Thursday, August 21, 2008

How young can you start learning to play pipes ?

This is a photo of the incredible G.S. McLennan when he was ten years old. He had already won the Amateur National Championship for Marches, Strathspeys and Reels. At the age of twelve he won the London Highland Amateur Championship for Piobaireachd, Marches, Strathspeys and Reels.

He became Pipe Major of the 1st Bn Gordon Highlanders at the age of 21 years, making him the youngest ever pipe major in the British Army. He won over 2000 piping awards during his career, was a brilliant composer, and also was a reputable bagpipe maker.

Sadly he died at the age of 45 due to complications of a lung complaint he contracted in the trenches of World War 1.

So it can safely be said that you are never too young to learn - provided your fingers can fit on a practice chanter !!

Old Angus

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So Angus there's hope for my young Lachie yet???

Just gotta keep Tina and her drum out the way!!!

From the Desert

Andy S

Anonymous said...

Just as importantly - how old can you be and still learn to master the art ?