Bagpipe Project

started out with a simple How do I get started message on the rec.music.makers.bagpipe newsgroup and was quickly thrown a virtual life ring by Kenton Adler, the host of Pipers-L: Discussion forum for Great Highland Bagpipe LISTSERV repeat list. Kenton helped again with some excellent advice on securing a reputable instructor through his friend, then Pipe Major Rod Weeks, of the Elliott Bay Pipe Band. Rod directed me to his Pipe Sergeant, Tyrone Heade. At the time, Tyrone was Seattle's only full-time bagpiper and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer did a nice article about him. I quickly secured a spot in a newly formed beginning piping class. Since then, Seattle now has a second full-time piper, Jori Chisholm. Shortly after starting lessons, Tyrone was fussing with my hand position on my polypenco Naill long practice chanter. He decided the blow pipe was too short by several inches. I looked at it and decided I could turn an extension for it on my lathe. I used a small piece of ebony I had and it worked fine. It also started the wheels spinning....