New collection of short films celebrate the music and dance of Ulster-Scots
Date Posted: April 16, 2021
A series of short films about Ulster Lambeg drumming and fifing traditions, The Music and Dance of Ulster-Scots, is in production. The first video is available online at ‘Dirigo’ – The Maine Lambeg Drum.
Produced by Third Street Studios, the films were made with the support of the Ulster-Scots Agency and Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund (USBF).
The films include aspects of Lambeg and fifing history and tradition as well as tutorials on playing the Lambeg.
The Lambeg drum is unique to Ulster and is an important aspect of our Ulster-Scots music tradition and identity. It is one of the largest (and loudest) percussion instruments in the world and its distinctive sound has attracted musicians beyond Ulster. Kate Bush commissioned her own Lambeg drum Cloudbuster which featured on the hit Running Up That Hill and other songs and Dame Evelyn Glennie, world renowned percussionist has a Lambeg drum as part of her collection.
The first short film in the series is Dirigo – The Maine Drum. To celebrate the State of Maine’s bicentennial in 2020 and in recognition of the close partnership between the Ulster-Scots Agency and Maine Ulster-Scots Project, a Lambeg drum was commissioned. Keeping with the tradition of naming Lambeg drums, the ‘Maine Drum’ is named ‘Dirigo’ (‘I Lead’), the motto of the State of Maine.
‘Dirigo’ was painted by Richill-based drum painter and champion drummer Andy Young and includes images that celebrate the shared history and links between Maine and Ulster.
Other films in the series will include The Heartbeat of Ulster which features aspects of the Lambeg drumming community and one on the construction of this unique instrument. There will also be tutorial videos on an introduction to playing the Lambeg. The films are due to be launched in the coming weeks.
Richard Hanna, Director of Education and Language at the Ulster-Scots Agency, commented: ‘Dirigo – The Maine Drum’ is an exciting project and one which will help promote one of the most iconic instruments of Ulster which is so important in our Ulster-Scots music tradition and our cultural identity.”
Richard Williams, CEO of Northern Ireland Screen, added: “We are very excited about this new series of short films showcasing the story behind Lambeg drumming and how communities embrace the instrument to celebrate their history and culture. Promoting the development of digital content like this is a priority for our Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund and we look forward to this medium growing and complementing the excellent content already being produced for broadcast on terrestrial television.”
