Saturday, February 25, 2017

Bagpipes Transform Lives


My friend Eugene at the Nova Scotia Boarder



I don't remember the first time I heard bagpipes but I suspect it might have been when I my family made the very first trek driving from Ontario back to Nova Scotia, when I was just a kid. Once we hit the New Brunswick/Nova Scotia Boarder crossing there was always a Piper in the middle of a big flower garden playing his heart out.

I grew up with a friend who was actually was one of those Pipers at the Nova Scotia boarder. Eugene made a fine figure in his kilt and did a grand job playing his pipes.

It wasn't until I got older that the bagpipes really resonated with me. My heart would get very nostalgic and I'd get the feeling I was being called back to another place and an ancient time.  I'm not sure if that place was the heather covered hills and dales of Scotland, but it was definitely ancient.

The history of bagpipes is ancient and after listening to a program about the pipes they held an even deeper fascination for me.

About a week later after hearing this program I learned about Jermaine Downey  who talked about his love and passion for piping and how the bagpipes saved his life. He has a special vision and mission to help kids by teaching them to play the bagpipes and believes in the power of music to transform lives.

Jermaine Downey in Scotland


4 comments:

thesycamoretree said...

Thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Jermaine, and the story of how he came to play the bagpipe. It is such a haunting sound, that captivates me every time I hear it.

Unknown said...

Thank you Bev for your great comment. I'm really happy you enjoyed the interview.
It seems people either love or hate the pipes. Those that love it we all seems to have similar reactions. We find it hauntingly captivating. It's so wonderful what he is doing with the kids of Preston!

Unknown said...

Thank you all so much. I am merely doing what I enjoy. I happened to stumble across this, which serves as a well needed form of motivation. Sometimes we can get a bit overwhelmed with our own realities and struggles. It's people like you that make all the difference for someone who strugales with mental illness. I so appreciate you for thinking of my endeavor. Many blessings.

Unknown said...

Jermaine your passion and mission will change lives. Creativity comes in all forms and saves lives. I can attest to this. Keep doing what your doing!

It's so great to hear from you and thank you so much for commenting! Big blessings to you!