Following in the marching footsteps of her two older brothers, 12-year-old Leeya De Villiers began to learn to play the bagpipes about four years ago. After a lot of practice and dedication, she recently took first and second place in her first competition.
The competition, held by the BC Pipers’ Association (BCPA) in November of this year, took place online due to COVID-19. However, Leeya’s parents made a video of her playing the bagpipes, then submitted it for review by the BCPA Online Mini-Gathering judges. Leeya placed first in the slow air competition and second in the 2/4 march competition. Her next competition is coming up in February.
It takes some time to learn to play the bagpipes. Beginners start off using a practice chanter, which is significantly quieter than bagpipes and allows beginners to start to learn proper breathing and finger techniques.
“Your teacher lets you know when you’re ready to move on to the full bagpipes,” said Leeya, explaining that it takes some coordination and practice to learn to squeeze with consistent pressure.
“The hardest part is memorizing the tunes, and getting the strength for squeezing. But my favourite part is using my fingers for the notes,” she added. “I moved from the practice chanter to the bagpipes when I was 10 or 10 and a half.”
Leeya said she practices in the garage of their home in Paradise Valley. The bagpipes are quite loud when played inside the house, but Leeya explained that the family can’t hear her from the garage.
“I practise pretty much every day,” she added.
Leeya is a member of the Powell River Clansman Pipe Band, as were her brothers, who are now ages 17 and 18. Leeya’s teacher, Ian Richmond, also taught her older brothers, Aidan and Steffan De Villiers. Leeya’s brother, Francois, also currently drums with the band.
“We’re so lucky to have him here in Powell River,” said Ingrid De Villiers, Leeya’s mother. “We’re hoping he’s not going to retire too soon.”
In addition to competitions, Leeya also performs with the band at events. Last August, they performed at the Campbell River Highland Gathering.
“My favourite songs to play are ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘The Rowan Tree,’” said Leeya, who had played both the piano and violin in the past, and plans to continue progressing with the bagpipes.
