My bagpiping journey began the moment I was born! Not really though. It actually started in 2009. At the time I was 6 years old, but I wasn't the one learning to play the pipes. It was my Dad.
History time! In the early times of the United States, many Scottish settlers came to the united states. They were the ones that brought the bagpipe tradition with them. When they came, they were given the less desirable, more dangerous jobs. One of these jobs was firefighting. When their fellow Scottish firefighters passed away in the line of duty, they would play the pipes at their funerals. Thus, the connection of pipes to the fire service was forged. My Dad is a firefighter.
In 2009, when I said my journey began, my dad and other firefighters began to learn the bagpipes. They learned from a man named David Rock. They had their sites set on being able to perform for 9/11 of 2010. They set up a memorial ceremony at the fire station where they performed. Over the years, the ceremony has evolved t include a parade, a memorial walk, and other events on 9/11. Today, a memorial walk is set up early in the morning at Porter park and a short parade and ceremony also takes place there later that evening.
In 2018, I decided that I wanted to learn how to play the bagpipes. I set a goal to play for the 9/11 ceremony in 2019. I started learning soon after. To learn the bagpipes, you first have to have what is called a practice chanter. You learn to play the music on that, and then you can slowly move towards the pipes. You have to start with just one drone, then 2, then all 3. Once you can do that, you learn how to do just the bagpipe chanter. Amidst all this, you have to learn how to keep a good rythm of blowing air and squeezing the bag. Once all that is accomplished, you can put it all together.
I spent a lot of time working on these things, especially in the months leading up to the performance. I was able to get a loaner set of bagpipes, and play for the ceremony. I could only play Amazing Grace, but I played, and it was awesome.
After that performance, I was able to play for the Veteran's Day assembly at my school. For that performance, I was able to wear a kilt and all the other piper regalia. I was officially a true bagpiper.
Since then, I have continued to perform for various occsions, both formal and informal. I have also learned more music and expanded my knowledge of Bagpipes.