I’m a Graduate Student in Ethnomusicology at the University of Sheffield and a bagpiper of 30+ years’ experience.
I’ve studied under some amazing pipe teachers, including Jori Chisolm in Seattle and Kevin McLean in British Columbia (both formerly of the Simon Fraser University Pipe band). I’ve been adjudicated by Jack Lee in Piobaireachd (Salado, 2018), and have attended the Piping Hot Summer Drummer school three times. I’m a former member of the Houston Highlanders Pipes and Drums and an erstwhile member of the Houston Scottish Rite Pipe Band, and now focus on solo performances using multimedia (Athens, Greece 2017/2018).
I’m also a pianist, having performed at a recital at the Royal Academy of Music in London (2019), studying piano at Vivaldi Music Academy.
I’m also an accordionist, playing the piano accordion, the diatonic button accordion, and the Steirische Harmonika.
Why am I doing this project?
I’m doing fieldwork and writing a dissertation in Texas for a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology at the University of Sheffield on the subject of:
CREATING IDENTITY IN A FRAGMENTED SOCIETY:
The Influence of Bagpipe Culture on Construction of Identity among Highland Bagpipers in Texas
What does this mean?
Every man, woman, and child constructs an identity. Some researchers describe humans as born with no innate cultural or social identity, while others (such as BF Skinner) are strict determinists, insisting that human behavior is devoid of free will, and thus, identity.
Why research identity?
Identity is a multi-faceted aspect of human personality. It is not only deeply personal, but is developed with social contexts - family of origin, the culture in which a person is born and raised, and tends to fluctuate as a person ages.
In fact, it’s not unreasonable to state that personality is malleable, and influenced by social pressures, the need to belong, gender and sexual identity, and a desire for protection from outside threats.
What is Ethnomusicology?
