Getting the first gig is important.
Even if you plan to play purely for your own enjoyment, playing a public set now and again is important. Not only will it steady your nerves as you get used to it, but will prepare you for the time you get caught off guard and can't talk your way out of an impromtu performance of a tune or two.
I do about one wedding and funeral each per year. Not a whole lot, I usually do them for free as it's word of mouth by friends and family that want a piper. Playing at church keeps me in practice for public performance.
In Jan. I played for a cousins wedding, all they wanted was STB as they marched down the aisle after the ceremony. Two weeks ago I played The Dark Island and AG for a great Uncles funeral. Getting the jitters would have been bad either time, I'm glad to have played in front of the church a half dozen times recently.
Anyway, congrats on the first gig, and even more so for doing something with your son. I have a five year old who is showing an interest in music. We'll see if the pipes are a hit only because he hears them at home or if he really wants to play them.
Tell you son I said "Good Job" and to give you a hug for spending time with him in the crazy hectic world we live in. It's too easy to let "stuff", including hobbies, take our time away from important things like family.
I wish I believed in reincarnation. Where's Charles Martel when you need him?
Originally Posted by ohiopiper
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