The Groat

Iowa's only Professional level competitor, performer, and teacher of the Great Highland Bagpipe. If you would like to have bagpipes at your special event, such as weddings, funerals, or dedications, please feel free to contact me.  My special interest and strength is the performance and teaching of Piobaireachd, the Ceol Mor (Great Music) of Scotland, and its teaching through the ancient art of Canntaireachd.  If you need a custom musical arrangement or transposition of music to fit the Pipes, I can provide those services.  I am currently based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Taken at the Midwest Highland Arts Fund & MWPBA US Silver Medal Piobaireachd Competition, photographer Earl Richardson

NEWS:  Last fall, 2006, my piping took a major "hit" as it were.  My 1976 Hardies, with a Naill chanter, were stolen.  I had been giving some thought to a new instrument anyway, and so determined to make lemonade of the bitter lemons.  In January, 2007, I received my new pipes, made by David Naill in December 2006.  What a pleasure they are!  I've experimented with two drone set-ups, and quickly settled on one that is a real "cracker." The chanter has a good tone and volume,  bottom hand through top hand.  The new love affair begins.

More info about my piping and music can be found in my piping biography.

I continue to work with my harpsichords, and Zuckermann Harpsichords has flattered me with a nice write-up as well as showing one of my instruments for sale.

For the curious, The Groat is the name of a piobaireachd. I drew that tune a long time ago at a rather prestigious competition, but had only 2 weeks to learn it. Well, you can imagine, my compatriots soon began calling me "The Groat."  What is Piobaireachd?  A nice description is at piobaireachd.com

On Saturday, October 25, 2003, I performed as guest soloist with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra in Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies' An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise.  We also performed this work the Youth (schools) program on April 20, 2004. 

After many years of not competing, I decided I needed a positive goal, that being to get back "on the boards."  It has been over 20 years since I was active in the Pro circuit.  On the suggestion of a very good (and well known) piping friend, I began working on the Silver Medal set tunes for 2004.  (See the Piobaireachd Society web site for the set lists.)  Well, on his suggestion, I gave it a go by competing for the American Silver Medal in January, 2004.   I have three things to say.  1) I don't remember growing older, and 2) don't go into a big competition with new reeds that are not yet tame!  Live and learn.  I probably learned that years ago, but obviously forgot.  3) I forget the third thing I was going to say.

Interesting to note that the Piobaireachd Society's Silver level set tunes for 2007 include The Groat.

My deepest thanks and appreciation to my dear friends of the Hawkeye Area Grand Gaelic Isles Society for their continued encouragement and support.

The Hawkeye Area Grand Gaelic Isles Society has scholarships available.  See the H.A.G.G.I.S. web site for more details, and be sure to contact them to discuss the scholarship requirements and your needs.   I am also still available to travel outside the area for private lessons, workshops, and performances.

My oft-quoted notes on sealants for bagpipe bags are found here.

Commencement at Upper Iowa University, 2004 (click for full size pic) Photo Jerry Wadian

Please take part in my poll (click here).  Help stop the controversy!                                 harpsicam
... ok, you win.  I grew it back.  86.1% at last count.