Christopher McBride Bagpiper, Nanaimo, BC

Hi there, I will begin here with a little introduction about myself and how I picked up the bagpipes for the first time. The photos that follow detail the journey that the instrument has taken me.

A few years ago my parents asked if I would like to learn a instrument, since both my brother and sister had this opportunity around the age I was. Naturally, I chose bagpipes having been very much inspired by the Edinburgh tattoo. My parents were hesitant at first, however they came around eventually when they were able to hear the progress. An important thing to note here would be that I began piping in a small town called Cumnock in Ayrshire, Scotland. I couldn't have picked a better place to begin my piping, as the local band (Muirkirk Pipe Band) were incredibly supportive and were very proactive in the piping community.

The picture below was when I won my very first competition! I ended up getting first place.

My first chanter competition, in Sanquer, Ayrshire, Scotland.

After playing the chanter for almost a year I started to learn how to play the Bagpipes. This was first time try to blow into my pipes. My uncle thought I looked like I was wrestling a octopus.

First try with Bagpipes

The following grid of photos were taken in Helensburgh and the Holy fair.

In Scotland 2011

The next photo was taken before a bridge at Dumfries house, owned by Prince Charles. I was asked to play at Dumfries house and this was me preparing before hand.

In 2013 my mum told me about "Pacific Gael Pipes & Drums," a local pipe band in Nanaimo, BC. I was happy to hear this since continuing with the instrument was something I really wanted to do after emmigrating. Then In 2012 we moved to British Columbia, Canada. I got to join my new Pipe band.

Below is a collection of my favourite events that I participated in with the pipe band.

Canada, 2013-2015

Here is a photo taken recently while I was at the Piping Hot Summer Drummer in Vermont. I was able to go haven won a scholarship and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The photo below was taken the day before leaving.

Piping hot summer drummer at Vermont.

The final image below, was taken last week! (November 10th, 2015). Having came to Canada I have been invited to play the bagpipes at several events (Port Theatre, boat launching, parades, competitions). The picture below was with me, my friend Leo, and one of the last army veterans around from WWII.

Remembrance day at Lantzville

Thank you for reading my story.

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