Hahnke was born in Pennsylvania and attended Dartmouth College. She found her way to Massachusetts, living in Swampscott for a time, and now in Marblehead. She is a dedicated sailor, and her introduction to the bagpipes came while she was judging a sailing race in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“I heard so much piping during that time — there is an eerie sound to the music,” she said.
There is a saying that goes: “Seven years it takes a piper to make.” But in Julie’s case, two years of intense practice was all that was needed. She began her bagpipes journey in 2001 and now she plays at a wide range of occasions and events. She can be found piping at weddings, funerals or educational activities. This month she has a gig playing in the streets of Marblehead as part of a Veterans Middle School history walk.
Some of her performances can be quite emotional for her. She explained that she feels honored to be able to perform at a funeral and she often finds herself keeping her feelings in check, especially when she plays at military funerals.
“I can’t cry and play at the same time,” she said.