New video series explores Ulster-Scots music traditions
Date Posted: July 14, 2021
Often described as the ‘Heartbeat of Ulster’, the Lambeg Drum is a unique instrument. With its distinctive sound and unmistakable presence, it plays an important role within the musical and Ulster-Scots community in Ulster, and these qualities – and more – are highlighted in a new series of videos.
Produced by Third Street Studios in partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency, and with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, Ulster-Scots Music Traditions looks at the history and culture of the Lambeg Drum and Fife.
From the evolution of the Lambeg drum in Ulster and the memories of those growing up surrounded by the instrument and its music, to the skilled artisan craftsmen who hand-craft and paint each drum using traditional methods handed down over generations, the series explores the importance of the instrument in Ulster-Scots communities.
There are six videos; ‘The Heartbeat of Ulster’, ‘History of the Big Drum’, ‘Handmade in Ulster’, ‘The Science of the Lambeg Drum’, ‘Drumming and Dancing’, and ‘Learning to play the Lambeg Drum’.
In this instalment, ‘The Heartbeat of Ulster’, members of the Ulster-Scots and drumming community discuss the Lambeg (and its traditional accompaniment, the Fife), and what the instruments mean to them. For example, Jasmine Cullen reveals how she was first introduced to drumming two years ago, while Dr Diana Culbertson shares her memories of growing up with the sound of the drums every year in the lead up to The Twelfth, and her hopes that these traditions and connections will continue to be handed down through the generations.
Also featured is Alfie Magill who explains the intricacies of the Lambeg which help to give its unique sound, as experienced drummers William Grafton and Andy Young discuss the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that go hand-in-hand with drumming competitions.
The above videos follow the release of ‘Dirigo – The Maine Drum’ and ‘The Giant of Percussion with Dame Evelyn Glennie’ which were released earlier this year. These videos can be viewed via the Ulster-Scots Agency’s YouTube channel here.
