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COMMENT(S): An American anecdote in Scotland: My what good pipers you have - Part 2
Published: June 16, 2010
Author: DariusMcDaniel | (report inappropriate content) |
| Interesting comment about how piping seems second nature to the Scots and so odd and difficult for the rest of us mortals. As an adult beginner in Australia, I can see why we struggle to make piping second nature: quite apart from the fact of not having piping integrated into the school curriculum which would make the obvious difference, it is the total lack of qualified piping teachers.
Teaching any new skill takes a very good teacher with a structured plan for teaching the skill to the student. Joining a pipe band is not the beginning of a great career as a piper. My experience was that the teaching to young and old in the pipe band setting is done in a very haphazard manner, which means that even the most gifted of pipers are likely to become victims of teaching practices that are not designed to produce competent pipers, let alone champions. I know. I have been there and turned my back on this method, and sought out a private piping tutor who has piping competition wins at the highest level to his credit, and has a structured teaching approach.
Given this sad state of piping teaching outside Scotland, I am not surprised that many of us remain awkward pipers for the rest of our piping careers.
Very enjoyable reading. |
Published: June 09, 2010
Author: Tbone2 | (report inappropriate content) |
| Despite wearing an undershirt, my band jacket and an Inverness cape, I very nearly froze to death in Shotts once. The wind howled through the massed bands and the sleet was coming down perpenzontal. It didn't seem to bother the local Boy's Brigade band though, standing there in their short sleeved shirts. | |
