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I use to play Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. I was in a "Boys Brigade" pipe band but have not played in years. Not sure if I would have the puff for it now!!

Wow! How long did you study the bagpipes?

I just got finished with my daily practice of the Bagpipe (no kidding). I've been really pleased with my playing lately--I've been playing for 7 years.

I was in the only American Grade IV (amateur) band to have won the Pipe Band World Championship on Glasgow Green in Scotland in 1999.

I play funerals, weddings, bars, druid ceremonies (dumb, but it pays) and play semi-professionally in the National Guard band of my state.

I'm training up and eventually want to play the Piobreached in major contests.

I play the hell out of the bagpipe... I love them.

The bagpipe was played extensively by the Highlanders in Iraq in the 1800's, The Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom.

I have a pal who played the pipes in Malaysia, Aden, Vietnam, The Falklands, N. Ireland (three tours) and Desert Storm. Pipers are allowed to join the Regiments at 17.

People don't realize that the Regimental Pipers are in fact infantrymen and the Pipe Band of the Regiment is also the Heavy Weapons (machineguns and mortars) of the Regiment. They are badass dudes and I am doing my small part to bring that proud heritage here--I am my NG band's armorer, marksmanship trainer and M-60 gunner.

I've played more than a few memorials, inaugurations and parties at the pleasure of the governor of my state. I just love the bagpipe!