Benefits of Being Married to a Bagpiper
[Part 2 of 2]
HI! I’m Julie Ostrow Schreiber. My husband is Joe Schreiber, who is a bagpiper and the band’s Quartermaster.
What is a Quartermaster? Good question: The Quartermaster is responsible for band equipment and supplies, issuing and collecting uniforms, and ensuring that uniforms are worn properly. (It is important to look spiffy when in the competition circle and when marching in local parades.)
It is important to note that the Chicago Highlanders Pipes and Drums Band consists of men and women bagpipers and drummers. The following list is from my perspective. Enjoy!
10. Special bonus for being married to the Quartermaster: You have a second closet in the basement of kilts. Too bad it’s all the same outfit. Good thing we love that Stewart tartan. [Anyone need a Halloween costume?]
9. Want Saturdays in the summertime all to yourself? Marry a bagpiper.
8. You can crash weddings… you know, because you’re with the band. (See… sometimes, “It’s ok… I’m with the band” does work!]
7. Free drinks… you know, because you’re with the band.
6. Your bagpiper’s gig starts at 7:00pm? Don’t expect him home before midnight. You know what that means for you: You can do whatever you want! Girls’ Night!
5. Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes Bagpipes
4. I get caught up on my shows and Netflix on rehearsal nights… every week! Woo hoo!
3. You learn A LOT about bagpipes.
2. You get asked if you want to play bagpipes. (Don’t worry, Joe. My answer is, “No, thank you.”)
1. He doesn’t play drums.
Julie Ostrow Schreiber