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The Blog Log 
 
 Georgetown Highland Games - June 13, 2009
Grade 1 Bands
1. The Scottish Lion - 78th Fraser Highlanders 2. The Toronto Police Pipe Band 4. The 78th Highlanders, The Citadel
Grade 2 Bands
1. The Hamilton Police Pipe Band 2. The Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band
Grade 4 Bands
1. The Hamilton Police Grade 4 Pipe Band 2. The Paris - Port Dover Pipe Band
Download, listen and click on
Get Them Now!
eLessons on CD
The Captain's Corner has published Bagpipe Lessons on CD for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. Each CD consists of a complete year's tuition on a weekly schedule - written notes, music, drills and audio for each lesson. Pricing averages $1/week as each CD can be ordered for $52(CAD) plus $5. All CD's come cased with an index for easy lesson retrieval. To order yours now, click on the CD image to the right.
Click to Sample the eBook Format of the 2008 Lessons
Go to the Classroom for 50% discounts for subscribers. Become a subscriber today and receive the same bonus offer.
Who would find these lessons of value? All teachers, pipe majors - all students from beginner to advanced... anyone interested in becoming a better player.
Designed by Willie McCallum and Stuart McCallum
   
April 15, 2009 The BC Pipers' Annual Gathering
I am just back from the 77th Annual BC Pipers' Gathering in
Vancouver and once again it proved to be the largest of its kind in
North America. Friday contests were entirely piobaireachd with
entries in all grades from Amateur Grade 3 to Professional. The
light music contests took up all of Saturday and the band events
came on Saturday evening to a packed theatre. The event was
simulcast to a live overflow audience in the cafeteria of Douglas
College. All in all, the organizers and volunteers under the
guidance of President Graham Davidson must be congratulated on
running to the minute and allowing so many entries from BC, Alberta,
Air Command Pipes & Drums
60th Anniversary Celebration
Sunset Ceremony, PM Ian Ferguson, Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium, 2006
Members and former members are cordially invited
to attend the Air Command Pipes and Drums 60th Anniversary Celebration on
Saturday, May 9th, 2009.
The event will take place at the
Junior Ranks Mess,
 The evening's entertainment will feature a performance by the Air Command Pipes and Drums under WO Doug Craft and new P/M Katie Buckland; followed by massed pipes and drums consisting of all interested pipers and drummers, playing Scotland the Brave and RCAF. Live entertainment will be provided by "The Windy Kilts" for the remainder of the evening. The second level of the mess will be available as a "tinkering room", allowing pipers and drummers to perform at their leisure for their friends and peers during the evening.
If you have not yet
confirmed your attendance or require further information, please contact Rob
Waller at
rdwaller@sympatico.ca
Ypres, Belgium, 2006, Cloth Hall behind
March 7, 2009
... and from Sunny California Ian Whitelaw again writes with his annual poster for the Piobaireachd school that he offers along with perennial guest instructor Murray Henderson. This year's edition runs from July 6 to July 11, in Rancho Palos Verde, California, close to the ocean, so bring your bathing suit and your Piobaireachd Society collection for a week of fun in the sun! Click on the image to the left for the full details and contact information.
February 25, 2009 ... and Muirhead's Again! 1967
Norrie MacDonald, a former Muirhead's player, saw the 1979 photo
below and was kind enough to send the following pic along for those
history buffs among us. The photos was taken in Halifax in our
centennial year here in Canada.
I saw the photo on your website of Muirhead and Sons from 1979
sent to you Thanks to Norrie for this wee piece of history...
February 10, 2009
Muirhead and Sons - 1979
Donald McBride sent the Corner a photo this past week and it
brought back memories of the huge impact that Scotland had on many
of us growing up here in Canada. In the 70's, air travel was just
starting to become efficient and affordable. Players form this side
ventured across the Atlantic to play with bands like the Shotts,
Polkemmet Colliery, and Johnny Walker. No band was more influential
to Canadians than Muirhead and Sons from Grangemouth. At various times in the 70's Canadian players like Scott MacAulay, John Elliot, Hal Senyk, Kelly Todd, Michael MacDonald, Katie Forsyth and Johnny Kirkwood all played in the band. Pipe Major Bob Hardie was futuristic in encouraging players from around the world to join up. Little did we know that this would become the norm in the 2000's. Pictured here is the band at a 1979 presentation to Bob Hardie and lead drummer, Robert Turner. Picture 3rd from the left in the rear is Johnny Kirkwood, ex Clan MacFarlane lead drummer and soon to be the same with the Strathclyde Police. Beside him is a bearded Rab Wallace, soon to be sans hair. To the right of Bob Hardie in the 3 pieced suit is John Finlay and a younger version of Donald McBride on the left in the photo. Thanks to Donald for this glimpse of the past.
February 2, 2009
Kit Reynolds
The pipe band community lost a good friend today with the
passing of Kit Reynolds in Invergordon. Kit and a few of us go back many years
to when he was playing in the Invergordon Distillery Pipe Band with Alex
Duthart, Jim Hutton and Bertie Barr. Sadly enough, both Bert and Kit have passed
on within months of each other. We can never tell when our time is up.
I am so fortunate to have spent some time this past summer with Kit at the World's Pipe Band Championships. It was immediately after my judging assignment was over and the Grade 1 final had just completed. I was invited to the VIP tent for a glass of wine where there were several good friends waiting... and one was Kit Reynolds. He was bubbling over with enthusiasm is his pixyish way as only Kit could manifest. He always reminded me of what the perfect leprechaun would be like - and when talking with Kit, there was always a pot of gold somewhere. The picture to the left was obviously taken a few years ago... a salt and pepper Captain and a younger Richard Parkes from FMM with Kit in the middle. Kit had an illustrious career in his native Northern Ireland with Ballycoan and Robert Armstrong Memorial - then Invergordon with a brief stay in the USA. He was an adjudicator with the RSPBA and up until the time of his passing was right on top of the drumming scene...God Bless you, Kit.
February 1, 2009
Yes! Summer is Just Around the Corner!
These schools offer a fantastic week of instruction from world class players and teachers. On top of that, there are lectures, workshops, recitals and private lessons for those who wish...something for everyone. And if piping isn't on the plate for travelling family members, insist that they throw in their bathing suits and golf clubs... you won't be disappointed.
For more information, please email Sarajane Trier
A Piping Sensation!
The Corner just received
perhaps the best Celtic CD of the year to date... and it has come from one of
the younger, yet most experienced pipers from the Ottawa Valley area of Ontario,
Peter
Purvis. As is often the case, an artist is better known outside his homeland
and such is the case for Pete.
The William Livingstone Snr Memorial - 2009
The William Livingstone Snr. memorial was held on May 9 at the
Officer's Mess of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, James Street Armouries,
Hamilton, ON. A tremendous day of piping awaited the panel of adjudicators which
included Andrew Berthoff, Ed Neigh and Donald Lindsay. There were 10 competitors
from across North America vying for the black banner and winner's title.
Emerging victorious with wins in both the
piobaireachd and light music was James P. Troy from Victoria, BC. A
close contest prevailed for second overall between Alex Gandy of Dartmouth, NS
and Andy Rogers, of Fredericton, NB Once again, credit must be given to Julie Stewart and her committee from the Niagara Hamilton Branch of the PPBSO for their annual efforts in presenting this contest for over 30 years. Although attendance was sparse, the level of enjoyment was high. Once again, those that enjoy good piping should be reminded of this date each year.
Click to download and listen to all the winning performances.
Sparse Crowd at the Livingstone
The Metro Cup - 2009
The Metro Cup - each year attracts the best of the best. This year was no exception, with Willie McCallum returning to defend his 2008 overall championship win. Challenging him would be the cream of the UK competitive circuit - Roddy MacLeod and Gordon Walker plus a host of other Scottish and North American professionals. It was no surprise that Alasdair Gillies from Pittsburgh was in top form to take the coveted medley performance. Alasdair has been playing at the top levels for countless years (and countless Inverness Silver Stars to his credit as well). Listen to Alasdair's award winning medley by clicking on the image to the left. Many thanks to Shawn Husk for the recording and to Alasdair for granting permission.
And then there was the overall champion of the Metro Cup, Willie McCallum, of Bearsden, Scotland ... Willie successfully defended his title with a third place in the Piobaireachd and a runner-up spot in the medley. Such consistent playing is the trademark for Willie.... In order to champion the Glenfiddich so many times (last count was at 8), Willie has to be the most versatile player in the world today - as attested also by the trophies on his mantle - 7 times the Dan Reid Champion - and 6 senior MSR events at Oban or Inverness plus both Gold Medals. Listen to Willie's Lament for the Children that brought him 3rd in this year's Piobaireachd Event. While you are at it, have a listen to his medley good for second prize in the medley event to Alasdair. Thanks to Willie for his permission to post these fine recordings.
Winter Storm 2009
Winter Storm 2009 is history, but the music lives!...what a contest,
what a weekend !...happy to be a part of it and share the winners with you. The
Gold Medal Piobaireachd was a toss up between Jori Chisholm (pictured left) and Glenn Brown with
Yori prevailing with the "Lament for the Dead".
Others playing well to the standard included Alasdair Lee and Will Nicholls from the west coast and Roddy Weir and Neil Hall from Scotland. Now the Ceol Beag was an interesting final of six players and once again Alex Gandy prevailed to take the Gold Medal. What a day of good playing. Please enjoy the following recordings.
Alex Gandy and Glenn Brown
Gold Medal - Jori Chisholm - Lament for the Dead Silver Medal - Alex Gandy - The Piper's Warning to his Master Gold Medal - Glenn Brown - The Battle of Auldearn, Setting No. 2
Ceol Beag
John MacColl's March to Kilbowie Cottage, Caber Feidh, Neil Angus MacDonald, Joe McGann's Fiddle, and Angus John MacNeill of Barra
Bonnie Ann, Tulloch Castle, The Sound of Sleat, Finger Control, and Amanda Clarke
Now to look at some of the other great performances.... 2nd in both the Silver Medal and the Ceol Beag was Alastair Lee from British Columbia.
Alastair Lee
Silver Medal - Alastair Lee - A Flame of Wrath For Patrick Caogach Ceol Beag - Major Manson's Farewell to Clachantruschal, Caber Feidh, The Sheepwife, The Drunken Landlady, Wee Marie
Thanks to the competitors for allowing this broadcast.
Alex Gandy
When looking around North America currently, it is easy to spot the players of the future. These same players are players of the present, each making their mark on the professional competition scene at an early age.
Alex Gandy from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is one of the most experienced of the under 25 set in the country. He has few peers when it comes to accomplishments on the international scene. Interesting enough, the main players in the same league all come from one common stock - the BC connection in Victoria and Vancouver and that is where Alex's tutor and mentor, his Dad Bruce, hails from. Alex has won the jigs at Oban (2007),with Bruce second; he has won the World's Pipe Band Championship with Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band (2007) and has competed successfully on the tough Scottish Highland Games circuit for three years. In addition to this, he is a second year university student at St. Mary's in Halifax. You will be able to hear him in preparation for the upcoming season in Scotland and Canada as he gets ready for a recording he will soon be sending the CPA for grading purposes. There is no doubt that Alex is his Father's Son, and hopefully will follow in the same footsteps as Bruce.
Listen to Alex Gandy playing three selections - a slow air, hornpipe and 2 jigs - a MSR - the piobaireachd "The Piper's Warning to his Master".
Some Great Music - Fiddle and Bow
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.
Do You Remember The Red Hackle Pipe Band?
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.
A Taste of the Todd Bar Recital 2008
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
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
 Jack Lee 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.
Copyright © 2005 - 2009 The Captain's Corner |
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and the USA. For me, one of the highlights was meeting up with my
old friends Jamie Troy and Hal Senyk. In the 1970's, the three of us
were great friends, competed against each other, as the Pipe Majors
of three of the most successful bands in Canada at the time - the
City of Victoria, Triumph Street and the Clan MacFarlane. We have
been close ever since - so what you get here is a then and now shot
of the three of us.....We've hardly aged a bit...right? Currently,
Jamie (left) is the owner of
As Norrie writes below: 
Glenn's
Battle of Auldearn was first class as well...you will hear both.
The Silver Medal was a superb contest. Alex Gandy played The Piper's Warning to
his Master to a silver medal standard as good as it gets.
