because they do fight back.
In all these hundreds of years since their creation, music from the Highland pipes has become steeped in history and tradition. At one time the Great Highland Pipes were outlawed but now most people love them. Now, you will rarely someone who dislikes them, which I believe is a genetic thing .
Their widespread appeal allows that whether it’s an inspiring and uplifting tune for a party, or a somber memory for end of life ceremonies, the pipes can fit right in.
I have a commitment to play music from the heart. I have embraced the traditional music of the Scottish highlands, while welcoming new or contemporary adaptations of non traditional music as well.