Performing at school

[beloitpiper]

So I've been asked to play bagpipes at a local middle school, which I agreed to do. My question is this: should I wear a sgian dubh or not?

[switchblade5984]

id say no....

[souzaphone711]

I would tell you that the definitive answer you would get from the administration is no. It's a public school and they may not be specifically outlined in the rules but sheath knives are as well as knives of any length save plastic.

however, if it is one of those false ones that appears to be real but in fact has no metal blade you might be able to. That being the case if you cleared it ahead of time.


-Nate

[macwilkin]

Check with the administration, specifically the Principal, or have the teacher check. I have given many talks to local schools over the years as a park ranger and living historian, and the majority of times I was allowed to bring a Civil War era musket, bayonet, etc. due to the nature of my talk (A "Common Soldier" talk) -- since the sgain dubh is part of the attire that many pipers wear, and you are giving an educational presentation, then the administration might consider it. I've only had one school ask me not to bring any weapons.

When I would arrive at the school, I would always check in at the office, and then have someone, usually the principal or vice-principal, escort me to the classroom. That way it is clear to everyone that I have been cleared in bringing weapons in.

Regards,

Todd

[chasem]

I would say no initially. But the others are probably on the best track, check with the administration, and see what they say. They may be a little more leniant on it than schools in my area.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I can't really comment on the sgian dubh, especially as you were asked to speak, but my youngest daughter had a Thanksgiving day brunch today at her school and we all went to see her and her class perform. I was in a kilt with a sword shaped kilt pin. I never thought twice about it, and nobody else said anything about it, but I did wonder about a sgian dubh when one of the little girls in the class noticed the kilt pin and began playing with it (she was sitting at a child's table and I was standing next to her talking to someone). No real problem, but it made me wonder about carrying a real sgian dubh in the same situation and a child taking it out to see what it was. Now, these are 3-4 year olds, so them taking one out is not impossible and I would not want anyone to get hurt. Older children would PROBABLY know enough to ask what you were wearing and if they could touch/see it, but who knows. Anyway, just something else to think about when visiting aschool.

[Panache]

When at my son's elementary school I wear a "sgian don't", either a bottle openner or a comb with a knife handle. I don't have to worry, those few concerned parents that have asked have been relieved I'm not breaking California law by bringing a weapon on school grounds. It's nice to have options.

Cheers

[David Dalglish]

You could also wear a false one, it give the effect without the blade

[McClef]

You could also wear a false one, it give the effect without the blade

I have one of those, besides the real one, but I haven't even tried to wear it when flying. In a school situation though I would say it is observing both the tradition and the school safety rules.

[Planopiper]

I never have one with me when I play at a school. You might be able to discuss it with the administration and find a way to justify it, but what's the point? It's just a distraction that doesn't really contribute anything to what you're doing. I usually just play tunes, talk a very little bit about the pipes and the kilt, and spend most of the time answering questions. Elementary school kids ask the best questions and usually listen to the answers. Not like adults where you keep getting the same questions repeated. I never run out of things to talk about and always have things I could have said, so leaving out the sgian dubh doesn't leave me lacking at all. You could wear a fake one, but again, what's the point? If it's not real, then it's just jewelry. Kids sitting on the floor will ask about it and you'll have to explain why you have a bottle opener in your sock. This isn't an historical society. It's little kids. Leave the knife at home.

Sorry, I just re-read your note and saw this is for a middle-school. Definitely leave the knife at home.