From September 2nd to 6th, 2024, young students from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro participated in an immersive and hands-on workshop dedicated to the art and history of bagpipe making. Organized by Aulico Academy in the historic village of San Polo Matese, Molise, the workshop offered a deep dive into traditional craftsmanship, led by the esteemed Maestro Piero Ricci.

The training sessions focused on the technical and artisanal aspects of bagpipe construction, where students explored the intricate process of building this unique instrument. One of the highlights was the visit to San Polo Matese, one of Italy’s two most important centers for bagpipe craftsmanship, alongside Scapoli. Here, students toured the newly opened “Officina della Zampogna,” a hub for preserving and promoting local bagpipe traditions. The Mayor, council members, and regional councilor Armandino D'Egidio warmly welcomed the group. At the Officina, the students enjoyed a welcome concert by the Zampognari del Matese association and introduced the Aulico laboratory and the ENTAIL project. Under the guidance of Maestro Ricci and local artisan Franco Sacco, students crafted their first piece of a bagpipe—the bell of the “ritta”—using the lathe.

Later, the group visited Scapoli, nestled in the Mainarde mountains, another key location in the history of bagpipes. They were warmly received by the deputy mayor and municipal council. At the Town Hall, students attended a remarkable bagpipe concert by young virtuoso Christian Di Fiore, who played an instrument built by Maestro Ricci. Councilor Stefano Izzi provided a technical lesson, guiding students through the timbral and structural differences between various bagpipes. This was further enhanced by multimedia installations at the Bagpipe Museum, which allowed students to experience the sounds of local and international instruments from the bagpipe family.

The workshop concluded with a final technical session, where students selected and prepared the bag for their bagpipes, refining the parts they had crafted throughout the week. In the afternoon, the students assembled their bagpipes, marking the culmination of their hands-on learning experience. The week ended with a special ceremony where students received certificates of participation, celebrating their hard work and new skills.

This workshop was not just a chance to learn traditional craftsmanship but also an inspiring journey into the rich cultural heritage of the bagpipe. Students left with new skills, a deeper appreciation for this iconic instrument, and memories to last a lifetime.

Watch the video review here.

This week of learning, music, and cultural exchange was a resounding success, and we look forward to many more such enriching experiences!