Resources: Instruments: Bodhrán
The bodhrán is a percussion instrument with uncertain origins (Africa or Asia) that came to Ireland hundreds of years ago. The bodhrán was used to keep time in war marches and in celebrations in various local festivals. Sometimes the instrument has also been a grain sifter or tray. In the 1960s, Sean O Riada introduced the instrument to audiences outside of Ireland in musical arrangements for Ceoltóirí Chualann and the Chieftains.In older instruments, green wood was bent into a rim that was reinforced by crossbars and covered with an animal goatskin, sheepskin, or greyhound skins. Modern instruments are made differently. And because the modern construction does not require the reinforcement of the cross bars, many newer instruments to not include them. In addition, modern bodhráns often have tuning screws that increase the tension of skin by pressing a ring into it and altering pitch that it produces.