Part Two
B.S.A. Tell us, Steve, about the kilt of a Celtic bagpiper. What is some of the history behind it and the approximate costs involved for them?
S.T.: The kilt is a knee-length garment with pleats at the rear, originating in the traditional dress of men and boys in the Scottish Highlands of the 16th century. Since the 19th century it has become associated with the wider culture of Scotland in general, or with Celtic (and more specifically Gaelic heritage even more broadly. It is most often made of woolen cloth in a tartan pattern. Although the kilt is most often worn on formal occasions and at highland games and sports events, it has also been adapted as an item of fashionable informal male clothing in recent years, returning to its roots as an everyday garment. As far as cost, that generally is determined by the weight of the wool material used in the kilt.
B.S.A: How long does it take for you to get ready and prepared for any given event?
S.T.: That depends on the event. Weddings usually take more time and planning than say a memorial service. Each event is different, but I always try to be prepare for the job!
B.S.A. Steve, you are already an accomplished guitarist/vocalist singing drummer who has performed with countless different musicians in Atlanta and around the country over the last 40 years. What was the most challenging part of learning to play the bagpipes?
S.T.: Do you have a couple of weeks for me to explain? Just kidding! There's really no "one" challenge to learning the pipes. It's always a challenge working with the pipes.
B.S.A. We understand that you own several pipes including the so called "parlor pipes". Tell us a little about them, how they differ and when they are most likely to be used?
S.T.: The "parlor pipes" or so called 'small pipes" are just a smaller and quieter version of the highland pipes. They are basically played the same fashion as regular pipes, but are better suited for indoor use and playing with other musical instruments.
We wish to thank Steve Thrasher for his time on this interview/post and we hope that you, our blog readers, found this information informative and educational. Mr. Thrasher is available to appear and play bagpipe music for Wedding Ceremonies, Memorials, Golf Tournament Starts, National holidays and Grand Openings throughout the southeast.
For over the last 25 years, Mr. Thrasher has performed drums and vocals with one of Blue SKY Atlanta's most popular Atlanta wedding music bands, BLUE SKY.