I just received notification that I've been selected for the Advanced Bagpiper class!
As you may know, we have quite a few beginning pipers. Each class has about a dozen at a time. However, I've noticed that there seems to be a core group (in my class anyway) of about 5 or 6 who are almost always at the rehearsal. The other 6 or 7 seem to come and go on a rotating basis.
We're far enough along now that it's becoming easier to see differing skill levels....or at least who's not practicing as much as others.
At our last lesson there were a couple people who were having enough problems during group play that I couldn't hear whether or not I was hitting the right notes myself. It ended up being a pretty frustrating rehearsal for me.
So Neil has divided the two hour lesson into two, one hour lessons. The students who are "exceeding expectations" and progressing "ahead of schedule" will come in for the first hour and the others will come in the second hour.
I'm pleased and flattered that I've been chosen to join the first group.
From the email:
"...This class is intended for those of you who are exceeding expectations and looking to challenge yourself more. My expectations are that you learn at a pace that will challenge you and propel you into getting your bagpipes much earlier than if we stayed with our current schedule. There will be a pretty strict guideline put in place by Neil before you will be able to move on to your pipes. This test will be administered by Neil and the details of this test will be explained to you by Neil at practice. Now that you have been selected to be in this class you will be expected to keep up with the majority of your classmates and communicate when you feel things are progressing too quickly or too slow. Our goal, although a very big goal, is to have you ready to play this St. Patrick's Day 2012 so we have a lot of work ahead of us...."
I have to admit, I'm pretty excited about the challenge.
