Brookfield Capitol PB Anne Kagerah will be playing with the Billy Mitchell Scottish at Milwaukee Irishfest.
Brookfield Capitol Personal Banker Anne Kagerah, a 15-year North Shore Bank veteran, has found a volunteer niche in a Scottish bagpipe band. Her parents and brother belonged to a German club for many years, and their involvement taught her how important it is to preserve ethnic heritage. Although Anne is not of Scottish descent, she started volunteering in Scottish organizations. As she worked the registration booth of the Scottish Highland Games at the Waukesha Expo Center three years ago and listened to bagpipes through the day, she decided she wanted to learn to play — despite having no musical experience. Anne started taking lessons and began playing in public when she joined a band about a year ago. She now has her own bagpipes and has mastered the instrument to a point where she can play with the pipes and drums of the Billy Mitchell Scottish at Milwaukee Irishfest. The festival starts today, Aug. 15, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 18. She is thrilled to be part of the group that is sharing the Miller Lite stage with the world-renowned Carlos Núñez, considered the tradition’s greatest piper.
What kind of commitment is involved with your volunteering? And with a full-time job, how do you find the time?
Most of my time is spent learning and practicing. We have band practice and lessons each Monday night at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, and I practice on my own every day. I’ve played evening performances at the Wisconsin Club and the Marriott in Racine, but most events — parades, for example — are on summer weekends. I’ve marched in Brookfield, Butler, Whitefish Bay, Jackson and Racine, to name just a few towns.
What are the challenges of playing bagpipes?
Finding a place to practice at home with four adults working different shifts is the most challenging. Bagpipes are quite loud. I spend at least half an hour each day memorizing music. Sometimes I sit in my car during lunch breaks with my practice chanter (a flute-like instrument) memorizing tunes. Lung capacity and air and breath control are critical to playing bagpipes. And the bag has to be squeezed with steady pressure; daily practice helps me build and maintain my strength.
Do you have your own instrument and uniform?
I bought my own bagpipes, but the kilt is on loan. Members of the band earn the privilege of wearing the clan’s kilt by achieving a certain level of mastery and reliably showing up for performances. We also wear special shoes, socks, jackets and hats.
How does your volunteering enrich the lives of others, as well as your own?
During the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Racine residents make us feel like movie stars. Hearing cheers during the parade and thank you’s after is really great. Playing bagpipes is a long-range goal that requires a lot of determination and commitment. Achieving it has given me the confidence to know I can reach other challenging goals. Working with volunteers makes you realize how much people give of their time to make something happen. It helps me remember to treat others with respect, kindness and understanding.
Does your participation bring any professional benefits related to North Shore Bank?
We often talk about our careers during practice and at events, and we discuss time management when extra practice is required prior to a special event. I’ve met leaders of other organizations and share how my work at North Shore supports community involvement. I get frequent questions about interest rates during those conversations. Band members are so welcoming. I do my best to convey that same welcoming feeling to my co-workers and customers.
You can see Anne onstage daily at Irishfest with the Billy Mitchell Scottish, accompanying Carlos Núñez on the Miller Lite Stage. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15; 10:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16; 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17; and 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. Anne will also appear with the group in the daily parades at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.