September 27,2008

It was a great day! 

      Beginning at 7:30AM and ending at 9:45PM as the “Lone Piper”

The day started with individual bagpipe competition with 2 events.  I grabbed a quick drink of water and off to the noon parade with the pipe band.  The Knoxville Pipes and Drums marched in strength through the town of Dandridge with Scottish pride!  We performed a 30 minute concert following the opening ceremony.  We all assembled on the dyke overlooking loch Douglas for another concert at 3:30.  I played a solo Celtic harp concert on the lower stage at 5:30.  Then I had a while to rest and take in the festive delights of the festival.  I had a chance to check out the vendors and the food!  I listened to the talented groups and watched the dancers with their colorful costumes.  It was a treat and makes me proud to be a part of this great heritage.  While watching the closing entertainers, I began to prepare for my solo bagpipe performance for the closing ceremony.  As Colin Grant-Adams introduced me, my heart began to pound with excitement.  I struck the pipes in and they started to hum, still in great tune even with the night air.  The spotlight flashed on and my fingers were playing the old familiar tunes, Scotland the Brave into Amazing Grace.  I could feel the quiet emotion of the crowd.  This is always one of my most exciting experiences with the pipes.  I am very blessed to be involved with an event of this kind.  Check out www.MainStreetDandridge.com