Robert Burns, the famous poet of Scotland, was born on 25th January — a date synonymous with Burns Night. I celebrate this day by sharing my compilation of two videos and two audio recordings made on Maui, where I heard the Isle of Maui Pipe & Drum Band on a warm tropical winter evening.
The last tune I heard played by the bagpipers on Maui was this one. As I didn’t know the title, I sent an e-mail blast to my ukulele mailing list. Three respondents replied and informed me. It’s “Scotland the Brave” the unofficial anthem of Scotland. Now that I know the name, I can probably extend my arrangement to include the entire tune when I have time.
It makes an interesting tune for both low G and high G uklueles. It’s also a good tune for a study in modulation, which not only lengthens the duration of the piece but also makes it more interesting because it changes in pitch.
The tune can easily be accompanied by three chords.
There are many ways to modulate from one key to another. Use a pivot chord that contains the note which changes the key signature. Use passing notes to get to the modulated new note.
By the “Maui bagpipers” I am referring to the bagpipe players and drummers who formed a circle outside a building that was close to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Mall in Kahului, on the island of Maui. I heard the distinct sound while walking with my mother after dinner.
I recorded one of their pieces here. Apparently there are two songs: The Barren Rocks of Aden. The Brown Haired Maiden.
There are only two occasions in the year that we sing and play “Auld Lang Syne” — New Year’s Eve or around that time AND on Robert Burns’ birthday.