Age: 60

Where are you from originally? South Bethlehem, NY

Where do you live? Brunswick, NY

What is your job or major if a student? Retired school superintendent

Where did you learn to play? Invermark School of Bagpiping, Petersburgh, NY (Don Lindsay)

Instrument: bagpipes

How long have you been playing? 30 years

What got you interested? Scottish heritage

How did you go about learning/finding – private teacher, class, band, parent or relative? Took private lessons with Don Lindsay weekly for a year starting in fall of 1977. Joined Taconic pipe band in 1978 and continued taking lessons from Don monthly.

Teachers that had a big influence: Don (of course)

How long did you take lessons? about 5 years

How long did you play practice chanter/pad before moving to pipes/drum? How long from start to marching with the band? Played practice chanter for about 6 months before getting my pipes. I joined Taconic PB about 9-10 months after starting lessons. Played in my first parade about 12 months after starting lessons.

How long does it take you to get to practice? 20-30 minutes

Favorite bagpipe player or drummer? no favorite players

Favorite bagpipe band? no favorite bands (except CRC)

What other music do you like? classical orchestral, bluegrass, Celtic

What other instruments do/did you play? none

What is the hardest thing about playing? staying in shape

Do you compete? Competed individually from 1980 to 1986. Participated in band competition with Taconic and Tara Hall PBs from 1980 until 2000

What is the one thing you would tell a beginner about learning? Soft fingers and a relaxed grip work the best for good chanter work. Stay on the beat; the end of the tune will still be there when you get there!

Do you play solo events like weddings and funerals? Did at one time, but not lately

What hobbies or other pursuits do you have? flying (private pilot), golf, shooting sports (skeet and sporting clays), flyfishing, woodcarving, hiking/camping