British Columbia Uilleann Pipers' Society (BCUPS)

The first meeting of the British Columbia Uilleann Pipers' Society (BCUPS), Langley, British Columbia, September 1999

The uilleann pipes are the traditional bellows-blown bagpipes of Ireland. Here in British Columbia, BCUPS brings together uilleann pipers and people interested in this remarkable instrument. Renowned for their rich tone, expressive range, and musical subtlety, the pipes are played seated and powered by a small bellows strapped to the player's arm.

The name "uilleann" is associated with the Irish word for elbow, reflecting the use of the elbow-operated bellows that power the instrument. The exact origin of the term remains a matter of discussion among scholars and pipers. The instrument consists of bellows, a bag, chanter, drones, and regulators, which together allow the piper to play melody, harmony, and rhythm simultaneously.

Often regarded as one of the most sophisticated forms of bagpipes in the world, the Uilleann pipes are central to Irish traditional music and are capable of great emotional depth—from lively dance tunes to slow airs filled with expression and ornamentation. Their distinctive voice has shaped the sound of Irish music for centuries and continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world today.

About BCUPS

Established in 1999, the British Columbia Uilleann Pipers' Society (BCUPS) connects uilleann pipers and people interested in uilleann piping throughout British Columbia. We are dedicated to supporting the study, preservation, and performance of the Irish uilleann pipes and to helping connect pipers across the province.

BCUPS brings people together through informal gatherings, workshops, piping events, and the sharing of knowledge and experience. Players of all levels are welcome, from experienced pipers to those who are simply curious about the instrument and would like to learn more.

UNESCO & Intangible Heritage

Uilleann piping, often referred to as "The Sound of Ireland," was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2017.

Events

BCUPS gatherings are informal and take place from time to time as opportunities arise. They give uilleann pipers and anyone interested in the instrument a chance to meet, play tunes, exchange ideas, and enjoy the company of other pipers.

Players of all levels are welcome, including those who are just beginning. If you're curious about the uilleann pipes but don't yet own an instrument, you're welcome too.

International Uilleann Piping Day 2026

Saturday, November 7, 2026

BCUPS will be taking part in International Uilleann Piping Day 2026, joining pipers around the world in celebrating the uilleann pipes.

Location and time to be announced.

Interested in joining us? Get in touch and we'll keep you posted as the details are finalized.

Getting Started with the Uilleann Pipes

Interested in learning the uilleann pipes? You don't need to begin with a full set of pipes — and you don't need to figure everything out on your own.

Most new players begin with a practice set, consisting of a chanter, bag and bellows. A practice set allows you to learn the fingering, ornamentation and bellows technique of uilleann piping without the added complexity and expense of drones and regulators.

Uilleann pipe practice set with chanter, bag and bellows
A Robert Moore uilleann pipe practice set — chanter, bag and bellows.

Your First Set of Pipes

Unlike many musical instruments, uilleann pipes aren't something you're likely to find at your local music store. They are generally made by specialist pipemakers, and choosing your first instrument can be confusing.

Quality, availability and price vary considerably, and a good instrument is especially important when you're learning.

Before purchasing a set, we encourage new players in British Columbia to contact BCUPS. Our members can help explain the different options, suggest what to look for and help you avoid some of the pitfalls of buying your first set of pipes.

BCUPS Pipes-for-Loan Program

You may not need to buy a set at all to get started.

The BCUPS Pipes-for-Loan Program maintains practice sets specifically for loan to beginning pipers. The program gives people an opportunity to learn the instrument and discover whether uilleann piping is for them before making the considerable investment involved in purchasing their own pipes.

Borrowing a BCUPS practice set also connects you with other pipers who can help you get the instrument set up properly, answer questions and help you through those important first stages of learning.

Learning the Pipes

The uilleann pipes have a reputation for being a difficult instrument, but you don't have to learn everything at once.

In the beginning, the goals are straightforward:

Having an experienced piper nearby can make a tremendous difference. Small problems with reeds, pressure or technique that can be frustrating for a beginner are often easily recognized and corrected by someone who already plays.

Come and Meet Us

Perhaps the best way to get started is simply to come and meet some pipers.

You don't need to own an instrument, and you certainly don't need to know anything about playing one.

Come to a BCUPS gathering, see and hear the pipes up close, ask questions and find out what getting started involves.

If you're interested in learning the uilleann pipes in British Columbia, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Resources

The British Columbia Uilleann Pipers' Society is pleased to share these resources with pipers, musicians, and anyone interested in learning more about the uilleann pipes and Irish traditional music.

Uilleann Piping Organizations

Contact the Society

Interested in learning more about uilleann piping, joining the Society, or finding out about our Pipes-for-Loan Program? We'd love to hear from you.

Email: bc_ups@hotmail.com