I was 8 years old when I first heard the bagpipes. I was at an amusement park, and the Shriners' pipe band was playing near one of the pavilions. I drew near, drawn by the unusual sounds and sights. To my amazement, several girls my age were dancing on swords near the pipers. As a dance student, I was delighted to see this new type of dancing and a bit jealous that I couldn't join in. That was my first exposure to Scottish culture and the excitement and yearning I felt that day remain with me still.

My family is the typical American Mutt family -- quite a bit German, a dash of French, a bit of Native American, a smidge of English/Welsh, and a wee bit o' Irish thrown in for good measure. Because of the thorough mix, we are not heavily involved in any one ethnic-American subculture. The closest we get is drinking beer at Octoberfest and wearing green on St. Patty's day. As a result, I was completely unprepared for the intensity and involvement in the Celtic-American subculture that I encountered when I began dating a guy of Scottish descent.

One of my ex-boyfriends is Scottish. Very Scottish. From dancing as a small boy to drumming in a Grade IV band, he was very involved in the Highland scene. Despite our rocky relationship, I did go to a couple of parades and a game or two with him. Each time, I fell a little bit more in love with the Scottish and Scottish-American cultures.

Through my ex and our friends, I was introduced to, and subsequently fell in love with, another Scot -- this time, a grade I snare drummer (Instructor & writer of drum scores) who competes with a world-ranked band [The 1999 World Champions - The City of Washington Pipe Band!]. I may have upgraded my drummer, but I still get to travel and enjoy the highland atmosphere. In fact, since moving in with Harry, I have fulfilled a wish I made as an 8-year-old. I began Highland dance lessons at age 23 and 3/4 and have become a competitive Highland dancer. Despite some folks' skepticism that an adult beginner can progress so far competitively, I was upgraded to Premier [the highest level] in January of 2001 - after just under 4 years of study.

In 1998, I discovered that my Irish Great-Grandmother may have actually been part Scottish herself, giving me a legitimate claim to the joys of this subculture! (She was a McKinney -- the McKinneys and MacKinneys are a sept of Clan MacKenzie!) So, to share my blossoming love of all things Celtic (both Irish and Scottish), I've created this page to share insights, humor, legends and links to wonderful Celtic sights. I hope that you enjoy visiting my Celtic pages and will return often.

Return to Dawn's Celtic Index.

Learn about Dawn's Highland Dancing.

Learn about Dawn's Pipe Band activities.

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