Teaching at McCallie

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Teaching at McCallie

I have been given the privilege to develop a Bagpipe Program at the McCallie Prep School in Chattanooga Tennessee. This is a fine institution of learning and I feel that the bagpipes will add to an already well established prestige that the school has developed in over a hundred years of teaching boys to be men. With the support of Dr Lewis Cisto, I look forward to the continued growth of the program and the positive effect it will have on the lives of my students. One amazing thing that the pipes offer is opportunity and community. Pipe bands are abundant, and I have found that they are generally filled with some great people. I myself learned how to play the pipes at Wasatch Academy and the effect on my life has been substantial. With the continued interest from the students and growth of the program, I look forward to this area becoming an epicenter of talented pipers and Celtic influence. Let the good times role. Happy piping.

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Recommendations

"We located Michael by a search on the internet and loved what he had posted. One may wonder whether web sites sometimes promise more than could be delivered. But, we found that the best part in working with Michael was that he lived up to the posted performances and was even more impressive in person! We needed his help on a very short notice basis for our father’s memorial service and he was very accommodating. We asked him to perform only lively, uplifting jigs instead of the standard funeral marches and he was fantastic. We asked him to join us for the service on a Sunday and the burial on the following Monday. It tied the two services together beautifully. Attendees stated that Michael was one of their favorite parts of the services. We would encourage anyone who wants a bit of the traditional and/or the non-traditional bagpipes for an event to work with Michael. He fits the bill of a bagpiper, both in sound and persona; his performance and professionalism were impeccable. You will not be disappointed!"
Lebo Newman
H.I.G. | SIGNATURE LANDSCAPES

"Michael Whinery has been the piper for the annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans ceremony at our church for several years. Since the first time he piped for us, we knew that we wanted him to play each year. Michael plays beautifully, is cooperative, and is very professional, making sure that he knows exactly what to do and when, so that the event flows just as it should. At each Kirkin’, I enjoy playing one organ piece in combination with him on the pipes, and he is fastidious about tuning to the pitch of the organ. Michael has also added appropriately solemn festivity to funerals and memorial services at our church. I highly recommend Michael Whinery as a piper for many different occasions. "
Randall C. Sheets, D.M.A.
Director of Music Ministries and Organist
Spring Hill Presbyterian Church

"It is always a pleasure to hear Michael Whinery play the bagpipes. He is an accomplished player. He is a great teacher according to his students. He is playing this winter for our McCallie Candlelight Program, an evening of Christmas music and celebration. We are honored to have him. I highly recommend Michael as a professional bagpiper."

Nina Keane

McCallie Music Dept. Admin. Asst