Kilting at a grade school!

[Mr. Woolery]

On Fridays, I normally take my banjo to my kids' school and do a sing-along with the second graders. Great fun. Fantastic audience. Not always so good at singing along, but they love the banjo and don't care if I make mistakes. I highly recommend kids as an audience if you are trying to gain confidence playing and singing in front of other people.

Last Friday, I also took my shuttle pipes (little indoor housebroken bagpipe) and played those for marching the kids back to class from the Commons area. The teachers were pleased with the pipes and now I am invited to bring my big pipes this week! And the teacher wants me to wear my kilt.

Now, it is hovering in the neighborhood of 0 degrees (fahrenheit) about now, so I get to see how good my nice wool kilt (Hunting MacLeod, ancient colors, John Higgins) is for staving off the cold. I plan to wear my black Argyle jacket and a black tie when I go. No sock knives, though. Though it probably wouldn't be an issue here in Fairbanks.

Anyway, I can't wait for the kids to ask my why I'm in a skirt! My own kids are used to kilts, but it is going to be interesting to explain to a group of about 60 kids who have never seen a man in a kilt. I'm thinking of trying to get my dad to come along with his pipes and his kilt, too. That would be fun.

-Patrick

[Galician]

Good for you! Sounds like a great experience.

Having gone kilted on a day in the teens, I would just suggest that you not underestimate the value of truly warm socks, if you don't know that already.

[beloitpiper]

I've performed my pipes for countless school groups. You're right, they love it!!!

[beloitpiper]

I've played pipes for countless school groups, and you're right. They love it!!!

[McFarkus]

Sounds like a great time. Never to soon to spread the kilted madness.

[ChromeScholar]

Sounds like fun!

[Frank McGrath]

Post picture of teacher!

[pipesndrumsnun]

What a fun dad!
WELCOME from Flint, Michigan!

[muirkirkca]

I would add the socks and have a brief history of the kilt ready - still worn by pipe bands, scottish dancing and most of all by those who like as a garment in all its variatins in the US, UK, Canda etc. I would also note that there are a number of kilt makers in the US and many highland and celtic festivals were the kilt is worn.

[Mr. MacDougall]

Absolutely get your dad to come, and play kilted. One piper is neat, but two are a band!