On pipers and politics

**Update** Response to this post can be found here.

Not the kind of politics you see on the news, but rather the politics of the piping world. A thread on a bagpipe forum was brought to my attention today, and it makes for a depressing read. The title of the thread is a good indication of the content: “How to destroy a pipe band in 3 easy steps.”

The person who started the thread talks about his or her experiences with a competition pipe band and the squabbling and power struggles between the two top-level pipers in charge. Or more accurately, between the current controlling and manipulative leader and the former leader whom everyone liked and just wanted to play bagpipes.

I’ve heard a lot about this sort of thing, and it’s really pretty disgusting. This situation is even more disgusting because I know the two pipers involved and am familiar with the two bands mentioned. It makes me sad, but I can’t say that I’m surprised.

Unfortunately some people feel the need to be in control of things, and pipe bands offer a great way for the small time control freak to get in on the action. Many pipers are pretty laid back and mild-mannered, so when a strong personality comes into the picture he or she often sees an opportunity to be in charge. Bands are almost entirely volunteer, and the stakes are very low. Ruining a pipe band doesn’t destroy one’s professional or political career, so there’s not really much at stake, except the happiness of the people who liked things the way they were. The people involved in that sort of experience can destroy friendships and make people hate the piping community they loved so much before. I know of some very talented and passionate former members of the piping community who are now out of it because of the politics.

My first experience with a competition band was ideal: no egos in the band, no cliques, no power struggles. Just music and friendship. Everyone in the band got along and enjoyed the company of the others, and we enjoyed playing music together and hanging out together. We were serious about playing good music, but at the same time realized that is was supposed to be fun. The three years I played with Macdonald Pipe Band in Pittsburgh were a lot of fun, and it provided the catalyst for  my solo competition career, as well as my interest in pipes turning into an obsession. Some of my best friends were made in that band, and I miss them quite a bit.

Every pipe band I associate with in the future will be compared to my time with Macdonald, and I’m afraid nothing will be as good. Part of that I’m sure is that it was my first experience and I had nothing else to compare it to, but it was also a lot of fun.

Here’s to hoping that the situation works out favorably for those who liked things the way they were.