Hugh Thackaberry

I am a well experienced Bagpiper with a great deal of experience in Weddings, and all other occasions that require the sound of the Bagpipes

  Area: Colorado
  Location: United States   Colorado
  http://www.bagpiper.com/webpage/n-66/c-11/Bagpiper-Hugh-Thackaberry.html
  970-858-9201

I have been performing through-out this lovely State for roughly 8 years, but mostly on the Western side, and I am forever in awe, at the absolute magnificence of it all. Living in this region of the world, there is no way that I can get homesick for the Highlands of Scotland. COLORADO and EASTERN UTAH I have been pleasing the people of this fantasticly beautiful part of the world, with the magical and soul stirring call of the Great Highland Bagpipes. It is a thrill to me to hear the notes bouncing back and forth among the silent and sleeping hills, and to watch the sheer ecstacy on the faces of my friends as they absorb in their hearts this unexpected joy. I have been performing through-out this lovely State for roughly 8 years, but mostly on the Western side, and I am forever in awe, at the absolute magnificence of it all. Living in this region of the world, there is no way that I can get homesick for the Highlands of Scotland.

BAGPIPING TEACHER
I have been teaching Bagpiping in this area of Colorado, for about, eight years now. I start my students from scratch, they need not know the difference from the notes of music,and ground pepper. My students are of all ages, and to me, it is great to see their progress. There are a number of them, at this time, in the competition field, and doing well in the medal count. Anyone, that wants to learn Bagpiping can knock on my door, but, only the serious are to do the knocking; if less than serious,----- then, please spare your knuckles, and go else where. I would, at this time, bring up a very important point. Many ladies, have the mistaken idea, that Bagpiping is only for men; that females are not allowed to be Pipers; that they are not welcomed into being a Piper. This is an absurd belief, nothing could be further from the truth. Many of our great Pipers are female; and they stand tall in the ranks of the Piping community. There are the Drummers too, and there you will find that many Pipe Bands have wonderful female Drummers; and among them,---Champions.

MY PIPING HISTORY
In my earlier days of Piping, I was surrounded, and taught by great Pipers. My whole environment was Pipers and Drummers. My first Pipe Band exposure, was being involved with the old Highland Society Pipes and Drums, a great Band with wonderful members. Those members never hesitated in helping me out, as i struggled to become a braw wee Piper. Well known, ( Master Piper,) and good friend, Mr. Jimmy McCall, must have taken pity on me. He to my greatest joy, started me down the road to becoming a Piper. Jimmy had recently left Scotland, where he was at that time, Pipe Major of Shotts and Dykehead. Later, John went to work on me. When I say John, I am refering to John Massie, of course. John came over from Bellshill, outside of Glasgow. We became the greatest of friends, he Hammered me. John Massie is, and, always was, a dedicated, and hard working Piper. He was, later awarded the M.B.E.-- A good man. After that, another good Piper, and close friend, Norman Clemments, stepped in. Norman, an excellent piper taught me much, he was a piper in the old Highland Society Pipe Band. Together we spent a lot of time on the competition field. These pipers, introduced me, to the techniches of competition piping. I salute my teachers. How hard they worked on me. I was also involved a great deal with the pipers and the fun that we had in each others company. To them I am forever indebted.

BAGPIPING AREA
Although my engagements require me to perform through-out the entire State of Colorado, I find that most of my Piping is in the region of Western Colorado, and Eastern Utah. Obviously, I can't identify every place where I do my piping, but it could be said, any place in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. I Serve all of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Born and raised ( with salted oatmeal) in Bonnie Scotland; Excellent references. Teacher of Bagpiping.(years of experience) I perform in the following towns: Vail - Aspen - Avon - Central City - Eagle - Rifle - Glenwood Springs - Colbran - Delta - Montrose - Newcastle - Telluride - Gunnison - Moab - Lake City - Crested Bute - Carbondale - Meeker - Craig - Ouray - Green River - Richfield. This includes all the wee towns and whistle stops in between, provided that there is a place near by where I can get a gallon or two of gas.

YOUR SPECIAL EVENT
Bagpiping for many years, I am well experienced in the above listed events. Whatever your occasion may be, I can adjust to the requirements that you or your group set. I am quite flexible. If you wish, I will give you advice on various questions that you would like help with, such as--where will the Piper stand--play --enter from? I can even tell you where to get a mouthful of Haggis or Blood sausage when you are overcome with that exciting notion. You are not to feel that you are restricted in any way as to how you present your Piper (unless you want me to come in like Tarzan, swinging on a rope.) CHURCH or OUTDOORS. I can and will perform at your Wedding indoors or outdoors. In the church or chapel, or up on the hillside. Inside a hall, or on board a ship, in a hotel or outside in a tent. I have done it all of these ways, many times.

AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF YOUR OCCASIONS
Just about any day of the week I also tell wee stories and sing wee Scottish songs.I perform often at V.F.W. and American Legion functions. Indoors, outdoors, large groups ,small; thats fine, no bother. There are times when a DRUMMER is required along with the PIPER; That will be arranged for. Sometimes a group of PIPERS and DRUMMERS---Again, That will be arranged for. You want a whole band? O.K. you will get it. During my performances I am wearing the uniform of the SCOTTISH HIGHLAND REGIMENT. It's in the blood Laddies, n Lassies. My Father was in the SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS, my Uncle was in the HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY ( GLASGOW'S OWN ) My Grandfather was in the BLACK WATCH REGIMENT. My Cousin in the ARGYLE and SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS