The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

As people completed the “Walk of Faith” at St. Augustine’s on Sunday, October 11th they were greeted with the wonderful sounds of Great Scottish Highland Bagpipes being played by Adam Blaine. This was Blaine’s second bagpipe performance of the day. Earlier, as a member of the Police Pipes and Drums of Plattsburgh, he had participated in the Battle of Valcour Anniversary ceremonies at Clinton Community College. Blaine (16), a junior at Peru High School, is the son of Michael Blaine and Chantal Shambook of Peru.

Adam said he started playing the bagpipes about five years ago. Asked why he became interested in the bagpipes he said, “ A lot of my family is Scottish. My cousin works in a bagpipe factory in Scotland and he made the set I’m playing today.” Actually, Adam started out five years ago playing a $100 set made in Pakistan and purchased on eBay. He said bagpipes typically sell from between $1,000 to $10,000.  Adam works daily at perfecting his bagpipe skills. He explained, “I practice an hour a day and I take weekly online lessons from a professional bagpiper who lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.” Also, on Tuesday evenings, Adam and his first instructor Gerald Tetrault of Plattsburgh travel to Montreal for practice as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Bagpipe Band.  Membership in that elite group has enabled Adam to travel to several Canadian events and cities. He’s optimistic the band will play in the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Adam Blaine also plays the piano and trumpet. He’s a member of the Peru High School marching and jazz bands and the Adirondack Youth Orchestra. Adam has either a lesson or practice scheduled every day of the week with the exception of Friday and Saturday.  He still finds time to fit in one sport – soccer.  As the old expression goes, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Adam fit Sunday’s “Walk of Faith” into his busy schedule and his beautiful bagpipe music definitely added to everyone’s enjoyment!