>>>Thomas, I thought the "Scottish Terrorists" was mildly amusing in the current context- yesterday's terrorist is today's bagpipes player!
>>>
>>>Of course with a name like "Ryan" I'd have to observe that the Irish gave the Scottish the bagpipes as a joke, and that the Scots still haven't "got" it! ;-)
>>
>>
>>John;
>>
>>Originally, the Irish migrated from Galicia, in northern Spain, to Ireland. The Bag Pipe was a traditional musical instrument even then. What is interesting is that the Bag Pipe is still used today for traditional Folk Music from Galicia.
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>>We had a neighbor who played the Pipes where I grew up in San Francisco. He lived across the street and up about 6 houses. I had no problem hearing him play through all the walls and the distance involved! :)
>>
>>Tom
>
>Tom
>
>Also in Brittany where it's VERY BIG with mass pipe bands. The chanter features heavily too, like in music from the Himalyas. I think the Scots just cashed in on it more. The modern kilt was an Englishman's invention too :-)
>
>Terry

Terry;

I was given a Chanter about 35 years ago and learned how to play it. I can understand why the Bag Pipe is more popular! It takes strong lungs to play more than a note or two on a Chanter.

A joke the Irish like to tell the Scots who wear kilts: "Donald, where are your trousers"! :)

I have a cousin named Brian Walsh, who is from Cork, Ireland and lives in Los Angeles. He is an actor, and plays several different types of Bag Pipes and the Penny Whistle. He was in the movie “Titanic”, and played the Bag Pipe as well as had a small speaking role.

One day Brian was playing the Penny Whistle and I was watching his fingering. After he had finished playing I remarked to him, “Now I know how to get those multiple notes from the Penny Whistle by watching you play”! Brian became a bit mad at my remark. I guess some things are meant to be secrets! :)

I have considered playing the Bag Pipes. It would be a wonderful way to meet your neighbors! :)

Tom