Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend weather cooperated with all the bagpiping events despite the weatherman's midweek gloom and doom. I played at a wonderful wedding along the Connecticut River and the conditions were perfect. It's great to see the boats gather for the pipes. Many people had parties and, of course, we honored our fallen. There is nothing like timing the cutoff to Amazing Grace just as the jets fly over!

Locations

A small airport is the location of the next wedding I will play, and I am excited to play for that event. I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that we receive fine weather on the day. New England weddings have always got unstable weather to throw into the mix as a possible wedding reality. You can bet that the superstition of hanging a rosary from the close line to insure good weather did not originate in the Caribbean. Bagpipes will carry on rain or shine, however, and can even be used to entertain while waiting for the weather to change.

Mothers' Day

My mother lives on an island off the coast of France, so I was happy to have her in the States for Mothers' Day today. I played some of her favorite tunes, especially, Cumha Raonuill Mhic Ailein oig. We had scones and enjoyed the fine weather.

Cemeteries

The word "cemetery" comes from a Greek word meaning "sleeping place", which is a perfect way to describe these peaceful, landscaped parks of commemoration. I have always been a fan of cemeteries, and Connecticut has many beautiful spots where history and wit are carved in marble and the sunlight falls quietly on the lawns.

I have played at many funerals. Bagpipes and funerals are linked by tradition, but there is more to it than tradition alone. The sound of a bagpipe, playing the proper tune, is a perfected distillation of the soul intoning the unspeakable anguish of mourning. The instrument was developed over centuries by increadibly sensitive and gifted people who wanted a sound to accompany two facts of life: War & Death. That it also became useful for celebrations was a happy byproduct. I still cannot play without being caught in the grip of something more than just music. The vibrations of the instrument go through your entire body and stir something that otherwise lies dormant. I have heard some pipers speak of feeling transported or lost when playing, and it is true that the music can tranport you to another place.

Playing for the Governor

I have played for former Governor Rowland and for Governor Rell. It is always a special occasion, and the bagpipes are recognized as adding a hightened sense of importance to the event. I like to think I was hired because of my special talents, but I learned differently at the last function I played with Governor Rell. The function was at the Connecticut Convention Center, and it began with a cocktail hour for the participants. There were about 500 guests enjoying 3 or 4 open bars outside the ballroom, waiting for Governor Rell to arrive. I was hired to play upon the arrival of the Governor and parade her into the ballroom where the event was to take place. Just before the Governor Rell arrived, the event co-ordinator said she hired me because they needed something loud to get people's attention to let them know the Governor was entering the room. Well it worked! And I might add that the Governor's approval ratings have never been higher!

Amazing Grace at Weddings

Amazing Grace is a wonderful tune that I never tire of playing. It is probably the most often requested tune at any event. Traditionally it is considered a funeral tune, however, and therefore it is generally discouraged from being played at weddings. Weddings are celebrations, and some guests at the wedding may have very sad memories triggered by the tune. Whenever this tune is played for a large crowd, invariably there are people in tears. That being said, I will always play it if the Bride requests it. The Bride is the ruler of the wedding, and I can't agree with those pipers who flat out refuse to play it.

Keeping In Touch

The best way to get in touch with me is through email. There is a link on my website at www.ctpiper.com for email, or you can email me directly at shax2020@yahoo.com , which I check daily.

My summer is filling with bagpipe events, so please contact me as soon as you know you'll need a piper.