Name: William Richmond Johnston

Age : 58

Where are you from originally? Virginia Beach, Virginia

Where do you live :High Falls, NY

What is your job or major if a student? I’m a piper and artist.

Where did you learn to play? Amerscot Pipe Band first…then many teachers.

Instrument: 1988 Naills

How long have you been playing? 21 years

What got you interested? My Father, proud of his Scottish ancestry, enjoyed pipe band recordings…I love the music.

How did you go about learning/finding – private teacher, class, band, parent or relative? I was almost 40 when I saw “Free bagpipe Lessons” in the local Pennysaver…

Teachers that had a big influence: Nancy Tunnicliffe, and 18 years as an Administrator for the Balmoral Piping Schools, I’ve been lucky to study with many of the world’s greatest pipers.

How long did you take lessons? 10-15 years…Still want to…only distance and $ in the way.

How long did you play practice chanter/pad before moving to pipes/drum? 6 months

How long from start to marching with the band? About a year

How long does it take you to get to practice? 75 minutes

Favorite bagpipe player or drummer? Alasdair Gillies

Favorite bagpipe band?CRC

What other music do you like? All good music.

What other instruments do/did you play? my voice; low, high d whistle;borderpipes; Scottish smallpipes; Flemish bagpipes; Uilleann starter.

What is the hardest thing about playing? Not playing.

Solo? Getting to compete enough.

Band? Getting a whole band together consistently.

Do you compete? Yes…

Level? 2…

What is the one thing you would tell a beginner about learning? Get a good teacher.

Do you play solo events like weddings and funerals? Often.

What hobbies or other pursuits do you have? I paint and sculpt.  I’ve practiced Aikido 33 years. I’ve 3 adult sons…