Age: 49

Where are you from originally? Latham NY

Where do you live? Latham NY

What is your job or major if a student? Teacher

Where did you learn to play? I took lessons with the Albany Police Pipes and Drums.

Instrument: Bagpipe

How long have you been playing? 10 years

What got you interested? I was looking for something fun to do with my son and he wanted to play, so we began taking lessons. After three lessons, he decided it wasn’t for him; I was hooked.

How did you go about learning/finding – private teacher, class, band, parent or relative? I just asked around and an acquaintance told me about the APPD.

Teachers that had a big influence: Maureen Conner and Paula Glendinning – ladies with ambition and persistence.

How long did you take lessons? I always take lessons; adult learners really cannot ever stop if we want to continue to develop.

How long did you play practice chanter/pad before moving to pipes/drum? How long from start to marching with the band? I learned on my practice chanter for about a year. It took me another year to make friends with my pipes and to be able to play with the band. I find that some days I love my pipe and other days it is not my friend.

How long does it take you to get to practice?  About 15 minutes.

Favorite bagpipe player or drummer? Sean Moran, Pat Sweet, Gordie Peters, Jim Cutler, Martin Hatcher, Wanda Nicolson, and I could keep going all day mentioning the names of people who have been very kind to me – they have all been very accommodating to me since I’ve been a part of the CRC band. They understand the needs of adult-learners and don’t make negative judgments when I’m having an I-hate-my-pipe day.  These people are all wonderful pipers who take the time to share their skill and knowledge with lesser skilled players like myself.

Favorite bagpipe band? Definitely Victoria Police

What other music do you like? I’m a bluegrass and folk music fanatic.

What other instruments do/did you play? Guitar

What is the hardest thing about playing? The bagpipe is a multi-layered instrument that requires a considerable amount of coordination and a robust energy.

Do you compete? When able.

What is the one thing you would tell a beginner about learning? Find a good teacher and do what (s)he tells you to do. It takes a lot of practice to become proficient.

Do you play solo events like weddings and funerals? Only when Martin won’t take them! Performance isn’t my “thing”, so I pass as many requests as I can to Martin. I try to stay around three or less private gigs per year.

What hobbies or other pursuits do you have? I love to read and listen to music; I just began taking yoga classes and I like that, too.