Greetings,
I finally got around to actually registering on the forum. I have been lurking for quite some time and I wanted to sign on to pass on to all, that as someone who has a great interest in UPs, I think that this this site is invaluable. I have a practice set on order from Neil O’Grady and I have learned a great deal from all the info passed back and forth here about what I’ll be dealing with when they finally reach my hands. Keep it up.
Karl
Welcome Karl. Hope your wait isn’t too long.
Hope you got some new jokes. 
djm
My set should arrive in the spring at which point divorce proceeding will commence. As far as jokes are concerned…hundreds of them.
A question for you Central Canadians who have attended the Chris Langan weekend. Would it be benificial for a brand new piper to attend or would a year or two of practice be in order before attending? Any and all opinions appreciated.
Hi ex-tanker—My practice set should be ready in the spring too.
Looks like we’ll be entering the Dark Side together 
!
Yo, XT, it will depend on you. Do you have a UP teacher where you are, or are you teaching yourself? Do you have any background in ITM on other instruments, or playing other types of pipes? If you are past the stage of how to strap on the set, how to hold the chanter, and how to work the bellows, you are ripe for a good tionól. If you haven’t got over these first steps, you may not learn as much directly for your own playing, but you will still get an eye/earful of good piping, and how it should be done.
Either way, yes its worth coming to Chris Langan Weekend. They have finally set a civilized date for the 2006 CLW, holding it at the end of April, instead of the middle of January, so hopefully there will be a much better attendance.
There are some other events in the Northeastern States that may be a bit closer to you. Watch the forums for these, or check here: http://uilleannforum.com/calendar/calendar.php
Cheers,
djm
Cynth, have you ordered from Neil as well? If not, who was your choice?
Oh, and by the way, up here in the land of very few ITM musicians it’s the Scottish who we consider the ‘DARK SIDE’. You can’t go a half a mile without tripping over a Scottish fiddler. I live in the country and there are seven scottish fiddlers within a 1 mile radius of home.
DJM, I picked up the fiddle about four years ago and am not doing to bad with it. There are several of us who get together once a week to better our techniques and learn another tune. We may not be moving fast but we’re sure having fun. Up until recently we had one of the best Irish fiddlers in North America right here on the Island and I had the opportunity to spend time with him at several workshops. We just lost him to Toronto. His name is Kim Vincent and he has taught with the likes of Tommy Peoples. As far as UP instructors are concerned, there are only two sets of UPs in the province at this time. One of these guys used to teach GHPs at the College of Piping but he has since seen the light and has become fine UPer. He is very interested in forming a club as at this point there are three of us with sets on order.
[quote=“Ex-tanker”]Greetings,
I finally got around to actually registering on the forum. I have been lurking for quite some time.
I too, a new member, “lurked” for some time, which I now believe that it was very beneficial. I too am on a waiting list that will be concluded in '06.When I recognized that I might possibly be able to attend an Irish music retreat I contacted Pat Sky and received one of his budget chanters during the week prior to the retreat. That weekend found me, a “newbie” and total goose at Uilleann piping, sitting at the feet of the talented Jerry O’Sullivan. Besides the immense thrill of simply attending the retreat I was able to receive proper instruction at my starting level from one of the true Masters. Yes, I’m sure my experience as a Highland piper aided somewhat but a wellmade instrument provided by a competent pipemaker truly made a difference. I encourage you to follow that trail and attend any type of workshop, retreat, or happening that you can find. I believe your experence there will provide you with the same type of valuable experience that I received.
Anasazi Piper
Welcome, EX-T. We have a Piper’s Club in Quebec here it’s :
http://pages.infinit.net/jamie/Uilleann.html
We are approximately about up to 12-15 Piper’s and growing..
upiper71
Hey Karl,
Greetings from another newbie. Yes, I have to confess to “lurking” as well. I read through posts and drooled over idea of starting this crazy instrument and debated with myself (and several family members) over the idea. (What was wrong with me?) Needless to say I finally gave in and my practice set, or rather the components of my practice set are on the way. My parents and my friends are wondering what’s wrong with me. (There are times when I wonder what’s wrong with me. ) Oh well, as far as vices go, I suppose Uilleann piping is fairly harmless. (My cat will probably disagree with the latter, if past whistling experience is anything to go on. )
Best of luck,
S. K. Cull
P. S.,
If laughing is supposed to be good for your health, doctors should start prescribing this site. 
I have been enjoying myself immensely.
Thanks for the input, folks. Hoping to head for TO in the spring.
Karl
I am getting my practice set from Tim Britton who lives about 2.5 hours away from me. And I will be taking lessons from him as well. It is a really a lucky situation for me. On the other hand, you live on Prince Edward Island. Even if you were the only piper on the island, I couldn’t feel sorry for anyone living there.