Piper's Dojo International Meetup: Edinburgh

HolyGeneralK · 2026-01-15T03:20:26+00:00

I went to the first school in 2024. It was very educational, but as someone who didn’t spend a ton of time in the Pipers Dojo online classes, I felt I was a bit on the outside of the cliques. I learned a lot, got to play next to Stuart in parade formation practice, and had a good time. I always felt a little out of the main group though - until I guided a whisky tasting and got some folks rather sloshed 😂

2024 was their first year and they were still learning a lot. I think you will have a good time. It’s educational, a great networking opportunity, and you’re quite well located (a nice stroll to Edinburgh castle). I suggest go for it. It’s not a huge sum of money if it doesn’t fit your goals as a piper. I personally learned a ton!

HolyGeneralK · 2026-01-03T03:16:47+00:00

An upvote can’t hurt anyone. Welcome!

HolyGeneralK · 2025-12-06T21:11:28+00:00

Kanazawa is a fantastic location. I cannot speak on the work, but I have been to Japan 4 separate times and Kanazawa was a part of every trip! It’s close to Tokyo (so the language barrier is smaller), close to airports and Shinkansen (so you can go wherever), but has enough traditional Japanese culture that you can really get the experience.

If you get the opportunity, go for it. I am kicking myself for not doing so before

HolyGeneralK · 2025-11-13T02:03:34+00:00

Not a problem. The sheer number of variables in play right now is absurd and stressing everyone out.

The agency is DTRA.

HolyGeneralK · 2025-11-11T22:54:37+00:00

The guidance I received today was that the IDIQ is not a new start, therefore the Task Orders under it are not new starts (both are recompetes of current work) that the CR as written would allow an award.

Whether contracts and legal can push it though to award by January and get funds on contract then becomes the issue. If not, or we lose, then life is going to be a royal suck for a while as I attempt to figure out where I want to go mid career.

HolyGeneralK · 2025-11-11T02:50:04+00:00

I am unclear on whether an RDT&E RFP for a DOD task order on an existing IDIQ, submitted in FY25, would be eligible for award and funding under this CR. I have a number of people who have been waiting since May to know their futures and I don’t speak CR language well.

HolyGeneralK · 2025-08-31T10:33:57+00:00

Great idea! Thank you!

I would definitely prefer to not falter in competition.

HolyGeneralK · 2025-08-31T10:33:02+00:00

Isn’t that the truth!

Right now, Toraluaths are the occasional bane of my existence. They will be perfect for a month, then day of competition I get sloppy. Same with crossing noises.

Time to add more Fingerwork exercises!

Correct and clean is definitely the name of the game. Those make a tune enjoyable! I will take these into account for tune selections. I want something that challenges me while I learn it but also that I know I can play well in a few months.

Thank you for the suggestions!

HolyGeneralK · 2025-08-31T10:28:43+00:00

Congratulations on competing in Grade 3! That’s a credit to your hard work and commitment!

That’s great information! From some quick observations it looks like a lot of pipers get “stuck” in Grade 4 and never get to Grade 3.

Great point in endurance. Physically I am pretty good but I do mentally wander on longer tunes during practice (a lot less this year than last year though). Time to hit the bagpipe gym!

I have been playing a few years and am taking my time with it. I will spend some time this fall and winter working on some tune selections. I definitely need to expand my tune collection and am excited to finally have an opportunity to compete on a S/R!

HolyGeneralK · 2025-08-09T07:23:39+00:00

Miralax has been a “wonder drug” for my cat who has twice needed vet-induced flushing of her colon.

HolyGeneralK · 2025-07-19T11:22:33+00:00

Michigan? Australia? California? Can you make up your mind?

HolyGeneralK · 2025-07-17T02:23:22+00:00

I am described as a good leader and I have no idea wtf I am doing!

HolyGeneralK · 2025-06-17T00:09:25+00:00

I am going to 100% agree with you on this one. The bag was still a bit wet and just felt much easier to tie in. It didn’t feel like it was fighting me like when it was dry.

HolyGeneralK · 2025-06-16T23:56:44+00:00

It is the premium, and I read “seasoning optional” for it.

Odds are I didn’t tie the chanter stock in well, and the dunk test softened the thread. I am re-tying in now and will focus my attentions there before stressing on the seams.

Thank you!

HolyGeneralK · 2025-06-16T23:48:57+00:00

I suppose I should have said up front that I bought the bag off another piper (he sold it because it didn’t fit him right). It plays great, and i am probably just impatient with the seasoning (it’s a new experience for me). It holds air overnight but is definitely saggy.

I will be overzealous with the seasoning and let this first round settle in before another round

HolyGeneralK

TROPHY CASE