Some love for the NPU...

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hey gang,
I just returned from the NPU tionol in Borris, and it was great. As a new piper from the US, I was a tad overwhelmed by the personalities and the playing there, but the people were just wonderful. I thought I would take a moment to give some love to the NPU, Gerry, Sandie, Ruairi Somers (patient teacher!), and Bill Haneman (who let me tag along, introduced me to loads of great folks, and has provided me with a truly extraordinary set of pipes in B, not to mention a sweet narrow bore D chanter). Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

If you get a spare moment, please go check out the vision of the NPU for the future of piping. There is a massive effort underway to grow the piping community and tradition, and these hard working folks are committing extraordinary energy to that end. Did you know that they have a loaner program for learners? Did you know that they are working tirelessly to create a pipemaking school, with plans to renovate #16 Henrietta Street? I was amazed at the undertakings described at the NPU meeting, and came away with an even greater appreciation for these people who are working daily to serve all of us. Without their efforts and vision, I am not sure where we would be. For those from the NPU who occasion this board, thank you for all you do.

I just became a dues paying member, and I would encourage everyone else to do the same. If we all become more a part of these efforts, then there is no telling how much we can accomplish. A few extra dollars here and there can add up, and for those of us on this side of the pond, it is another way to support the growth of the community worldwide. If not with funding, then we may all be ambassadors of this tradition, sharing the music wherever we go, and directing people to the fine folks at #15 Henrietta Street. They are definitely doing their part, and their hard work and gracious service has inspired me to do more. I hope you will join me.

Thank you for allowing me to gush.

All the best,
Blake Langston

2

How does a poor guy wanting to learn get a loaner from across the pond? :stuck_out_tongue: I intend to join once I get my hands on a practice set…which is probably about a year from now with next year’s tax return. :frowning:

3

You’re welcome… now get a mop and clean up that mess. :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

4

And where are the pics/clips of the new acquisitions?

David

5

Yeah, don’t hold out on us now…

6

I gotta jump in my barrel and ride the “NPU Love Cascade” for a moment myself. I joined about a year ago, and NPU is just a terrific bunch of folks. They seem 110% committed to revitalizing piping and pipemaking, and they seem to be relatively unbureaucratic and ego-free about it.

As for loaner sets, I believe they’re available in Ireland – I don’t know if NPU has ever done anything like that for aspiring pipers in other countries, though it may not hurt to ask …

And then there was the time at last fall’s Northeast Tionol when NPU CEO (aka “Grand Pooh-baire”) Gay McKeon took the time and energy to help me set up and get started playing my drones. That half-hour was worth the membership fee 10 times over (I don’t know if he even knew or cared I was a member, FWIW).

All in all their website and Tutor have been very helpful, their An Piobaire quarterly is a wee little gem, and oh, how I do love this year’s “pinup calendar.” :smiley: NPU is doing the Lord’s work and if you can support them your investment will not be wasted.

Props (and mops!) to NPU!

7

I too am very pleased with NPU and have been a member for 8 years. Now that I am retired, they have a reduced membership fee, making a membership the best bargain that I have found for some time. Contact them for details.

Chuck