This afternoon I took my son to meet the instructors at the Bda Pipe Band . There were two instructors there and one older gentleman. When I introduced myself the older man stopped and said "Are you anything to do with Arthur Morris?" "That's my father and THAT *pointing at my son* is his grandson." I replied. My boy had just started to play his chanter with one of the teachers. My father was actually one of the founders of the Bda Pipe Band. He never played with them, but he was the head instructor when they started it. The guy kind of stood there with his mouth open and then broke into a huge smile. As more members came in each was informed of the fact that my dad's grandson was playing either the chanter or the pipes.
These guys were pretty darn psyched about the whole situation. There was another kid who started playing last September there having his final lesson of the year. He was nowhere close to playing the pipes. One of the instructors asked my son who was his piping teacher at school. WHen my son told him who the guy was (I can't spell his name Mcgillvery maybe) he said "Well yes, he's in charge of the program I'm sure but who actually does the classes?" My son repeated the name. That just about blew his mind. Apparently he is somewhat of a legend in the bagpipe world, at least in North America. The OTHER instructor came over and said that he had planned to fly to Canada twice a month for lessons with this guy but that job circumstances didn't allow it in the end. He would have done it gladly though apparently.
This second instructor then proceeded to give my son an hour an a half of instruction, mostly on the chanter, but some pipe work too. In the first five minutes he taught him to play "Happy Birthday" for the party next week and then they went through the songs my son has been assigned to learn this summer. The two of them just sat there going through each song bar by bar and piece by piece. It was really something to watch. The guy was really cool and very interested in helping my son. He's offered to get together with him as much as possible before my son leaves for his summer holiday in Florida and for the 3 weeks he's home afterwards. Any free half hour here or hour there he said. Couldn't ask for anything better.
Oh, and apparently Sgt. McKenzie has been put to music and the first instructor we spoke to is certain he can put his hands on it. He knew the tune immediately when I mentioned it. If not he said he could easily write it out himself. He couldn't find any manuscript to give it a try then and there though. So, I should have a copy of it soon, if any of your buddies are interested.
