N. Hero was a real blast. As usual, one leaves these types of conventions with a lot to work on. Does one ever get to it all before the next “event?” Piping instruction was top level. I did not particularly care for playing in the tents, though. Unfortunately, the venue was not conducive to “public” sessions where on could show up and listen or play. I did make it into one such degenerate session at 1AM and had a riotiously great time with unnamed celebrities what with the limericks, gospel tunes, “talking chanter” demo and other ribald behaviors. I actually enjoyed hearing and seeing the myriad of other pipes this past weekend…especially the Northumbrian pipes but also the border pipes. Two superb concerts were presented. Michael Dow and the others who worked hard to make the event possible deserve a round of off the knee G rolls!
i concur in all your points. what an incredible experience it was for a beginner to get help from Jerry O’Sulliven and Debra Quigley. i was struck by their humility, willingness to take very basic questions seriously, and patience with beginners.
the tents really sucked. suzanne ward facilitated a “slow session”, meaning that beginners were welcome to play along. it was fun, but keeping the tent on down turned out to be a full time job. if you elected to participate with your whistle the wind did a number on you.
the vendors were great. bought vol 2 of “the drones and the chanters” and some other stuff.
well worth while.
meir
As usual, the performances and instruction provided at North Hero this year was of very high quality. I particularly enjoyed Jimmy O’Brien-Moran’s classes, performances, lecture, and banter. The vendors had a variety of material for sale, and it’s always a pleasure to see Mac Harg’s pipes on display. If I had the talent (and time, money, etc.), I’d pick up a couple of his pipes, too. I saw several sets made by David Quinn and Benedict Koehler and in particular, fell in love with Debbie Quigley’s set.
The geographic location of the event is incredible and is always pleasurable. Although the Shore Acres Inn is an expensive place to go to, the land and lake are stunning. I do agree with Lewis with the issue of the tents. I didn’t find them to be conducive to hearing the pipes properly nor to holding lessons. Most of it, though, is due to the fact that it was very, very windy much of the weekend. If there were a slight breeze, I think my opinion would be different.
Looking forward to more events, and I hope the Pipers’ Gathering can make it, financially. If you have some cash, do donate what you can! It’s a wonderful festival and it would be a huge shame if it stopped functioning.
Jonathan
The tents, in combination with the incredible winds that slope down the hill, are pretty noisy. The view is wonderful, and even better are the warm and wonderful people you meet and the brilliant instructors/artists. As usual, I am astonished with Benedict Koehler’s musical talent and his thoughful approach in listening and critiquing. Both Debbie and Benedict are courageously patient teachers. Their insights are incredibly valuable to somebody like me, who rarely gets any “meaningful” feedback (other than “Honey, can you get the kids ready for bed?”) 
I was really impressed with Jimmy O’Brian Moran too. He’s a classic. Brilliant player and has deep respect for history and the tradition. After he heard me play, he nodded and said “grand”. the next chap played and he said “that was superb”. Then an anecdote came along about a hotel he stayed in being “grand”, which clearly was not. So, I think I can read between the lines on that one!! 
I bought a few CD’s too: Drones and Chanters Vol I, Jimmy O’Brian Moran’s Seàn Reid’s Favourite, and Lunasa’s Merry Sisters of Fate (which is right up my alley!!) as well as a harp book for my wife.
Seth Gallagher, as always, was charming and wonderful to talk with and his family glows with life. I couldn’t take my family this year, unfortunately, but Ronan and his sister had a great time anyway. I met a few Chiffers there and it’s always cool to put faces to names. Jonathan Hohl, Aaron Welsh and David Boisvert – great to meet you guys – had some nice talks too!
TTYS
PR
Nice meeting you too, Paul.
For anyone who doesn’t know, Paul is a fantastically talented photographer…I only saw two of his prints, but they were intense enough for me to be convinced of his talent. He’s got this photo of Cillian Vallely that is super awesome.
Aaron
..paul..I didn’t get a chance to see your photos! Ah well…btw..we survived the drive home..driving through the U.S. / southerly route was MUCH faster.. (phew)
Thanks for the compliment Aaron – it’s a labour of love!! Keep posted in the next year to see a wonderful project!
And David, glad you got back safely, I had to wait almost 4 hours on the highway with 5km/h traffic - ugh! My 7 hour drive became 10.5!! Still not as exhausting as 20 hours though. BTW, your pipes and whistles look amazing. Too bad we didn’t have good fit to my smallish diameter. Good luck with the work!! More labour of love I expect 
Cheers,
PR
Get yer mind outta the gutter, D’Arcy…sheesh. 
Sorry Pat… couldn’t resist… a little escapism from the work day
PD.
giggle I thought of that when I wrote it, but decided to let it go
BTW, I’m talkin’ 'bout me waist! The hose was too long 
I hated the tents, too! I tried using a whistle to learn a basic melody and could’t get any sound out of it at all.
I thought that all of the instructors were just great. I didn’t get to spend as much time with Jimmy O’Brien-Moran as I would have liked, but I was amazed at the intensity of the passion for piping that seemed to emanate from the man. Jerry, Debby, Benedict, and Jimmy provided me with some clear ideas and goals to strive for in my playing for the next year and they were so encouraging and supportive that they also provided the hope and enthusiasm needed to pursue those goals.
I bought 2 Dickie Deegan recordings and played them all the way home much to the dismay of my wife who hasn’t yet come to fully appreciate slow airs, etc.
I’ve got my room reserved at Shore Acres next year. See you all then!
Jimmy is both a great piper and a gentleman, but having shared his room at North Hero I would like to add JEEZ CAN THE MAN SNORE!!!
But being a gentleman he had actually brought earplugs along in case his roomy needed them!
Ian
Posts: 1
Ian… WELCOME to the C&F forums
Jimmy and Ian in the room together?!? Geez…if you were within an adjacent room of that one the piping karma must have been palpable!
And those of you who don’t know of Ian should know that any opinion he expresses on any sort of bagpipe is worth hearing (playing as he does all of them).
Cheers,
Calum(II)