Pipehacker

Pipehacker Project: The Personal Reed Case

An enterprising bagpiper can accumulate a large number of chanter reeds over time. But once you find those choice bits of cane, what do you do with them? Active players will normally have a few good reeds going and need others close at hand. Do you keep them in a cardboard box? Store them in the back of your fridge? Keep them loose in a small jar? Many a good, unplayed reed has suffered from bouncing around loose in some sort of container in the bottom of a pipe case, or worse, been sitting safely stored at home when needed at a performance. Here is a nifty, quickly-made reed case that will not only keep your reeds dry and protected when kept in your pipe box, they’ll be held secure so they are undamaged in your travels. Read More

Solo Competing: How to properly present yourself to a judge

Any of you who knew me as I progressed through the different solo grades, or have seen me during early-season events with Oran Mor, will rightfully identify the irony of me writing this post.  That being said, my general clueless-ness has forced me to consciously evaluate my presentation, and, generally speaking, when it counts I do…. OK. Also, having now judged many contests, I have seen just how much the presentation can have an effect on the overall impression the judge has of you.

Here are several big things to consider. Read More