General News: 5th Graders Get St. Patrick's Treat
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| Bernard Prior played the bagpipes |
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| Students sketched Prior while he played. |
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March 14, 2008
By G. Dianis, CCMS Art Teacher
Fifth graders in art and music classes at Cornwall middle school during the spring semester had the fortunate opportunity to listen to the talents of a special guest and hear a little bit about Irish and Scottish history this week.
Our very own Mr. Bernard Prior, a guidance counselor at the middle school, is a member of the Kerry Piper Band. Each year his bagpipe band marches in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as participates in competitions throughout the region.
Each March, Mr. Prior shares his skill in playing the bagpipes with our fifth graders. He plays a variety of music as they listen and try to name familiar tunes such as Amazing Grace and the Marines Hymn.
In between playing, he provides information about the different parts of the instrument, what materials it is made of, how it is related to the family of “reed” instruments and the purpose of the bag, including the use of cat litter to absorb moisture.
Mr. Prior also shares facts about the traditional costume of bagpipers, including the fact that the kilt has 8 yards of fabric that needs to be lined up perfectly so the plaid is seen clearly throughout. Students also learn that each clan has a different pattern, or tartan.
Art students use this opportunity to work on their skill in figure drawing and, using their sketchbooks, create visual interpretations of Mr. Prior playing the bagpipes, dressed in traditional clothing. Music students are asked to write five musical facts about the bagpipes in their notebooks and share their facts during the next class.
The event provides a great opportunity to open students’ minds to the wonderful history and traditions of Ireland and Scotland.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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