Let the fun begin - The Pipes are Calling

[beloitpiper]

...but where to get lessons in Wisconsin?

Shamrock Color Guard Pipes and Drums in Milwaukee.

http://sccgpd.com/

They're an amazing band, but more importantly, they like to have fun. A lot of bands in the Milwaukee area play, then scatter, but the SCCGPD will hang around for a few drinks and friendship. They're a great group and provide free lessons.

[Spartan]

So, my wife and I decide to get something to eat at our local Irish Pub (Lis Doon Varna) last evening. There's my piping instructor in a seisiún playing a flute. Very neat. She just happened to be there. We enjoyed the music while we had our meal (and an imperial pint).

This was after attending the Watoto African children's choir concert where, for one of the pieces, the boys came out in unbifricated garments. (cf. www.watoto.com) [Just as a side note, I had the opportunity to visit the children in their home in Uganda in 2006. This project is very close to my heart. Their performance last evening was a result of my invitation over a year ago. It was part of their very extensive tour for fund raising and support.]

[drobin]

Cool! Good to know another beginner piper on the list in the PHX metro. And now we can all learn the Cards fightsong. Go Cards!!!

[Spartan]

During the week I practiced all of the notes up and down the chanter. I took Thunderbolt's advice and take the chanter with me when I go in the car. There's an opportunity for practice whenever I have to wait for a traffic light to change. It helps just to practice picking it up and hitting the fingers on the right holes the first time! Now, if I can just get over having a death grip, especially with the right hand. She says that I'm becoming more relaxed.

Tonight was the second lesson. She seems pleased with my progress. I find I have to be careful to stifle some swear words when I don't hit the notes right. This evening she introduced me to gracenotes and gave me some sheets with different scale exercises. This will help me work getting rid of crossovers. That will last me for two weeks, as I will be out of town next Tuesday at a conference. I'll take the chanter with me and see if there isn't a way to keep up the practice without getting run out of the hotel.

All in all, it's beginning steps, but there is progress.

[Thunderbolt]

Great, it sounds like you are making progress quickly! And into gracings already, too!

My chanter goes nearly everywhere with me. But you have to be careful, as leaving the PC in the car, even on just warm days will destroy a reed quickly. With the Gibson poly you're playing, the reeds aren't cheap at $7 or $8 bucks each, it adds up....

Good job, and happy piping!


T.

[SteveB]

Spartan,
Congratulations on the progress. My second lesson went well as well. I too earned a ton of crossover exercises. My McCallum chanter travels everywhere I go. My co-workers see it sticking out of the top of my backpack. They also see it missing at lunch time. I am on a slight diet, as I practice during the half hour that I would be eating. The sounds out at the parking lot.....in winter yet. I have two weeks to get The Rowan Tree (basic arrangement) learned. Back to the practice.
Pipe on.