I was over at Stormont Parliament Buildings on Saturday past to hopefully film 12 locally owned DMC DeLoreaans that were due to pay a quick visit, on their way to Portrush. I hadn't expected to get the added bonus of stumbling across the largest ever world gathering of Lambeg Drums! The big drums were there to celebrate the centenary of the founding of Northern Ireland! One of the drummers told me there were at least 150 drums were registered for the event. It was titled, 'Drums for Ulster'.
The gathering was organised by the Ulster-Scots Agency in partnership with Northern Ireland’s five Lambeg Drumming Associations and drummers of all ages and levels of ability from all parts of the country. The celebration also saw the dedication of a suite of eight new Centenary Drums commissioned by the Ulster-Scots Agency.
“Each drum depicts a significant person and building associated with the foundation of Northern Ireland with an emphasis on those from the Ulster-Scots community.” said Ian Crozier chief executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency. He added that "The Lambeg drum is the only musical instrument that is unique to Northern Ireland so we thought it was fitting that in this centenary year that should feature prominently.'
The Lambeg Drum
The Lambeg drum is a large drum, beaten with curved malacca canes. It is used primarily in Northern Ireland by Unionists and the Orange Order traditionally in street parades held in the summer, particularly on and around 12 July ("The Twelfth"). The weight of the drum means that it had been replaced with smaller replicas for most parades, but the full-sized instrument has started to reappear in recent years - usually on floats. Interestingly it is also used by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, having historical significance for parts of the nationalist community! I certainly wasn't aware of this!
Characteristics
The Lambeg drum is, together with the bagpipe, one of the loudest acoustic instruments in the world, frequently reaching over 120 dB. It measures approximately 3 feet 1⁄4 inch (92.1 cm) in diameter and 2 feet (61 cm) deep, and weighs 35-40 pounds (16-18 kg). Usually it is carried by the drummer while marching, using a neck harness.
The name comes from the village of Lambeg, County Antrim, which is situated ten miles southwest of Belfast and two miles from Lisburn. Tradition has it, that it was in the Lambeg area that the instrument was first played with canes. The drum is sometimes also called "tibbies", "slashers", or "killymans".
Origin
The origin of the Lambeg is unclear. It is commonly believed to have come to Ulster with English settlers in the early-mid-17th century. Other accounts state it came to Ireland with the Duke of Schomberg's men of the army of William of Orange during the Williamite war. Having its roots in the 17th century European military instruments it was originally smaller. Traditionally it was accompanied by the shrill fife, a small transverse flute similar to the piccolo.
Construction
The Lambeg drum's shell is generally made of oak. Lambeg drum heads are goat skins, they are very thin and strong, and of even thickness and consistency all over as far as possible. A Lambeg skin will also receive "special" treatment that is a secret to each maker. Because of their qualities they are also sometimes used for smaller drums such as bodhráns.
The Lambegs are different from other large drums in the quality of their tone. The thin heads are pulled tighter and tighter until the tone is bright and hard. There are no mechanical screws on the drums. The heads are held on with a wooden rim and, traditionally, linen ropes.
PS
My wee channel is not here to offer a debating forum as to what people might think of Northern Ireland or the formtion of Northern Ireland. So if folk want to make any kind of one-sided comment aimed at provoking an argument with those who think differently, then they have arrived at the wrong channel. I will delete their comment. I hope it will not come to that.
I have friends from Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Islamic or no religious backgrounds/traditions. I am happy to be treated as their friend too. Even though I have next to no musical ability I love all sorts of music and can appreciate the amazing talent/ability/skill to play any many musical instruments well. The Lambeg drum is an amazing instrument.