Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Nauvoo Pagent

A few years ago I saw a flyer advertising for bagpipers to play at the LDS Nauvoo pagent.

Being LDS and a bagpiper I was immediately interested. When I got on the website I found that they were not taking any applications at that time. I was disappointed, but vowed I'd check back later.

The next year we had a lot of expenses with kids getting married and other things, so a trip to Nauvoo was not possible. This year we didn't have the time or the money to commit, but we have discussed it and have decided that 2009 will be our year. Mindy and her family went to Nauvoo this summer for her mother's 80th birthday. They had such a good time that she has agreed we should go, and thus the ball has started to roll.

I have submitted the application and other documentation and we are just waiting to hear back on whether or not we will be accepted.

Here is an excellent story on the "Pipers of Nauvoo":
CLICK HERE

and here is the web site for the Nauvoo pagent:
CLICK HERE

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Band Practice ... again.

I was back at band practice last night. I hadn't picked up the GHBagpipes in a while and after a couple of sets it was obvious. My fingering is great when I'm fresh, but man does it go downhill when I get worn out, and it didn't take long for that to happen.

I hadn't played for a few weeks because of a cold and laziness. I'm healthy now and need to force myself to play for at least 15 minutes each day.

Teagan made the hockey team he was trying out for and so he didn't have to go to the tryout last night. Instead he came with me to band and I think he actually enjoyed it.

I have been practicing a lot on my small pipes, so I'm not letting things go completely, but I do need to play the big pipes more often.

The band is getting ready for a competition coming up in November. It's the Dave Barclay Memorial and was a lot of fun last year. I won't be competing solo, but I'm still looking forward to it.