I was just reading a discussion board where the topic de joure was “How do you ask a bad piper to stop playing?” and I wondered, why would you? If you don’t like it move on, if those listening do like it (why else would they be listening) leave them alone, they’re having a good time.
I thought back a few years to an event where our club had retained an Elvis and a Neil Diamond impersonator. No one thought them the real thing, or held their music to that standard (besides it was kareoke), yet everyone had a great evening.
I think more people piping and enjoying pipers is far more important than all pipers sounding the same (no matter how good that may be.) For Christ sake people, just do it! You’ll be amazed how much fun you have.
Posts
2 comments:
I wanted to commend you on this post. I, like you, have a very relaxed style of piping...I don't play every bloody embellishment a tune calls for. In my opinion it's not necessary.
I am, however, a stickler on proper tone and tuning. I think pipers (regardless of ability level) should at least strive to have a good, steady tone that's in tune. Something I'm sure you'll agree with me on. I'm not afraid to tape or carve holes on problem notes to true them up, however there's some debate as to whether or not this is desirable to begin with.
I'm probably going on a bit too much, but I just wanted to say I agree with most of your post. Also, I do offer my services for a fee, and everyone I've ever performed for has had nothing but good things to say about my playing, so I must be doing something right!!!
LG,
Very nice of you to chime in. I liken it very much to guitar (an instrument I learned 50 years ago). Almost NO ONE is properly trained , and almost EVERYONE enjpys it! No one is expecting a recording contract either. However, the instrument naturally must be in tune, If more rogue pipers would just learn to tune and blow I believe the debate would cease, or at least subside. :-)
Post a Comment