When Dr. John McClure, a pathologist in Edina, Minn., was pondering his wish list several years ago, he added something a little out of the ordinary: learn to play the bagpipes. But his goal seemed like a long shot after a friend who had been teaching him moved away.

Now he is getting lessons from a top-tier teacher — Jori Chisholm, whose résumé includes a first-place award at the 2010 Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, Scotland. Mr. Chisholm lives in Seattle, but distance is no longer a problem — Dr. McClure now takes lessons over Skype.

They even squeeze in a lesson sometimes when Dr. McClure, 50, is at work, though he keeps the noise down by using a practice chanter, essentially a pipe without a bag. “I’ve been on call, waiting for a specimen from the O.R., and I’ll do a lesson with Jori,” Dr. McClure said.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Culture-Watch • Blogging & the Internet • Music • Science & Technology

1. APB wrote: Q. What’s the definition of a gentleman? A. Someone who knows how to play the bagpipe and doesn’t. Q: What’s the only thing worse than a bagpiper? A: Good question. We’re still trying to find out too. Many more here:  http://www.ahajokes.com/bagpi.html January 12, 8:26 am | [comment link]

Registered members must log in to comment.