Q 01/05

To which family of instruments do bagpipes belong?

A) Strings

B) Woodwind

C) Percussion

D) Brass

Answer · why

B) Woodwind

Air blown into the bag feeds enclosed reeds, which is why organologists file them under aerophones.

Q 02/05

The word 'chanter' derives from the Latin cantare, meaning what?

A) To sing

B) To breathe

C) To pray

D) To march

Answer · why

A) To sing

It is the melody pipe, fingered with both hands while the drones hold a constant note.

Q 03/05

What is the job of a bagpipe drone?

A) To play the melody

B) To hold the pipes on the shoulder

C) To sound a constant harmonizing note

D) To pump air into the bag

Answer · why

C) To sound a constant harmonizing note

Most drones are cylindrical single-reed tubes pitched two octaves below the chanter's tonic.

Q 04/05

What are the sockets that fasten the pipes to the bag called?

A) Mounts

B) Ferrules

C) Stocks

D) Collars

Answer · why

C) Stocks

A set minimally needs an air supply, a bag, a chanter and usually at least one drone, all held in these sockets.

Q 05/05

How many drones does a modern Great Highland bagpipe have?

A) Two

B) Four

C) Three

D) One

Answer · why

C) Three

Two tenors and one bass, plus the chanter and blowpipe; that makes four reeds in all, every one hidden inside the stocks.

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