JoAnn

JoAnn is the only member of the band who did not play the Great Highland pipes before playing the Scottish small pipes. When she was 55 yrs old, a friend who heard her say she wanted to learn how to play the bagpipes, sent JoAnn a practice chanter. That was the event that started a most pleasurable journey into the land of piping. JoAnn’s first teachers were Shirley  and then Van Jackman. Her first set of smallpipes were John Walsh shuttle pipes and she now plays a set of small pipes made in England by Simon Hope whom she met at the Piper’s Gathering in Killington, VT. JoAnn was raised in an Irish home where jigs and reels were played frequently and  ballads were the means of learning  the story of the Irish people. With no formal musical training, JoAnn is very appreciative of the members of the band who provide teaching and encouragement during our weekly practices. She is particularly grateful for the superb musical education constantly provided by Ralph who generously shares his knowledge and talents with individuals and with the entire group.