BAGPIPERS DEVELOP SKILL, PATRIOTISM
Trio happy to be associated with strange instrument
THREE corporals in the South African National Defence Force have climbed the ranks with the aid of an unconventional ally, the Scottish bagpipe.
The instrument led them to the steps of parliament where they performed at the opening of the institution yesterday. Elias Kholane, Thabiso Sethosa and Mogomotsi Cindi say the pipes have become almost a part of their bodies.
After finishing basic training in 2009 they asked to pursue a career in music and were sent to the South African Military Health Services (SAHMS) band.
Despite having backgrounds in various musical instruments there were only posts available for one instrument, the bagpipe. Their tuition began through a multiple skills development programme.
The African pipers only had six months to conquer a notoriously difficult instrument if they were to receive a permanent post at the band, but they succeeded.
“Now we are able to live through bagpipes, ” said Sethosa. The corporals play at private functions, military parades and concerts.
“We are professional musicians. We come into the unit every morning to learn music and play.”
Kholane said he thought the bagpipes were ridiculous at first.
“I had to spend the whole day blowing that thing, it felt like your head was being squashed,” he said.
“Now I can proudly say it ’ s something that is very close to my heart, and I enjoy playing it more than other instruments I played before.”
The players said they were drawn to the uniqueness of the sound and felt proud even though the bagpipes are not South African.
“I am the proudest person on earth,” said Cindi. “I love explaining the instrument and uniform to peo- ple when they see me on parade.”
Sethosa ’ s in-laws got a surprise when he arrived for his wedding in full Scottish regalia.
Their tutor, Staff Sergeant Liam O ’ Flaherty, said the success of the programme was entirely attributed to their discipline.