How Old?

[PiobBear]

I'm in a band where the overwhelming majority of members are over 50, including a newbie just learning the pipes at 70. Go for it!

[JimB]

Well...that gives me a different perspective.
I guess I'm used to seeing groups of 19-25 year olds standing in a circle practicing at our local Scottish festivals.
I'll check out the pipe band thing. Who knows...

I appreciate that saying and I think I will make it my pipe motto..."I play for my own enjoyment and my neighbor's annoyance"...works for me!

[JS Sanders]

"Youth & strength are no match for age & cunning"

It just seems this axiom fits in this space well.

Slan yall,
steve

[george7]

Go for it!

[Mr. Woolery]

A pipe band is a good way to learn for a couple of reasons. First, having a supportive group around you who have all gone through the learning stages will often mean you get a little help with bits and bobs that you need. Second, it is generally free or very cheap. Third, if you want to play well with others that's the best way to get into it.

However, that said, I'm not so sure that pipe band lessons are the best way to get good on the pipes, not even the fastest. You get what they have time and willingness to give. In some bands, this is excellent, in others it can be rather mediocre. If you pay for lessons with a competent teacher, you will learn the basics faster and have someone paying attention to the fine points that make the difference between a decent ensemble player and a skillful soloist. It does cost more, so you decide which you want. It doesn't hurt to take solo lessons and also show up at band practices to get used to what they are doing. Make sure your teacher knows what your goals and intentions are, though.

There are two newish folks at my band practice. One is in his late 50s, the other has been retired for a while. The younger of them is still just learning, the older was over 65 when he took up the pipes. I am convinced that both of them would progress a lot faster if they took individual lessons, but they both want to stick with what they can get for free from the band. That's okay, too. Most of the pipers in Fairbanks are well into their professional careers at this point. At 34, I think I am about the youngest who shows up on a regular basis (there's a really hot piper still in high school, who started taking lessons at age 5, but I have not seen her at band in over 6 months). One of my fellow students is 92. He just started on the practice chanter and only has aspirations toward small pipes, not the big pipes. But there's no reason he can't do it. As long as you have the coordination to type and the breath needed to shout across a large room, you have the physical requirements of a piper.

Welcome to the instrument and just remember to enjoy it.

-Patrick

[Frank McGrath]

It's just a number that you can't let hopld you back. Pipe on, Brother.

[WARPIPER]

I have had some pipe students that were in there 50s and they did just fine. Practice is what make a good piper. go for it

[JimB]

Great advice! Thanks you guys
I think the plan is...first open my (ahem) Christmas present, familiarize myself with which end to blow in, and sign up for lessons. I have a place here that will do that for $100 a month. Then maybe this coming summer I'll see about bands.
Thanks again!
And hey...I just found the piper smiley!

[Jack Daw]

I'm 50 and I play solo. If it weren't for considerable business travel, I'd join any pipe and drum band in my area in a heartbeat,...except for the St. Thomas Episcopal as they are grade school age.

[Phogfan86]

If all you're seeing are 19-25 year olds playing, you're not looking hard enough. There are plenty of grown-ups out here playing! There are plenty of guys 40 and up in our band. I bought my first chanter a year ago at the age of 44. In fact, our band was started when two 40-somethings sat down to learn how to play from a 14-year-old.

And wouldn't it be unfortunate if your chanter/Christmas gift didn't make it all the way til December 25th? Break that box open and start tomorrow!