While we shiver in the throws of winter, Michael surfs and snorkles in the warm climes of Hawaii with his wife Diana, and kids Carraig, Maire and Paddy - a special birthday gift to mark the occasion. Congratulations Michael ! The Captain has a gift for you when we meet in May... one bottle of your favorite single malt, McCallan's coming up! In the meantime, to help Michael celebrate, I encourage every reader to email their special congrats to Michael. To help you along with appropriate notes, Michael is a veterinary with special aptitudes for piobaireachd, skiing and fishing, both salmon and crab.....
I recieved a very sad letter today from my friend Alasdair. His father passed away on the weekend and so ends a life devoted to piping and teaching , the constant passion of both Norrie and Alasdair. Alasdair included the following, so that his Dad's life might be remembered and celebrated.
Norrie with a young Alasdair on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle
It is with deep regret that I inform you of my father, Norman Gillies' passing. He passed away peacefully yesterday morning in his sleep. He was 71 years old. Funeral arrangements are being made for Thursday 1st of March in Ullapool, Wester Ross.
Born in Glasgow. He began piping at an early age and was taught by Iain MacPherson, William Fergusson & Peter R. MacLeod. He was a very active player in the Glasgow scene in the 50's and 60's. He played in the Boys Brigade, The Red Hackle, The Glasgow Transport Pipe Band. He was also Pipe Sgt to Big Donald MacLean in the 5th/6th HLI. He later became the Pipe Major of the 1/52 Lowland Volunteers. In 1971, he was the first civilian to complete the Army's Pipe Majors Course, under Capt John MacLellan.
1975 saw him move north to Ullapool where he became the piping instructor in the schools of Wester Ross, covering the area from Gairloch to Achiltibuie. He was a founding member of the Ullapool & District Pipe Band. He was a regular piping instructor Sal Mor Ostaig and at the Invermark and Balmoral summer schools in the USA.
He will be sadly missed by us all. Farewell my father, mentor and best friend. We'll play again together in St Peter's Pipe Band someday.
Alasdair Gillies
Our thoughts and prayers are with Alasdair and his son Norrie, who are travelling home to Ullapool for his Dad's funeral.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Scotland the Brave - 4 parts ?
Willie McErlean – great friend over the years and one of the best musical minds I have ever had the pleasure of tapping!!!! Willie and his famous Triumph Street Drum Corps won the World’s Championship way back in 1979 ... From before that time I had many a super time in his company.Always exciting and enthusiastic, his latest email is no exception.
Hi Ken, I have a question about the Scotland the Brave tune. I believe there are four parts to it. During all my years of playing, I think we just always played two parts, along with other two part tunes. I was told that the 3rd & 4th parts came from an Irish melody, maybe a fiddle tune. Can you shed any light on this subject.
Hi there Willie...now this has to be the question of the century ... no idea, but I am going to put it out on the Corner and see if any Irish musicians are reading my blog ... they just might have an answer ... 4/4's though are not usually 4 parts ... exceptions are the great tunes Peter MacKenzie Warren and Hills of Alva from Tom Muirhead, and Jimmy Findlater, from Gordon Speirs, etc ... 32 beats per part, lots of repetition and little variation in rhythms all make for " keep it short and sweet" ! Anyhow, I am going to try and find some answers here ... I was with Jack Lee last week and he says that the Spring is arriving on the west coast ... we are in a deep freeze here with lots of snow ... sure would be nice doing a BC vacation right now....all the best....talk soon...ken
Hard to believe its been a week since the last entry ... but Mardi Gras has a way of doing that to you. This body of mine is still recovering, but my mental state is over the moon. What a weekend and have we stories for you ... first the pics ... then more ... stories ... recordings of the recital ... more stories ... all a part of the debriefing! Mardi Gras and the hospitality of the Red River Pipe Band folk far exceeded all expectations this year ... 2008 cannot come soon enough.
Jim McGillivray, Jack Lee, Rob Crabtree, the Captain with two Mardi Gras friends, Melody & Jerry
... and now for story number 1 ... to set the stage, we are leaving Toronto on Thursday just after the blizzard. Eastern destinations are closed or iced in ... Captain is flying to Houston, TX, so he gets away on time. McGoo and Crabber are connecting in Memphis (its closed), then a change to Cinci, but they would have to overnite, so on to Atlanta on a third flight and Crabber's suitcase is lost! ... 2 am and all of us are landed in Shreveport ...7 am rise to do a day's teaching in the workshops...back to the airport to pick up Crabber's suitcase cuz he needs the canister inside for his pipes and our recital later at 7 pm ... enter the Delta Airlines Baggage claim area ... whow! right there...20 minutes to spare...his bags are going to be blown up! Yes ... really ... the bomb squad has been called because of a steady, methodical tick,tick,tick from within his locked case..... whow ... just in time ... Crabber's metronome had inadvertently switched on....no brainer says the agent...call the police bomb disposal unit! All's well that ends well, though as Crabber recovered from the shock to play an excellent recital!
Bill, Rebecca, Tommy, Nancy, Stevie, Crabber - Eldorado Casino after the parade
Crabber followup - Lightning strikes twice - on the return home his baggage made it from Louisiana to Atlanta and then opted for a southern vacation in Jacksonville, Florida.
Will his baggage ever return, no it never returned ... its fate is still unknown!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
It's Mardi Gras !
Shreveport ! Are you ready for this ? Once again we have the chance to experience the greatest show on earth - the Mardi Gras from a float in the parade - 60 pipers/drummers strong - beads galor - jigs and hornpipes along the route and of course, no refreshment! Ok - I stretch the truth a little, but one thing for sure, the Red River Pipe Band annually puts on arguably the best weekend of the year for sheer piping fun, pleasure, over-indulgence and just plain old southern style hospitality. The piping instruction isn't too shabby either - 16 hours of workshops and recital to boot....Angus MacColl, Jack Lee, Jim McGillivray, Rob Crabtree (and the Captain) ....
The Instructors in Native Costumes !
The Captain and Pipe Major James Parker
Monday, February 12, 2007
And then there were None !
Sadly today, Jimmy Agnew passed away. Jimmy was the surviving member of the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band side section the year I joined the band. Gone now are John Kirkwood, Jim Kirkwood, George Kidd and Jimmy Agnew. That corps back in the 60's will be well remembered for its innovation and the teaching abilities of all its members. Jimmy remained true to his roots up to the end, instructing in the Grade 4 program of the Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band and playing a senior role on the panel of adjudicators for the PPBSO. Long will we remember his great teaching abilities, his sense of humor and his total committment to the game he loved - Pipe Bands. I know that I share the sentiments of the pipe band community and in particular all former members of the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band - Jimmy will be sorely missed and always remembered.
Jimmy (centre) playing with D/M John Kirkwood, Sr.
The Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band - 1969 - Jimmy - seated, 3rd from the left
Sunday, February 11, 2007
A band in transition today! It was reported on Pipes|Drums that James MacHattie is stepping down as Pipe Major of the Grade 1 Metro Toronto Police Pipe Band and Ian K. MacDonald is returning to the position he held for a number of years after Jake Watson's departure. As the news was breaking on the web, my MSN and telephone were abuzzin' with this and related news. Speculative at best, the rumor mill on the street was grindin' about player movement within the Metro Police at this time as well ... potentially a dent in the blue armour ... although player movement is not unusual at this level, it rarely takes place this close to the competitive season. The volume of new music is just too great. Assuming that these players wish to remain in the big game, where could they possibly go?.... Guesses, anyone? Does this tie in with other threads, say on BobDunsire.com and PipesDrums.com?
P/M James MacHattie - returning to BC Ian K. MacDonald - Pipe Major again
Friday, February 9, 2007
A picture says it all !!!!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
One of the greatest resources for pipers is about to hit the stage in March...
Talking with with Jim McGillivray tonite .... his website has been revamped. HE IS BACK ! From a downsizing a few months ago, McGillivray Piping is once again expanding its services to include more pipes, both Highland and small ... check out his website. More importantly, get ready for the new downloading services for sheet music on demand! Jim has been putting this major project together now for a couple of years. It will prove a boon to pipers everywhere. The Captain is saving his loonies already! We have Tradtunes, Planet Pipe and a host of iTunes type services, but Jim's will prove even more valuable to the individual player. Let's give him all the support to make this a success.
This just in from Calgary - Ann Gray is back in the studio these days producing her first compilation CD to follow up all her other efforts over the past few years. According to Ann, Tales of Magpies and Ravens is due for a late winter, early spring release. Watch for availability here or contact Ann about ordering ....... for sure to be a winner!!!!
Ann Gray, current USPF Champion
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Nat Russell, Order of Australia
CITATIONAustralia Day Honours List26th January 2007
Medal of the Order of Australia( OAM )
Inspector Nathaniel RUSSELL
Victoria Police
For service to Pipe Band Music as a Pipe Major, Teacher and Adjudicator
Inspector / Pipe Major, Victoria Police Band since 1987. Led the Pipe Band to become World Grade One Champions at the World Pipe Band Championships in 1998. The Victoria Police Pipe Band was named the Premier Police Pipe Band in the World for 9 years in succession.
Vice – Principal, Piping in Victoria, 1989 – 2006.
Has tutored various Pipe Bands at all levels, Interstate, Intrastate, Nationally and Internationally.
Adjudicates each year at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow and Internationally. Until 2005, was the only Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association accredited Piping Adjudicator in Australia.
As Officer in Charge, Victoria Police Bands has produced several highly acclaimed CDs’ by the various combined Victoria Police Bands, which have been distributed and sold Internationally.
Instrumental in the establishment of Certificated Courses in Piping and Drumming, 1988.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Alaska sunshine - clear skies - crystalline air - great skiing - and the piping isn't too shabby either!
Juneau from Laurie and Doug Gardner's Livingroom
My hosts, Laurie and Doug Gardner have been most hospitable - great food, living and teaching space - very comfortable. I just got off the phone with Bruce McQueen in Wrangell and our annual May fishing trip is set. I just can't believe what May is going to bring.... 5 days in Wrangell, Alaska for the King Salmon derby over the Memorial Day weekend and then we fly to Juneau, overnite there and then fly to Yakutak the next morning. Next up, we take a bush plane up the Situk River - one of the prime steelhead rivers in the world. Five days later we emerge from the river and head to a well earned rest back in Juneau....and then home to start the summer schools with Milwaukee being the first up..... I am packing already... 9 wt fly rod for steelhead, trolling rods for King's, sleeping bag and fishing license....and did I mention pipes. All 4 of us are pipers - so we will fish the tides and play pipes in between...is there anything better ?
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The 48th Highlanders of Canada
North to Alaska...been in Juneau for 2 days teaching members of the Stroller White Pipe Band.... lots of snow, fairly mild temps and even a little rain here and there...perfect weather for the piping community. Even this far north, major events cannot escape the notice of pipers. Coming up in February is perhaps the biggest event on the calendar for one of Canada's premier regiments - the 48th Highlanders of Canada, Toronto. There will be a full military ceremony to mark the passing of the Pipe Major's chevrons from PM Sandy Dewar to MWO Iain Lang.
Pipe Major Sandy Dewar,CD MWO Iain Lang,CD
Pipe Major Chief Warrant Officer Alexander (Sandy) Dewar, MMM, CD joined the 48th Highlanders Pipe Band in 1959, while his father Archie Dewar was the Pipe Major. Pipe Major Dewar was a boy piper then but eventually joined the Regiment on 8 May 1962. Now, after 22 years as Pipe Major and a total of 48 years in the Pipe Band, CWO Dewar will turn over the Pipe Major’s Banner to Master Warrant Officer Iain Lang, CD. On Friday 9 February 2007, 8:00 pm the 48th Highlanders will parade at Moss Park Armoury,Toronto to change the Regiment’s Pipe Major, a ceremony not performed since 1975 when Pipe Major Ross Stewart retired and Pipe Major Reay Mackay was appointed. The change of Pipe Majors Parade is a rare occasion; MWO Lang will be the 9th Home Battalion Pipe Major of the 48th Highlander since1891. Please put this on your calendar. All are welcomed to attend.
The 48th Highlanders of Canada
Monday, January 22, 2007
Following the tragic death of Trooper Mark Wilson in Afghanistan in October of last year, one sports artist (a friend of Wilson’s family) was hit hard and decided that something should be done to show appreciation for the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Well, David Arrigo up and did just that in his own, very Canadian, way. Patrick Maloney had the story in today’s Freeps, which is reproduced in part below:
Goalie mask soldier tribute
Mon, January 8, 2007 By PATRICK MALONEY, FREE PRESS REPORTER
Trooper Mark Wilson’s death in Afghanistan has inspired a special piece of art that’s being passed among elite NHL players and may become part of the upcoming all-star game.
Sports artist David Arrigo, a friend of one of Wilson’s relatives, was hit hard by the October death of the London soldier and inspired to design a military-themed goalie mask.
“It just sort of pushed me — this is going to be my addition to thanking the soldiers,” said Arrigo, who has done work for years for the NHL, NFL and other pro sports leagues.
“(But) I didn’t want this piece to be about any one person — it’s more about all the soldiers in Afghanistan.”
The detailed mask design, Arrigo explained, has two distinct sides: The right is called “the mission,” and features images of an Afghani girl reading and a Canadian soldier. The left side, called “the memory,” includes a bagpiper and a soldier pinning a poppy on a wreath.
What could have been a quiet tribute, however, is getting much more attention thanks to the contacts Arrigo and Wilson’s cousin, NHL photographer Dave Sandford, have throughout pro hockey.
The pair are in discussions with at least one goalie to wear the mask in Dallas on Jan. 24 during the all-star skills competition or in the all-star game.
They have also photographed the mask with hockey celebrities such as Don Cherry, who mentioned the project during Coach’s Corner on Hockey Night In Canada. Sandford was to photograph Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby with it.
Those photos will eventually be posted at nhl.com and on Arrigo’s own website, darrigoart.com. Arrigo’s mask will then be auctioned off on the NHL’s website with the money raised going to the families of fallen troops.
“I’m looking to put a call out to corporate Canada,” Arrigo said. “If they’re not going to bid on the mask, (they could) create some other programs of awareness.”
NHL officials in the U.S. were so impressed, they have asked Arrigo to make a mask with an American theme.
This article has been reproduced with the permission of artist David Arrigo and brought to the attention of the Captain's Corner by Ian and Jim Scott, of Scott's Highland Services.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Tune Writing Contest Results
Recently, the results of two separate tune writing contests have been announced and a regular visitor to the Corner is the winner of both. Congratulations are in order to JC Allioux, Goshen, NY. JC, originally from Brittany, has other talents. He handcrafts the very successful highend all fibre Ridgeway drone reed and his own Moisture Control System that attaches to each drone separately. Both products are manufactured to exacting tolerances - superbly finished and available directly from JC. Now back to the music.
JC Allioux, Goshen, NY
The Piper's Club of the Carolinas, Greenville, SC, USA
President: Christoph Kresse and co-founder Mark Elliot
Sponsors: The British Shop, Tone Czar and Bruce Gandy
Entries: 38
Judges: Christoph Kresse, Mark Elliot and Sandy Jones
The announcement was made late November 06, 2006 and JC won the 1st prize. 2nd and 3rd prizes went to tunes from Denmark and New Zealand, respectively.
Prize: A Naill practice chanter
The tune will be recorded at some point in the future by Bruce Gandy. The tune is a 4 parted 6/8march and the title is"The Pipers Club of the Carolinas".
Robert Thomson Brown, Kilmarnock
This contest might have caught your attention - posted originally on the Bob Dunsire Forums on December 13th, "Win 250 British Pounds, Compose a New tune by Christmas". The tune was a gift to celebrate the 80th birthday of Robert Thompson Brown born in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The contest was organized by forum members Magnus and Alistair Brown from Edinburgh. The tune is a 4 parted 6/8 march and entitled"Kilmarnock's Own". The announcement was madeonPipefest.com .
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Winter Storm Story of the Century
You have already read about the Storm, delayed flights and people getting home on Monday or Tuesday....But nobody - I mean NOBODY can top this letter from Willie McCallum this morning! His travelling partners were Fred Morrison and Angus MacColl. They were trying to connect in Newark, NJ for their Glasgow flight. Read on ........
Ken: Glad you got home and sounds like a scary journey.
Just arrived home Wednesday morning.
Flight left Kansas 2 hours late, still could have made the connection but we had to circle for over half an hour and just missed the flight.
Ended up the airline put us up in a hotel but we couldn’t get our cases……………you couldn’t write the rest…………
I was wakened by a hotel security guy at 1am telling me they had an emergency. After checking out if it was real, I opened the door. A guest (a big black naked woman) across the corridor was very ill and was unconscious. When I went in she had no pulse and looked as if she was more or less away. Ended up we could do nothing for her with CPR and she died. Paramedics were already on their way and worked on her for a while. I was shit scared.
Angus and Fred were on a different floor and missed it all……
There were cops there in the morning and saw me coming out of the room. They already had decided it was natural causes. I gave them my details. After getting talking, they asked what I was doing so I said I was bagpiping in Kansas. They couldn’t believe it so they were on to their sergeant who is a piper and I told them to mention Angus and Fred. Next thing he’s heading to the hotel and tells them not to let us leave. This guy is Matty Glackin (Elizabeth, New Jersey Police) who is a big pal of Joe McGonigal ( President of the EUSPBA). Next thing I know I’m talking to big Joe on the phone, you’d hardly believe it. Next thing the girl that’s the crime scene photographer is getting brought in for a group photo!!! Turns out there was another death in the hotel (more suspicious and more blood). So we’re on the same spool as that!!
This guy takes us to the station and sorts us out for a trip into Manhattan on the train. I gave him a McCallum chanter. He emailed me this morning to tell me he thinks the chanter is great.
Had a good day, up the EmpireStateBuilding, Times Square, Ground Zero.
Exhausted.
At work
Will sleep tonight
Loved the weekend, great to see you, some good stories but this one might be hard to beat.
W
Willie, Angus and Fred atop the Empire State Building in NYC, yesterday
Monday, January 15,2007
Winter Storm - Winter Steam - Winter Storm again!...We are still here in Kansas City...a fabulous weekend, but little did we all know that our events would bring in the real thing. Areas of the state have been declared a disaster - no power - road accidents - the airport has cancelled most flights....all of us have settled in for Winter Steam II - Sunday, one day later... thanks to Newcastle Brown Ale for supplying us with a keg! .... Monday and we are recovered and getting ready to get to the airport and home today with the great thoughts of the weekend... a weekend of note...the best of the best and the Corner will bring you the recordings of all events later this week, so tune in.... for the meantime have a look at these :
The Street in front of the Marriott with Angus MacColl, Fred Morrison and Willie McCallum dressed for the elements.
Special Presentation 
Trooper Mark Wilson’s death in Afghanistan has inspired a special piece of art that’s being passed among elite NHL players and may become part of the upcoming all-star game.
