Never Too Late!

[Freelancer]

There was a little item in my newspaper about a local pipe band which offered free lessons to anyone interested in joining. Having always been a fan of the pipes and of pipe bands, I decided to give it a try as a drummer. So at the age of 57, I picked up the drumsticks for the first time last August and was able to lean enough to march with the band for the St. Patrick season parades. I've marched now in 5 parades and participated in 1 concert this March. For the last parade, I marched with the snares. What a great time I'm having...it's a blast! The band provides kilts, sporran...the whole kit. Here's a photo of me on the tenor drum at my first parade (you can tell that it's my first parade, I'm the only one out of step!)...



Our next engagement is in April at the West Point Academy Tattoo. That will be an honor.

[SteveB]

Don't let the step bother you at first. it is most important that the drum be in time.
The drum is what tells me when my left foot crunches the pavement and the beat note should be coming from my chanter. A parade is an amazing bit of human coordination. The challenge will keep us on our toes.

BTW, congratulations on the progress. I am also 57, and have started on the path of piping.

[Freelancer]

Right Steve, thanks for the advice. I pretty much had it down for the next set of parades. Anyway, good luck with the pipes! I know it takes years of dedication to gain proficiency with them.

[Mael Coluim]

Congrats! You are an inspiration.

[Macman]

Hey, good for you, Freelancer. You're right - it's never too late. Have fun!