Steel Thistle Pipes and Drums

This is the reason for our travels to the UK. Jim's friend, Patrick Regan, is the founder and director of the Steel Thistle Pipes and Drums. It has been Patrick's dream to take a youth band to Scotland to participate in the World Championships. Jim's job with the band was that of Tuner. Before entering any

competition, the bagpipes required tuning of the drones (the three pipes that stick up in the air) and the chanters (the pipe with the holes that is played with the fingers). The band participated in several competitions in the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas, as well as a 4 day side trip to the Portree on the Isle of Skye for individual competitions.

Jim was one of 4 tuners who accompanied the band to help prepare them for competitions. The band did exceptionally well, and in the World Championships the band finished tenth.