How Old?

[JimB]

Ok. I have a question. How old is too old for a pipe band. I know that a lot of people here have recommended a pipe band as a good way of learning the pipes, and believe me, if I were 19 I would be all over it.
But I'm not. I'm 57. I'm a very physically fit 57 but still I'm an old codger next to the people I've personally seen in pipe bands here.
I just bought a chanter (dunbar) which I get to open on Christmas, so I am committed to learning, but I really want to learn just for my own pleasure.
So...how old is too old?

[beloitpiper]

There's a guy named Charles, age 83, who is in my pipe band.

Go for it.

[auld argonian]

You can seriously ask that question of this lot?

I'm thinking that they'll tell you "five minutes after they drive the last nail into the coffin".

Best

AA

[Piper]

I started pipe lessons just shy of my 50th birthday. That over 8 years ago. I'm not a band player, though (too jealous of my weekends). I tell folks I play for my enjoyment and the neighbors annoyance.

[Derek Conley]

I'm a firm believer that it's never too late to enjoy something you've always wanted to do. Go for it!

[Spartan]

My personal motto is: "Don't act your age. It's not healthy!" Meaning, stay active and you'll stay healthy.

Go for it. I'd like to do the same thing.

[Joe Gondek]

I'm 58

I have a chanter and a set of pipes that my son brought back to me from Scotland and as soon as I find a teacher I going to learn to play them for my own enjoyment

I know that playing with other people will help you improve at a faster pace but that may not be possible depending on your location


as to being too old,
please read the bottom of this post

[Joe Gondek]

I tell folks I play for my enjoyment and the neighbors annoyance.

i love that line

[GDub]

I'm not a piper, but I'm still banging on the guitar in a regularly gigging band at 54. When will I be too old rock the casbah? When I'm dead.

[Macman]

JimB, my experience is that I started learning on the practice chanter when I was 50, and then joined a local pipe band when I was 52, one year ago. I'd say go for it and give it a try.