The Bagpipe Society

Call for Papers - International Bagpipe Conference

The fifth International Bagpipe Conference will be take place between the

13th and 15th March 2020 at Harvard University, Boston, USA, Call for Papers: Bagpipes and Diaspora.

Abstract submission deadline: 15 September 2019
Abstract acceptance notification: 15 October 2019.
Abstract length: 250 words
Contact: internationalbagpipeorg@gmail.com
Website: www.internationalbagpipeorganisation.com

The IBO warmly invites you to participate in the Fifth International

Bagpipe Conference (IBC) to mark International Bagpipe Day 2020 (10 March), a celebration of the world’s diverse bagpipes and bagpiping traditions. The conference will spread over three days, starting on Friday evening with an opening concert and ending on Sunday afternoon. The conference will be held over a range of venues in Boston, USA. The Friday evening concert and the Saturday conference will be held at Harvard University. Social events on Saturday evening and Sunday all day will be held in Boston.

The conference is a productive and welcoming platform for all people interested in the study of bagpipes: musicologists, ethnomusicologists, music experts, instrument makers, folk musicians, dancers and music lovers. This event is an exciting interdisciplinary opportunity to debate various questions relating to the study of bagpipes both today and historically. All are welcome, whether you choose to present or simply listen and enjoy the atmosphere. The IBCs are friendly events, open to all, promoting bagpipes from all around the world.

In 2020, we will take the conference to the United States where we will explore bagpipes in diasporic communities. Indeed, in line with the anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower and the founding of Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, we will be looking at how pipers from around the world have spread their customs and music all around the world, helping sustain communities or forging new identities far away from home. Presenters from the U.S. and from the rest of the world are welcome to present on themes directly linked to bagpipes.

Papers touching on topics linked to migration, identity, community and diaspora, both within the U.S. and in the rest of the world are specifically welcome. Papers touching on other themes such as organology, playing techniques, ornamentation, history, iconography, instrument making, recordings, archiving, collecting, composing will also be considered.

Interested participants are to submit a paper title, an abstract of no more than 250 words complete with an institutional affiliation or profession and contact details by 15 September 2019 to internationalbagpipeorg@gmail.com.

Due to a large amount of applications the previous years, abstracts from people who are applying for the first time or who did not present in 2018 will be prioritised. This is to encourage a wider scope of presenters. We do, however, encourage everyone to attend the conference, regardless of whether you are presenting or not. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 October 2019.

Programme Committee: Dr Panayiotis League (Florida), Roger Landes (Texas Tech University), Dr Cassandre Balosso-Bardin (University of Lincoln, UK). For more information or details about past conferences, including abstracts of past papers, please visit the website.