Picked up a practice chanter for the first time at age 39.  I've played sports my entire life and never thought I could learn to play an instrument. Grew up running around the Ontario Highland Games circuit because my father was heavily involved in piping.  He played with The City of Toronto and The Clan MacFarlane in the 70's, 80's & 90's.

I always assumed I would play bagpipes as a kid but I was too focused on hockey.  At the youthful age of 39, I decided it was time to learn to play.  A lifelong dream.  So, I purchased a chanter, found an instructor and began.  I knew starting late in life was not the typical path for a piper so I had expectations of maybe being good enough to one day play in a street band.  That's it.  I set the bar very low.

To my surprise, piping came more naturally than I ever thought possible.  I have played for two bands in Ontario (Georgetown PB & Hamilton Police PB) and I was a part of two North American Championships and one Champion Supreme season.  I've had three instructors to date, including 9 months of weekly lessons with Bob Worrall in 2016-17.  To be honest, I feel like I'm playing with house money.  I lived the dream of playing in massed bands, competing in a band & playing solos, playing in a band with my Dad, playing off the field with a 1st place and marching straight into a beer tent to play.

For someone who started playing late in life, I'm proud of how far I've come.  Playing and competing at the gr4 level may not be a huge accomplishment for most but it is for me.  That being said, I really do want to improve.  I enjoy the process of learning, practicing and hearing my efforts come through the pipes.