Aughrim Slopes Céilí Band 1968

Nice clip of the Aughrim Slopes Ceili Band in 1968 can be found here on youtube. Not sure of the piccolo player's name. Nice example of how the piccolo really cuts through and floats above the rest of the band. Note the flute at the player's feet.

Special thanks to Lorenzo for heads up on the clip. I hadn't seen this one.

Rudall and Rose Eight Keyed F Piccolo

                Here is a photo of a cocus, silver, and, ivory piccolo in f. Note the tiny foot keys. This instrument once belonged to the late Andrew Kirby. I saved the photo many years ago. Not sure of the whereabouts now. I wonder if I'd be able to play it. I struggle with a piccolo in E and the blocks can get in the way. Still like to see this up close, though.

Basel Piccolos

       Simple system six keyed piccolos are also used in groups known as cliques as part of the per lent carnival known as Fastnacht. From what I have read the piccolos are a recent addition to the drum groups (1970s). I find it interesting how simple system pics were chosen rather than the Boehm.  Most players seem to be playing metal headed instruments with barrell or moustache embouchers.

      Here is a nice short little film with some information from Basel piccolo maker Erwin Oesch.

Son of Sam

           My new Murray piccolo has arrived today. It's a nice simple design with simple lines. I believe  it was made by Sean, Sam's son. It is  unlined, with integral wood rings, in blackwood. It is easy to play right off the bat. It is chunky and thick. Rather Sweet like in appearance. I've got to put it down or neighbours might have me killed. Must learn to tame it.

Piccolo Cylinder Recording 1897

Here is a link to what I'm assuming is the earliest recording of piccolo played in traditional music. The performer is George Schweinfest. There is a spoken introduction. Irish Reels.

Unusual Hudson C Piccolos (Band Flutes)

        While browsing the Edinburgh University Musical Instrument Collection I came across two instruments pitched in C (in folk terms) made by John Hudson. These may be more properly called band flutes while piccolo is reserved for instruments D and above. Nomenclature aside they are the same instrument pitched lower. By non folk nomenclature they are Bb instruments in that fingered c plays a Bb.
         John Hudson made the earliest flutes named after English flute virtuoso Robert Sydney Pratten. Pratten flutes are highly sought after for Irish music.

What is interesting is that one of these instruments is is eight keyed going down to Bb if the notes are correct, here

The second is keyless with no evidence of a missing Eb. I would think this is unusual for a conical flute in C at this time.

I would be delighted to find an antique C pitched piccolo. I have a lot of time for my Bb band flutes.

New England Contradance Piccolo

         This piccolo/ flute set is for sale David and Nina Shorey Antique and Handmade flutes in the US. The flute is a lovely Euler with block mounted keys and low B foot. The piccolo is an original Meyer. What is  interesting is that this well worn little piccolo was used to play for contra dances in New Hampshire in the 1880s.

From the website:
     Condition: This flute (and the accompanying piccolo) have seen many good times in the hands of Mr. L. J. Dean of Peterborough, N.H. (U.S.A.). Evidence of this is seen in the repaired headjoint cracks, the mark of a long fingernail on the C# hole, a small socket crack on the lower joint, and the wear of usage on the tone holes (especially on the piccolo). Nonetheless the flute itself is in fine usable condition. The piccolo is so heavily worn from use at the tone holes that one suspects Mr. Dean's piccolo technique to have been very well rehearsed. The accompanying tune book of 16 manuscript contra dance tunes, marked "Piccolo/L. J. Dean", with the heavily worn piccolo, show not only that the instrumentation at the contra dances has not changed to this day, but the traditional tunes are still in use today. The dances of New England are one of the few venues that have not changed over the years; here in Maine (in 1980) we enjoy one player using an 1832 system Badger, one playing a Meachum of Albany 4 keyed flute, several with English romantic 8 keyed flutes, and keyed piccolos of various nationalities.

With the set is a tune book marked "piccolo"  and the original owners name.
From the website:

Mr. Louis J. Dean was a shoemaker in Peterborough, N.H. from Oct. 1881. His manuscript tune book includes 16 contra-dance tunes, including Money Musk in A, Hulls Victory in F, College Hornpipe in Bb, and Widow Bedott Reel in E. Clearly Mr. Dean was an accomplished piccoloist, and the wear on the tone holes of his piccolo attest to this.

Dean must have been accomplished enough to play outside the "normal keys" of traditional players. It's nice to see evidence of flute playing in contra dance prior to revivalists. I've not played a Meyer piccolo but the original Meyer flute I am acquainted with plays very well with a very unique feel and response for traditional music.