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The College of Piping, PEI Needs Our Support

Click to Support The College of Piping, Summerside, PEI


Support The College of Piping and you could win a Pontiac Solstice!

or

 One of 30 other exciting prizes!

 

5 mini-vacations at the luxurious Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

5 mini-vacations at Rodd Hotels & Resorts in Atlantic Canada

5 mini-vacations at great Maritime Hotels

5 golf packages for premiere Island golf courses

10 gift certificates for select Island restaurants

 

Tickets are $100 each

Maximum of  1000 tickets to be sold

 

All proceeds in support of The College of Piping educational programs

 

For tickets call (902) 436-5377 or toll free 1-877-BAG-PIPE or email us at jean.walker@collegeofpiping.com

 

Payments can be by cash, cheque, visa or MasterCard 

 

Lottery License # 9917

Draw Date: November 22, 2008 at The College of Piping - All are welcome to attend 

There will be a cash bar, entertainment and munchies

 

Thank you


 


 

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November 12, 2008

Another Sad Day

Jackie Fair

Another sad day for the Captain's Corner and all its friends.... around noon today, Jackie Fair, long time bass drummer for the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band succumbed to an extended bout with cancer. We lost one of our greatest band members. With his wife Helen and 4 kids, Eleanor (wife of Gary Moore), Stephen, David and Jimmy, they were our initial family unit within the band. Social life centred around their home in west St. Catharines and even after retiring, Jackie was the keenest of supporters for the band and its members.

Jackie with Jim (left) and John Kirkwood (right)

He immigrated from the Newmains/Wishaw area of Lanarkshire in 1953, fresh off winning the 1952 World's Pipe Band Championship with the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band. As part of the John Kirkwood drum section, he settled in St. Catharines and played with the St. Catharines Pipe Band for 4 years, after which Jackie, along with John Kirkwood, established the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band. Being a founding member, he never lost that special place in his heart for what the band was doing. Of course when piper Gary Moore (Peel Regional Police PB) married daughter Eleanor, Jackie  once again had even closer ties to the pipe band world.

Jackie Fair was one person that could always be counted on for a sense of priority and knowing the correct way to represent the band. He was our spokesman, and when nobody else could find the right words, Jackie always came through. He saw us through lean times as well as good times and for that alone, his friendship will never be forgotten.

Helen, sister Etta, Eleanor and Gary, Stephen, David, Jimmy and your families, your husband, brother and dad was a special person. We are all richer for having known him. We are all thinking of you at this time. God Bless.

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November 10, 2008

Let the Indoor Season Begin

The Sherriff Competitors and Judges - 2007

THE 13TH ANNUAL

GEORGE SHERRIFF MEMORIAL INVITATIONAL COMPETITION

Saturday, November 15, 2008
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
70 James St. S., Hamilton, Ontario
www.stpaulshamilton.ca/

Competitors

Johnny Bassett (PPBSO), Bobby Durning (EUSPBA), Richard Gillies (BCPA), Thomas Harrington (ACPBA), Erik Leiken (WUSPBA), John Lee (BCPA), Jon Maffett (MWPBA),
Anthony Masterson (Texas), Elizabeth Sheridan (PPBSO), Craig Sutherland (Scottish Junior Championship), Andrew Tice (EUSPBA), Jonathan Verrett (PPBSO)

Events

6/8 Marches:  10:00 a.m. til noon
Piobaireachd:  1:00 p.m. til 5:00 p.m.
March, Strathspey & Reel:  7:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
Admission:  $10 ($5 for students)

Adjudicators

Willie McCallum
James McGillivray
John Wilson

Master of Ceremonies

Geoff Neigh

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November 5, 2008

Another Good Friend

Click to View Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of a long time friend, Isabella Davidson. Born in Scotland, Isabel emigrated to North America in 1956, where she met her husband of 43 years, George Davidson.  George was one time piper in the '60's with the Caber Feidh, City of Toronto Pipe Band and later moved to Niagara Falls to play in the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band. It was here that we became great friends with Isabel - from the many BBQ's at their trailer park home just off the QEW to the great road trips on the bus with the band. Isabel was always front and centre with her quick quips, super smile and a wee story (mostly humorous) on the side. In the words of her family, she was a proud Canadian who always faced life head on! There is no better way of praising Isabel. We extend our condolences to husband George, sons Roddy, Craig and their children.

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November 2, 2008

My Achin' Ears

Have you had your hearing tested lately? What's that you say? Research has shown that permanent hearing loss may develop with prolonged exposure to any sound over 90 dB and given that the average pipe intensity is in excess of 100dB, it is no wonder that many an experienced piper will develop symptoms of hearing loss as they age. This isn't the selective hearing loss we are all accused of around the home, but an acute insensitivity to all frequencies, especially the spoken word that lacks volume.

High Frequency Hearing

I was reminded about this recently when I was surfing the web for hearing protection devices. I had grown intolerant of over the counter foam plugs because they distorted the sound for me. The graph here shows that for high frequencies, foam ear plugs will reduce the sound level by as much as 30 dB. This distortion was unacceptable to me so I haven't used them for years. What I was looking for was a reduction that was more uniform across the range of hearing and the ETY Plugs measured up to the task, with a minimum of 15 dB and a maximum of 25dB reduction over the complete frequency spectrum.

Click to go to the ETY Website

The design is simple. ETY•Plugs use a patented tuned resonator and acoustic resistor that replicate the natural response of the open ear so that sound heard with these earplugs is as clear as the original, just quieter.

And who uses these plugs? Listed are aircraft workers, construction workers, motor sports crews, coaches of athletic teams, factory workers and of course musicians. In fact, they promote our usage with a picture of a piper on the promo website. I was first made aware of these plugs by a student of mine, and since that time have recommended them to many others. Definitely worth a listen , I mean look.

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October 24, 2008

Longevity and Old Friends

I received an email this morning from Graeme Williamson and it immediately brought back the importance of blogs, archives and communication in general. For you see, back on March 2, 2007 I received an email from my good friend Willie McErlean from Vancouver mentioning the music of Charlie Williamson and here is Graeme's note:

My dad is still alive and kicking at 84 on the 23rd of November. He will be pleased as punch that you like his tunes, especially Granny Macleod. What a great piper he was and a fantastic writer of pipe music. Did you know his dad used to make pipes too?

Wiilie McErlean, Vancouver

For those that missed the original correspondence, here it is:

Charlie MacLeod Williamson

Just received another glimpse of history from Willie McErlean - heh Willie ! You are working overtime! 

Hi Ken. I wonder if the general piping public know about a very good piper by the name of Charlie MacLeod Williamson. I believe he is from Edinburgh and still lives there. He has a few tunes in the old Edcath book, Granny MacLeod is one. He is better known for his jig compositions. The Groatie, Buckie Mannie, Myra Hutton, Eileen MacDonald, Nameless, Jimmy Yardley. I was just speaking to Jimmy. He lives in Santa Rosa, California. Both he and Charlie Williamson were in the Scottish Division during the 2nd World War. Jimmy was in the Black Watch and Charlie was in the Seaforth's under wee Donald. Both ended up playing in the I.T.C. Pipe Band under big Donald MacLean. Jimmy after the war was Pipe Major of Kelty & Blairadam and also Pipe Major of Glencraig, both Fife bands. Jimmy was better known to Canadians with his piping in the great Powell River band in 1958. A nice tribute to both men who were outstanding players in their time. Hope the readers will enjoy this bit of piping history. 

 Awrabest..... William J. McErlean


 

Thanks Willie - you caught my fancy with this and I went back to have a look in my library. I remember Charlie Williamson's music. We played a lot of it. In fact, the publisher of the Edcath books was my teacher's brother, Hugh MacPherson...hence my connection to this story and to Willie Sinclair and to Willie Bryson, all noted personalities of the time (of course in my youth, hahaha). So I dug into the music and here is a glimpse...not only Granny MacLeod, the jig, but a 6/8 entitled "Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis" - definitely not the Donald MacLeod composition that most bands are familiar with today. My thanks Willie...and as they say in Ontario... Awrabest !

Granny MacLeod Thumbnail         Donald MacLean Lewis Thumbnail

Click to Enlarge

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October 20, 2008

Hello from Germany...

Sean and Annie McCartney

Just got a letter in from my good friend Sean McCartney with pics from his tour of duty in Germany ... Now I had better rephrase that. His wife Annie is a military dentist stationed in Germany and that is the tour of duty. What I have seen from the retired gentleman Sean lately has been piping, travelling and enjoying the great landscape with Annie at his side... an idyllic life and the Captain is jealous. From all accounts, the piping scene is thriving in Germany - the McCartney's are well entrenched in band life and enjoying all that this great country has to offer. Click on the following pics to enlarge and see the views from Garmisch. As Sean writes, it only costs 45 € for a trip to the top and these breathtaking views.

Garmisch, Germany - the top  Garmisch - view from the top  Garmisch - view from the top   Garmisch - view from the top

 

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October 13, 2008

Lots to be Thankful for....

Its Thanksgiving here in Ontario and  I am just sitting back amid the doom and gloom of the global economy and doing a little stock taking - not financial, but rather life in general. My good friend Duncan Bell called from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange this morning just to say hi and make sure we were all well...now that is a thing that friends should do more often. I realized that indeed it really is Thanksgiving. The Admiral and I went to Barrie on Saturday to deliver furniture to our son Cam who just moved into a new apartment...we are thankful for that opportunity - our health is in tip top shape - the bottom line says we have a roof over our head and food in the fridge - we are bringin' in the wood for the winter's heat this afternoon... so, yes, it truly is Thanksgiving. I walked the dog yesterday and took the following pics of the fall colors on our back 40 . Magnificent to say the least.....

Murphy - Burnese Mountain Dog

Murphy - my sister in law's  Bernese Mountain Dog

2180 - The Hill

View at the Captain's Corner

 

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September 17, 2008

Old News - But Still News

Canmore Circle

Uploading pics from the summer's travels is always fun - bringing back pleasant and not so pleasant memories of the games this year. This photo here has to be unique in the annals of pipe band yore. Everyone has their stories to tell. But can you imagine after all the prep work to lay out the pipe band circles at this year's Canmore Games (August 31), that the best way to redo them was to just have the stewards create the circles in the snow. In this way, the green grassy background would show through.  The band in the photo is the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band from Calgary, AB. Again a unique situation where Ann Gray (Dunvegan Medallist in piobaireachd) plays in the the drum section and her daughter Robyn plays pipes next to the Pipe Major in the front row. Nothing at Canmore this year was "au naturelle". (photo courtesy of Ann Gray, LLD and Robyn Gray)

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September 10, 2008

Scott MacAulay

Scott Macaulay - College of Piping

The Clan MacFarlane family and the piping world as a whole lost one of its most talented members today with the passing of Scott MacAulay on his adopted Prince Edward Island. His family hails from Carloway, on the Island of Lewis  and it is there that Scott will finally rest. His journey through life was as no other - a magnetic personality - wit and charm - impish, carefree attitude at times and above all else, a great friend. I am saddened today for three very special people  that played a major role in Scott's life - Sandy Keith, his teacher, mentor and pipe major of the Erskine Pipe Band; Don Forgan and Jack Gillies, best friend players in the Clan. And I am saddened for all his family & friends. He just didn't make your acquaintance. He swept into your life for all time!... Yes that was Scott to a T. His life was one of passion - passion for living, passion for friends, passion for music and passion for his main legacy, the College of Piping, Summerside. How about the start of the worldwide Kitchenpiping phenomenon ? Yes! In Scott's own kitchen with Neil Dickie as his sidekick. From Hamilton, Ontario to Ottawa to Summerside, PEI - he established a social and musical network that today is lamenting , yet celebrating, the life of this extraordinary young man. Yes young - only 51! The tributes are flowing into the various online sites and I invite you to visit the comments on pipesdrums.com  Have a look as well at Rob Wallace's blog at the College of Piping site in Glasgow, September 10, 2008. Andrew Berthoff has written a fine article on Scott's life for the pipesdrums readership. The CBC in Canada has a tribute well worth reading. And finally, the College of Piping & Celtic Performing Arts of Canada, Summerside had the following:

A world-renowned piper, MacAulay was remarkable for the depth of his contributions to the preservation of Celtic culture and education on Prince Edward Island and beyond. With an abiding love of music and teaching, he ignited passion in the hearts and minds of many, particularly youth, to take pride in their Celtic heritage.

In 1990, MacAulay became the founding director of The College of Piping in Summerside, and over the years worked tirelessly to bring The College to the forefront as a leading international centre for Celtic performing arts. With charm and a commanding presence, he never ceased to underscore the importance of preserving culture and heritage, and in doing so, generated tremendous community support for The College. As a teacher and mentor, MacAulay had a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of youth, who were inspired by his leadership to pursue excellence.


In addition to his teaching, administration, production and performance work, Scott was an accomplished composer. He was active in the national and international bagpiping communities, and did yeoman’s service on many provincial committees and organizations dedicated to improving our culture, education and tourism. In 2002 he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and in 2007 the PEI Caledonian Club honoured Scott for his contribution to Celtic culture on the Island.
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I wish to extend the condolences of the complete Clan MacFarlane family to Chris (Reg) and Kathy (Angus), nieces and nephews Courtney, Aynsley, Spencer, Harrison, Amanda and Angela. Perhaps knowing how much your brother and uncle was loved by the whole fraternity will somehow soften the heartache at this time. ....... God bless....  Ken

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September 5, 2008

Been a Month - Non Stop!

Sorry for my absence this past 4 weeks... been on the road as you surmised. First Piping Live, the Shotts concert, the World's, and then to the Calgary and Canmore games in western Canada... but it is fast approaching a much slower pace and a chance to catch up on events from the last few weeks. First things first though... some great overseas results from everybody... SFU won the World Championship, Alan Bevan won the Inverness Gold Medal, Andrew Hayes was runner-up in the Oban Gold Medal, Willie McCallum won the Silver Star at Oban, Angus MacColl the same at Inverness and Colin Lee won the Inverness Silver Medal. I have just experienced some of the best piping in the world and am already planning next year's trip. For sheer piping enjoyment, Glasgow and the west of Scotland is the place to be in August. Next week, I will be home and bringing you pics and anecdotes from this year's events. The following week, will be a week of fishing heaven as my brother, 3 friends from Juneau and myself fly west from Anchorage in search of trophy sized rainbows, all caught on flies...  just pray that the bears don't get us...

But before I end, have a look at the Canmore judges, 8:30 am , August 31, 2008.... my 40th anniversary... 5 inches of snow... all having fun... John Fisher, Shaunna Hilder, the Captain and Graham Davidson.... more to come!... talk soon.... Captain.

Snow and more snow - hard to believe!

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Special Presentations

 

Some Great Music - Fiddle and Bow

Click to listen to Colin Grant - Sydney, Cape Breton

Colin Grant, Sydney, Cape Breton

Every so often you discover a musician that plays pure soul. Even more surprising when that player is the son of a good friend. Colin Grant's father, John, a doctor in Sydney played for the Captain in the 80's as part of the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band. Recently I received a copy of his latest CD, self titled, Colin Grant. It combines spirited reels and driving jigs with a little for everyone. Pipers will relate well to this foot stompin' music. If only we could bring such lift to our highland pipe playin'. Some of the titles are very quaint...or should I say unique.  Try "Drive 'er Like Ya Stole'er", "Bee Flat", "Jingrant on the Sheepskin Fiddle" (his Dad) and "Off the Beaton Track", which I am sure is in reference to the great Beaton fiddlers from Cape Breton. Well anyway, I hope you enjoy this track entitled "The Bow and Arrow Set", as much as I do. His CD and itinerary are both available at the Colin Grant Website.

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Do You Remember The Red Hackle Pipe Band?

The Red Hackle PB - 1970's

The 99P price tag is proof enough of the date of this album jacket (1971). The Red Hackle Pipe Band was a top contender through that time period. Under the leadership of John Weatherstone, BEM, MBE, they competed for several years at the CNE in Toronto. Beside PM Weatherstone in the photo is Malkie MacKenzie, the well known RSPBA adjudicator. On the right is PS Ian McIntyre - all old friends. Thanks to Allan Skalazub, ex Triumph Street Pipe Band, we have a recording of the Red Hackle in 1979. The opening tune has been the object of a long search  - entitled "'Miss Laurie Jean Chilton" and composed by Iain MacCrimmon of Dundee, Scotland (formerly Edmonton, AB). Many knew this tune as the Triumph Street Pipe Band and it is good for the books that the correct name is published here. Many thanks to Iain. Click on the photo to download the Red Hackle at the World's Championships in 1979.

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A Taste of the Todd Bar Recital 2008

Angus MacColl

Angus MacColl from Benderloch, Scotland - no doubt one of the best solo players in the world today. He just happens to have a lock on the Todd Bar Recital, year after year and 2008 was no exception. Listen to his fabulous March, Strathspey and Reel:

The Highland Wedding, The Caledonian Society of London and Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran

 

 

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Bruce Gandy

Bruce Gandy

The US Piping Federation is an annual major for solo competitors held every June . Along with the champions banner, the winner often gains entry into the prestigious Glenfiddich contest later in the year at Blair Castle. Bruce this year took the double by winning both the MSR and Piobaireachd. This is quite common turf for Bruce as he won the London Society Gold medals back to back in 2002 and 2003. The Corner, as always, thanks Bruce for allowing the broadcast of his Leaving Lunga, Arniston Castle and The Brown Haired Maid

The US Piping Federation MSR

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Jack Lee

The Desperate Battle

     Jack is one of the consummate performers of our age. Not only is he the holder of the coveted Gold Medals at both Inverness and Oban, but also the Pipe Sgt. of the five time World Champion SFU Pipe Band. His experience and accomplishments are all encompassing. It was a pleasure to spend a week with him at the Ontario School of Piping and even more of a thrill to attend his evening seminar on piobaireachd, from where this recording was made. Thanks to Jack for permitting it to be posted here. I hope you enjoy one of the great tunes - a set tune for the 2009 Silver Medal.

 

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2008 Livingstone Judges

The Bench - Bob Worrall, Robert Wallace and Reay MacKay

James MacHattie  Simon McKerrell

          Piobaireachd winner, James MacHattie accepting                       Overall Champion - Simon McKerrell

                  the Dunbar trophy from Michelle Curtis

 Piobaireachd

First  - James MacHattie MacNeil of Barra's March

Second - Simon McKerrell - Mrs. MacLeod of Talisker's Salute

Third  - Lionel Tupman - MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart's Lament No. 2

Ceol Beag

   First - Simon McKerrell - The Knightswood Ceilidh, Atholl Cummers, Bessie  MacIntyre, Joe McGann's Fiddle and The Baldooser

  Second - Lionel Tupman - John MacFadyen of Melfort, Tulloch Castle, John Morrison of Assynt House, Lucy Cassidy, The Loch Ness Monster

   Third - James P. Troy - John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Susan Macleod, The Smith of Chilliechassie, The Henningham Reunion, Caber Feidh Jig

 

 

Willie McCallum

Willie McCallum is undoubtedly the most consistent professional prize winner of this era. In addition to his record number of Glenfiddich championships, he is the holder of both Highland Society of London Gold Medals and the winner of every major prize available.

Within the past year he has taken his musical skills into a new venture - partnering with Stuart McCallum in the design and manufacture of the McCallum McC2 pipe chanter. This coming summer will be the first full season for competitors using the new design and I am sure that Willie will lead the way once again!

The Corner thanks Willie for allowing us to post him playing .

The Big Spree

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The Metro Cup 2008

  

Willie McCallum and Jack Lee

Overall Winner,   Willie McCallum

Winner, Piobaireachd :   Jack Lee, playing The Phantom Piper of Corrieyairack

Second, Piobaireachd :  Willie McCallum, playing The Earl of Ross's March

Winner, Medley :  Willie McCallum

Second, Medley : Alastair Dunn

Third, Medley : Jack Lee

Thanks to Derek Midgely for all the recordings.

Bagpipe Played by Alastair Dunn made by

Bruce Gandy at the Metro Cup - 2008

Bruce Gandy

Listen to the performance of Bruce as he plays his medley at this year's Metro Cup. Bruce placed fourth with this performance behind Willie McCallum, Alistair Dunn and Jack Lee.

Having heard the other performances, you will certainly agree that it had to be a close contest and a challenge for the adjudicators.

It's far easier to just sit back and listen.

Download and listen.

 

 

 

 

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Winter Storm 2008  

Joriweb.jpg    Bruce2web.jpg    MattPweb.jpg

                                Jori Chisholm                 Bruce Gandy             Matt Pantaleoni                           Gold Medal Piobaireachd        Gold Medal - Ceol Beag        Silver Medal Piobaireachd

Other Winners

Gold Medal 

                            Second - Andrew Hayes playing The Park Piobaireachd No. 2

                            Third    - Ken Sutherland playing The Stewart's White Banner   

Silver Medal

                            Second - Alex Gandy playing I am Proud to Play a Pipe

                            Third    - Brian Mackenzie playing Corrienessan's Salute  

Selected Performances

Silver Medal

                             Fourth  - Jim Bell playing The Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg

                             Fifth     - Doug MacRae playing The Lament for the Castle of Dunyveg

                                            David McNally playing The Rout of the MacPhees

Ceol Beag

                       Second - Peter MacGregor

                             Third   - Andrew Hayes

                                           Alex Gandy

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      The 12th Annual George Sherriff Memorial 

November 17, 2007

webben.jpg  webfaye.jpg  weblee.jpg

                      Ben McClamrock          Faye Henderson              Alastair Lee

                     6/8 Marches &Overall Winner         Piobaireachd                                    MSR

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The Ontario School of Piping and Drumming

Instructor's Recital

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 Listen to Angus MacColl, Jim McGillivray, Bruce Gandy, Ian K. MacDonald and Rob Crabtree

plus a special performance from Wednesday, June 26, 2007

 Angus MacColl playing the Battle of the Pass of Crieff   

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