The people you meet while kilted

**Galb** · 8th July 08, 06:53 AM

Saturday I went to the grocery store, as usual, kilted. It's a small farmer's market type place, so it isn't too big. They have all manner of produce and meats, and everything is so well priced that it basically has eliminated the regular grocery store. Anyway, I was getting ready to leave and waiting for my wife to finish up when some guy comes up from behind me and says, "You leave your pipes at home today?" I'm thinking this will be my first run in with a smart-*** while kilted. This should prove to be fun. So I turn around and respond in a kind of hokey way about not having them with me. To my surprise he responded with "I play the pipes." I thought he was joshing me, until he handed me his card. He was a piper. And here I was standing here thinking I was getting razzed. Nope. He asked if I played, to which I responded with a "no, wish I could, but I am not musically inclined." We talked a bit about kilts, piping, and such and he invited me to come watch him and his band practice. I told him I would take him up on that offer. He informed me that they practice every Sunday at a pavilion not too far from where I used to live. So, I made plans to go listen on Sunday.

Sunday came and it looked like it was going to storm, but luckily didn't. My wife, her two sisters, and I made our way to their practice. We had trouble finding them. To be honest, I was looking everywhere outside in the nearby parks thinking that maybe they would be there. Eventually we came across the place. My wife kept telling me this is where it would be, but I kept telling her that they would not be playing inside a little building. Well, I humored my wife and got out of the car and peaked into the building. You know, I hate being wrong when I know my nose is gonna get rubbed in it. There they were, all sitting around a table going over sheets of music. I said hi to the acquaintance I had made the day before and he told the group about bumping into me at the store. They welcomed me in, and I went and waved my family in.

We listened to the lesson the head of the band was giving and everyone play on their chanters. Then everyone decided to take a break and go grab the pipes. One of the young men there asked if I am a member of X-Marks. We got to talking very briefly about that and then actually began informing some other people there about it. That was fun, which reminds me I have to find him on here. Perhaps he will read this and respond.

Anyway, we all headed outside while the pipers and drummers got together in a circle and played away. When they started out, my wife told me she got chills. I will admit, I did too. I love the pipes. We listened to them for about an hour and then everyone broke down and began to head home. I stayed and talked to a couple of people there for a second, but it was obvious they needed to get going so I cut the chatter short.

I was offered to come any time I liked. I will definitely take them up on that, but will try not to wear out my welcome. So, if any of you from the City of Melbourne Pipes and Drums Band read this, thanks again for letting us listen to you all.

You were all great and I can't wait to hear more.

During the time there I was asked if I was interested in learning. They looked very anxious to teach, and I would love to have taken them up on it, however, I know I simply don't have it in me. I can't even read music, although, I think that is the least of my issues. I simply don't have the time to adequately devote to it, which is a shame really because I really do love the pipes. Regardless, I can still listen and love the sound of them. The band was great and I can't wait until St. Patty's day because they informed me that they make their way all over downtown piping. I will be downtown for sure this next St. Patrick's Day.

**Stratherrick** · 8th July 08, 06:57 AM

Galb

A great story! Does the band do anything special for St Andrew's Day as well?

Cheers

Bruce

**Splash_4** · 8th July 08, 07:01 AM

That is a cool story!

**McMurdo** · 8th July 08, 07:06 AM

Very nice story I hope you can see them again soon.

**Galb** · 8th July 08, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Stratherrick

Galb

A great story! Does the band do anything special for St Andrew's Day as well?

Cheers

Bruce

Oooh. I don't know. But I have their site marked so I will keep an eye on upcoming events.

A bit more information on the young man I talked to about X-Marks, he is georgeblack7 and was already on my friend's list. Haha. well, if you read this, hi and thanks again.

**12stones** · 8th July 08, 07:15 AM

Excellent story. Thanks for sharing.

**PGH** · 8th July 08, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

During the time there I was asked if I was interested in learning. They looked very anxious to teach, and I would love to have taken them up on it, however, I know I simply don't have it in me. I can't even read music, although, I think that is the least of my issues. I simply don't have the time to adequately devote to it, which is a shame really because I really do love the pipes. Regardless, I can still listen and love the sound of them.

If you can get out of bed thirty minutes earlier than you do now and perhaps set aside 15 minutes of your lunch break you can learn the pipes. It'd cost you a little over $100 for a chanter and book to see if it's something that you can stick with.