Capt. Daniell’s Pipers enhance DI Library repertoire

Take note! 

 

The sound of music is among the many offerings at the Berkeley County Library on Daniel Island. Not the film version starring Julie Andrews, although you may be able to find it there, but real music on real instruments that you can enjoy live and in person. 

 

Every Tuesday, from 2 to 3 p.m., Captain Daniell’s Pipers take center stage in the library community room to practice on their recorders. Named for Daniel Island’s namesake, Robert Daniell, the group has been churning out melodies at the library each week for several years now. The ensemble, which is open to all skill levels, started under the expert guidance of the late Hillyer Rudisill, who also led a popular philosophy class at the library.

 

“If there is a recorder player in Charleston, that recorder player probably knows Hillyer, and probably played in a group that Hillyer started,” said Dick Foreman, the current leader of Captain Daniell’s Pipers. “He started groups all over town and many of those groups are still going and still going strong.”

 

According to Daniel Island Library Branch Manager Tim Boyle, Rudisill had a deep fascination and interest in the history of Western civilization. 

 

“He had a lot of experience in musicianship and he was into the recorders,” noted Boyle. “He had a number of antique ones and odd shaped big bass recorders...And so he would talk about those in terms of music history…I think (Captain Daniell’s Pipers) grew out as an offshoot of, from our perspective, what he was already doing with the philosophy class. This is just like one more aspect of Western civilization.”

 

Rudisill started the group first at the Mount Pleasant Senior Center and later moved it to Daniel Island. Foreman, and his fellow Pipers, Anne Nietert, Claire Law and Susan Walker, are among the regular participants. 

 

“We don’t claim to be very good!” said Foreman with a laugh. “…We’re playing for the fun of it! We don’t mind a bit if you don’t have experience. We accept people at whatever level they come in with.”

 

The origins of the recorder, known as the precursor to the flute, date back to the Baroque period in the Middle Ages (500-1500). Played like a whistle, it has eight finger holes and is one of the best instruments for beginners to try, said Foreman.

 

“It plays real music, it’s inexpensive, and it’s easy to learn,” he added, who also plays the tuba. “Anybody can pick it up and play quickly and for your own enjoyment.”

 

“The instrument is both simple and challenging,” Law said. “It doesn’t have reeds or keys, so in effect, it’s the most natural instrument, if primitive, because the breath and fingers do all the work.”

 

In addition to weekly practices, the group also performs in the community – playing for residents at Wellmore and The Oaks on Daniel Island. And in April they were invited to entertain guests at an event hosted by the Daniel Island Historical Society in celebration of Robert Daniell’s 375th birthday.

 

“That was our target audience!” exclaimed Foreman, describing the DIHS performance. “It was extremely meaningful.”

 

Nietert is part of the Pipers on Daniel Island, but also other recorder groups, like the “Olde Pipes” on James Island. She believes playing concerts for seniors, particularly those impacted by Alzheimer’s, is beneficial to all who take part. 

 

“I feel like that’s real important,” she said. “It’s not only important for us, but it’s a great gift to them.”

 

When it comes to the personal benefits of playing the recorder, both Nietert and Law are quick to sing the instrument’s praises.

 

“I work hard at it,” Nietert said. “And it gives me something to focus on…I’m convinced it’s very good for my brain.”

 

“It keeps your mind sharp because you’re concentrating on your notes while keeping the beat with the other players,” Law added. “We welcome others to join us. It’s very satisfying to play in rhythm with other Pipers.”

 

And Boyle is equally thankful the group has chosen to call the Daniel Island Library home.

 

“These groups that we have that meet regularly, whether it’s the Tai Chi ladies coming in and doing their exercises, the bridge players, the Pipers…there is a real social connection to be made at the library. We like to think of ourselves as more than just a blockbuster for books. We try to be a bit of a social hub and so we’re glad that these folks establish a relationship that’s ongoing for years and years here. They’re part of the library experience on Daniel Island, as much as the books are!”

 

For more information on Captain Daniell’s Pipers, contact the library at 843-471-2952.