The Bagpipes, the Violin, and the Real Reason People Say No
I grew up on Cape Breton Island, where Celtic music is basically a second language. My father was a classical violinist. Every musical decision in our house went through him. One day after a parade, I announced I wanted to play the bagpipes. I must have been four or five. I remember the sound. The drama. The sheer audacity of that instrument, and the highland dancers in their kilts. It looked like so much fun. I asked for lessons. My father said no. Why? “Because they have to be blown up.”...
