So…any pipers making the annual trek to Goderich / Celtic College?
The good news is that, for the first time, UP lessons are being offered!
Dermot Hyde of the band Pipeline will be teaching.
The bad news is that the class will be during the 9 am time slot. (I’m NOT a morning person…especially after sessions.)
Yours truly will be doing reed making and pipe maintenence in the instrument repair shop again.
(Highland pipes are also being taught this year, so I will be bringing along for sale various supplies for highland pipes via Scott’s Higland Services.)
The deal is that you can take 4 classes for each of 4 days (16 classes - full-time tuition) for $335 or two classes per day (8 classes - half-time tuition) for $220. The schedule is the same for all four days. I think I may just be there for one day/night, so likely will not take any classes, more of a romp around for the lot of us.
Hmmm… I’m definitely interested if I can swing the time off that week.
But the course description is a little vague in terms of level of ability required. (“some familiarity with the instrument”).
I’d consider myself just a pinch away from being a raw beginner. I’ve been a practice set “owner” for about 6 months, but have not really found a significant amount of practice time so far.
I’ve got about a year and a half or so in on whistle/low whistle, so I’m comfortable with the raw basics (covering holes, basic fingerings, simple ornaments). I can move up and down the D and G scales pretty well, and can muddle through a few slower, simple tunes, but I still struggle to not squeak the lower notes or to get anything up to speed.
It also sounds like the class is going to focus some times on drones and regs, which is not something I’m up to yet.
I’d love to get a little instruction here, but I wouldn’t want to be holding up more experienced players in the class.
Anyone have any insight as to whether this would be worthwhile for someone at my level? Or would I just be getting in the way?
(I’m NOT a morning person…especially after sessions.)
