532 - Gary West on How Pipers Can Become Better Storytellers (Dojo Conversations Episode 171)

How can pipers become better performers and communicators?

This week, Andrew and Jim are joined by piper, writer, broadcaster and music storyteller Gary West for a wide-ranging conversation about piping, Scottish music and the stories that shape the tradition.

Gary explores the idea of tradition as a "carrying stream", shares insights from his research into WWI veteran oral histories and the life of Martyn Bennett, and offers practical advice on connecting with an audience. Plus, there's a Gordon Duncan classic, a trip down memory lane with A Prairie Home Companion, and a special sign-off from Gary himself.

Want to learn how to play like you have something to say? Gary will be teaching a special class series at Dojo U in November – learn more and sign up now: pipersdojo.com/gary-west

Here's what we cover in this episode:
00:00 – A welcome to Gary and exploring the social side of piping
06:34 – The "carrying stream": how musical traditions evolve
09:15 – Tradition, revivalism and building pipe band medleys
11:14 – Step dance piping and rethinking strathspey style
13:14 – WWI veteran oral histories and the story behind Jock's Jocks
18:26 – Remembering Martyn Bennett
19:48 – Connecting with audiences and handling bagpipe misconceptions
24:31 – Preparing to perform: why your spoken introductions matter
26:40 – Gordon Duncan and the legendary "Farting Badger"
28:38 – Different approaches to musical communication
31:42 – Piobaireachd: how context changes the listening experience
35:17 – Building a performance: the script exercise and performance graph
38:31 – A Prairie Home Companion nostalgia trip
40:52 – Gary's special sign-off