Reactions to kilts

[Stan]

I've just looked at and read your new blog. Interesting. It seems that you've come a long way from your post about your first day "kilted". Congratulations. Many of my experiences have been the same, and I'm looking forward to reading about more of your kilted outings, experiences and observations.

Stan L.

[bikercelt1]

James,

I'll second much of what O C Richard said. Get a teacher. I can recommend Rob Barrick. He's been very patient with me, I don't think I could have gotten as nearly as much out of learning the pipes without him. You can contact him through The Scottish Country Shop in Portland or PM me and I'll put you in contact with him. There is a fellow named Gordon at the Country Shop from Glasgow that I believe also teaches though I don't know any one who has taken lessons with him. I do know people that have heard him play and say he's an awsome player. There is also the Oregon Pipers Society that holds meetings and competitions monthly during the "non-games" season. The next meeting will be April 20th.

As to reactions to the kilt, I've been wearing it long enough that most the time I no longer pay much attention one way or the other unless they get in my face. My wife and daughters, however, get a great deal of amusement out of watching other peoples reactions. Browsing through your blog it looks like you got it down. If your pictures are any indication I'd think you'd been wearing the kilt for a long time.

Now, pipes, maybe small pipes, and shakuhachi,,,hmm,,,

Jamie

[scotswelshrunner]

Thanks for all the wonderful responses! As for the pipes and a teacher, I'll keep all of the good information at hand for future reference. Jamie, I do know Gordon at the Scottish Country Shoppe and have heard him play at the store.Very good indeed!
I just wish I could make time to get going on the chanter. Seems every moment I have is taken up right now so my goal is to clear a wee bit of time and DO IT!
Being in a one bedroom apt makes a chanter a bit more daunting and even loud. The shakuhachi,well not nearly as much.

[Katia]

LOL. Does that bring back memories. I used to play piccolo in a marching band. My cat (Dixie) would come and bite me when I started practising any John Philip Sousa pieces!

I can imagine! The first time I ever played Stars and Stripes was when I was somehow stuck way in the back of the 2nd violin section... which was also RIGHT in front of the piccolo player. I didn't even think about it... until that section with the piccolo and I nearly came out of my chair. It is much louder when you are RIGHT THERE, lol.