Pipe instructor in NW Indiana?

[egreen_1979]

Hello all,
So I've searched the interwebs to no avail for a bagpipe instructor near where I live. I'm in NW indiana, if you couldn't tell by the title, about an hour from chicago and equidistant from the Michigan border.

Does anyone know of any active instructors in the area? Any advise on finding one, such as talking to the fire/police department?

Thanks!!

[usonian]

If you happen to be a Shriner, it looks like the Orak Shriners in Michigan City have a pipe & drum unit (unfortunately the unit web site appears to be defunct). Becoming a Mason so you can join the Shrine so you can learn the pipes would be a long way to go about it, but it might be worth seeing if you can contact them and find out if they can recommend a private instructor.

[auld argonian]

I've heard that NW Indian Pipe Band several times and they were very good. One would think that there must be some instructors involved there.

Their web page, however seems a bit cryptic...

http://www.pipersanddrummers.com/index.html

???????

Best

AA

[Bagpipes48]

I found this link it is my understanding that it is supposed to list bagpipe instructors from all over the U.S.A. I do know that if you join a current pipe band, most of the time you can get instruction there, usually with no fee. Notice I said "usually". Times change and money gets scarce so one must buy food with someone's money, even an up and coming bagpiper.

http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/pipes/teachers/

Hope it does you good.
Hooah!

[Bagpipes48]

Hey egreen 1979, would you be willing to drive to Chi-town on a weekly basis to get instruction? I will check the name of the pipe band there in which my instructor's Great-nephew (I believe that's right. He is the son of my instructor's brother) is teaching their drum section - Chris Barr. "Holler" back to let me know if you can or cannot make that trip. In my humble opinion, weekly lessons are a must. That way you keep going while being encouraged and challenged to improve - and believe me, that's why most would-be/wannabe pipers drop out. There is no dedication to keep it up with vigor and heart-deep desire to make a real piping, grace note playing, note doubling, Leumluath - Taorluath finger fighting 100% player of the Great Highland Bagpipes to stick it out. It is not like playing the guitar by just learning some chords and then !BANG! you have arrived. We've had at least 5 drop out this year. We had a policeman and a fireman who just wanted to learn "Amazing Grace" to play at their fallen comrades' funerals. Not a good reason - one song does not a piper make. Seems I've heard that somewhere in another context. Anyway, just dedicate yourself to 1 year of practice chanter lessons, then the instructor will give you the go-ahead to purchase a good set of SCOT MADE PIPES (like my new McCallum AB2 Deluxe's). For emphasis = STAY AWAY FROM MIDEAST PIPES!! You will waste money for no good reason. Buy a good reputable brand name of pipes, i.e., McCallum, Wallace, R.G. Hardie, Peter Henderson, Dunbar and several others. David Naille has good pipes, but they are premium pipes with a premium price tag. Remember this one last thing and I'll buzz off, all pipes are basically the same. The more they cost is because they get into serious cosmetic additions - 925 sterling silver, actual gold and other nice little showy goodies. Play hard and often, brother. Hooah!

[egreen_1979]

Wow, I didn't know there was a pipe band in my backyard. I'm currently living in Chesterton and just got off the phone with the manager of the band and she's working on setting up one of her pipers with me. F'in sweet!

Sorry, excited. Anyhoos, Bagpipes48, nothing is set in stone. I'd be willing to make weekly trips to Chicago, the Southshore line is a stones throw from me. I'll keep in touch with you. Thank you for the advice. I've heard from multiple sources to start with a quality chanter and I'm looking at a Gibson. But I will hold off until I get a recommendation from an instructor. I'm in no rush to pick up the GHB. I'd much rather learn properly on a chanter for a year or so. I'd be doing a disservice to all those who love playing the pipes.

Thank you all again for your help.