Snowflake Concert (Bagpipes)

Yesterday was the 5th Annual Snowflake Concert put on by the Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums. Each year people from around the Mat-Su Valley gather to watch the group of talented individuals that make up this group.

To make for a more pleasant and comfortable view experience each person is given a set of ear plugs along with the program. Upon entering the sanctuary you could see florescent orange earplugs poking out of each audience member.

Earplugs!

Scotty and mom, Jo, are all ready to watch dad and big brother Steven

The pipers entered with gusto as they marched downed the church aisle and paraded up to the front of the sanctuary. Even with ear plugs it was loud. The emcee said that is was comparable to sitting between two 747 engines. Although it was loud it was BEAUTIFUL! 

Anne's famous Scottish Shortbread-Lots of variety!

At intermission we broke for refreshments and Anne's famous Scottish Shortbread. Anne is a member of ORLC and her husband Gary is one of the main leaders of the Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums. I have never seen such a variety of shortbread--actually I never knew there were different kinds. Anne baked raspberry, chocolate, lemon, vanilla, and cinnamon shortbread. I was blown away by the variety. Of course I'm partial to chocolate :)

After intermission the concert kicked back up-literally. In addition the the drum and pipers, the Irish Dance Academy of Alaska had several dance selections. I watched in awe as each dancer moved swiftly across the floor. The footwork was fast, yet flowing and several audience members stood along the side aisles in order to take in the intense leg and footwork. It was really a piece of art. The dancers were young. Not even out of high school, yet their agility and stamina was something of professional dancers.

Credit: IDAA Website

It was hard to capture a good picture without flash as they moved so quickly.

The evening was fun and contained over twenty selections. Highlights included the ever popular hymn Amazing Grace featuring soloist Steven Hobbs, one of the youth of ORLC! Also the youngest participant Ryan (at the tender age of 7) participated in the "Student's Salute". It was great. Other favorites was a bagpipe duet. Something i'd never seen in all the instruments that have played duets, a bagpipe duet was a first for me.

Yay Ryan!

The evening ended with perhaps the most popular bagpipe tune "Scotland the Brave" as the piper marched down the aisle as they did in the beginning. It gave me goosebumps and was a fantastic evening.

This is our excited face! Well done Steven!