On Bagpiping on the International Space Station

Over the weekend a US flight engineer and astronaut, Kjell Lindgren, played bagpipes aboard the International Space Station paying tribute to research scientist Dr. Hurt. Playing the traditional tune Amazing Grace in zero gravity, it was a first for bagpipes to be played in outer space. According to the BBC news Mr. Lindgren contacted pipe maker McCallum over two years ago. McCallum spokesman Kenny Macleod stated that the set taken aboard the 45th expedition to the space station were a set of the plastic pipes saying, "They're made of plastic - they're just easier to keep clean and to make sure they're not contaminated. They're also lighter." Honoring Dr. Hurst with the pipes was preceded with a short video message.

Dr. Hurst worked for US engineering company Wyle Science as a research scientist and instructor. He died suddenly in October, aged 48. Mr Lindgren said of Hurst: "He always had a quick smile, a kind word. I don't know if anyone was more enthusiastic and professional about being involved in human space flight."

Here is a link on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DWzmq9e0Lw

McCallum spokesman Macleod also stated (after seeing Mr. Lindgren play), "The thing about bagpipes is that they're very difficult to play at high altitude because the air is that bit thinner. They're quite hard to blow so he's done well,"

To paraphrase the tag line from the movie Alien, “In space, no one can hear to pipe.”

Or can they?

On piping for my daughter’s wedding

When my daughter became engaged, a whole world of new discussions, details, plans and possibilities opened up. Early on she asked about having pipers play a processional as I walked her down the aisle. I was extremely delighted that she wanted bagpipes, even knowing that I would not be able to play. No disappointment there as I am the Father of the Bride. And, as it happened, our band whole heartedly wanted to play. I was equally delighted when our band’s leadership approved playing at the wedding! Our family is indeed honored by the generosity of time and music.  

The wedding plans moved along in quick order. The couple found a beautiful venue in Santa Cruz, CA., called Hollins House at Pasatiempo (http://www.pasatiempo.com/hollins-house).  A gorgeous venue overlooking the Pasatiempo Golf Links which in turn overlooks Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay beyond. On my first visit with my wife and daughter, the outdoor location for the end of October wedding was scoped out. We marched the path of the processional as I hummed the beloved tune: Highland Cathedral. We decided that day a solo piper would play the tune straight through one time, marching up the aisle the across to the band. As the drums and pipes began playing a second time through, we would emerge from behind the house and walk up the aisle.  We could picture it all in our minds.

The band opened the ‘Boyden Wedding’ event on our automated band calendaring system (https://teamsnap.com) and quickly had a pipe band confirmed to play. Understanding that to play for an event as a pipe band never involved playing one tune, it was unique for our gang to be asked to prep, dress, practice, tune and perform one tune. One of our senior pipers, Paul Llewellyn, led the band and played the solo, with the band performing flawlessly in strike in and cutoff.

At the reception, a number of friends all asked why the band only played one tune. We all would have love them playing several more, but the bride and groom called the shots for the wedding and reception. Beth had a vision, and my job was to see that vision come alive. The band was invited to stay for the reception’s cocktail hour and pictures. Almost everyone stayed the entire time. It was a blast having them present for an incredibly special time in our family history.

I cannot express adequately just how grateful our family is to the Stewart Tartans for their generous gift of friendship by performing. They are a marvelous group of musicians and friends.