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Blog-Log
Tales of Magpies and Ravens CD Release - Preview
Friday, March 30, 2007 Calgary Indoor Contest Last weekend a few of us travelled to the sun of Calgary to participate in the Calgary Indoor Games, Recital and Workshops. The event was so well organized by Robert Henderson and his committee from the Caledonia Club of Calgary. The overall professional winner was Ann Gray as reported earlier this week in the PD site. Highlights of the weekend must certainly include the CD release party for Ann Gray preceded by the fabulous baked salmon (in pastry) supper party presented by Robert, his wife and daughter. I am indebted to both Scott Robertson and Rob Menzies for sending on some photos.
Robert Henderson with judges Scott Robertson, Jeannie Hawes, the Captain and Rob Menzies The committee in Calgary have to be commended for the spirit and enthusiasm thrown behind this weekend event. The Friday opening featured a recital by the adjudicators - with Rob Menzies providing alternate Celtic music on the Low D whistle and small pipes.... top notch! .... MC Robert Henderson had a superb understanding of the performers and did us all proud with his introductions. The Contest events on Saturday went off without a hitch. One musical observation could apply to many of our younger players coming up. The musical presentation in most cases was quite good, but they must pay more attention to the technique and various rhythms. The workshops on Sunday were well attended and once again, there is nothing like having a good organizing team behind you. A special thanks goes out to our chauffeur Andrew...he took us everywhere. Next year, put Calgary on your calendar!
Thursday, March 29, 2007 Dunedin this Weekend This weekend marks the close of the southern games and perhaps starts thoughts of the games for the northern part of the continent. The Dunedin Highland Games are on in Florida and with good weather always assured it promises to be 3 days of ceilidh, contests and workshops. On a similar note, I just received an update on the City of Dunedin Pipe Band's summer agenda.
The City of Dunedin Pipe Band - Pipe Major Sandy Keith The City of Dunedin Pipe Band under the direction of Sandy Keith is returning to Scotland on their bi-annual visit to the Worlds Championships. This year, as it was 2 years ago, they will have Gordon Parkes as the lead drummer. Gordon has been teaching this corps for the past 5 years, sometimes travelling 3 times annually to Florida's warm climes. He composes all the drum scores and is heavily involved with Sandy on the Ensemble effect. The band is currently working on the two sets required for Grade 2 at the Worlds
The Edinburgh Police Pipe Band
Atholl Cummers
Loch Carron
The Clan MacRae Society
Susan MacLeod
The Brown Haired Maid
The Band this past summer kept active by performing a concert in late July. The 2 hour show took a lot of hard work but it has truly enhanced their playing. Gordon arrives Thursday for an all important week of steady practice.
As John MacKenzie would say "all they need is a good tail wind".
Good luck to you Sandy and hope that the band has a good showing on Glasgow Green.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Gandy Champions the Duncan Johnstone!
Alex Gandy Mike Fitzhenry Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band well represented Alex Gandy, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia took the overall honors at last weekend's Duncan Johnstone Competition held in Scotland by the Competing Pipers Association. Gandy placed first in the Piobaireachd (judged by Donald MacPhee and Euan MacCrimmon), 4th in the MSR (judged by Peter Hunt and Douglas Murray) and 2nd in the Jig (judged by Colin MacLellan and Brian Donaldson). Congratulations Alex ! Runner-up for the overall title was another Canadian, Mike Fitzhenry, from Calgary, Alberta - with a win in the Jig, 3rd in the Piobaireachd and 5th in the MSR. In fact, North Americans featured well in the list which included Megan Harrington of the San Francisco Bay area (4th in Jig) and dancing champion David Wilton, formerly from Canada, placing 3rd in the Jig and 6th in the Piobaireachd. For the full list of results, please visit the Competing Pipers Association .
Monday, March 26, 2007 Passion for Piping ! Do you really have a passion for piping?.... the Admiral's sister certainly has !
Can't miss Kelly Buckley PIPING through the Niagara Peninsula ! Kelly Buckley, St. Catharines, Ontario has recently began her teaching and performance business in a huge way! Piping for Passion is her own creation where she promotes her own services to the community - piping for various functions, with an emphasis on weddings, and teaching students both in her home and over the net. Her website also promotes her band activities with MacPherson's Rant, a group dedicated to a mix of Irish, Scottish trad and folk music. I knew you would just love her promo van above. Good luck Kelly !
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Bagad Concert in Central Park After marching in the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 17, Kevrenn Alre or Bagad Auray, a top grade one band from Auray, near Lorient in Brittany gave a free concert at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park on Sunday. Bagad Auray has won the Breton championship many times in recent years and its show is one of the most exciting musical experiences you can have! They were also special guests at Carnegie Hall at Saturday's Chieftains concert, as well as performing in Philadelphia yesterday. So my friends JC and Susan Allioux attended the concert (an opportunity for JC to meet with friends from back home) and here is what JC had to say: "So, we went to Central park on Sunday, a bit chilly for an outdoor concert...!! But, a good 2 hours of music and dancing. I was particularly impressed by the amount of work, creation and choreography brought to the traditional dance of Brittany, placing the Breton culture under a real spotlight. Kevrenn Alre had a full size band but, for the visit to New York they opted for the "B" pipes only. The "B" pipes were created some 30 years ago by Jorge Botuha, a bombarde player in the band, but also the top pipe and bombarde maker in Brittany. The "B" pipe is a 3 droner a bit shorter than standard pipes and the drones are tuned on the "B", very lovely sound. The main reason is simple, lots of traditional Breton tunes lose some integrity on the GHB. Sooo! they created a set of pipes to fit the tunes.... " If you get a chance to see and hear this wonderful Bagad, by all means do it!
Tuesday, March 20,2007 Everyone has a Hangover Except Rory!
Guess the owner and you have won yourself a complimentary year's subscription to the Corner! Four readers correctly identified "Bob Worrall" as the owner of the westie Rory. Hope that Rory has recovered from the experience...wonder if Bob has....?... just musing here. Complimentary subscriptions to the Classroom go out to Willie Ross ( yes, young William Ross, nephew of Kylie MacHattie).... what a namesake...guaranteed to be a champion! Other subscriptions go to Eduardo Silvera, Graham Hand and Jim Dillahey (compliments of Bobby Minnear). Thanks all for your responses....all the best, The Captain.
Friday, March 16, 2007 The Genesee Valley Indoor Meeting sponsored by
The pics are in....the memories fresh .... "as good as it gets" sums up last weekend. The facilities were perhaps the best - the Rochester Institute of Technology Conference Centre. Great accoustics in individual rooms where piping was heard from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. Now as luck would have it, a power generator blew just prior to the Friday evening kickoff, so the scheduled Piobaireachd event took place by chance in a candle-lit studio - what superb ambiance for the big music ... so much so, that perhaps next year this event will be planned by candle light. The setting and mood were so perfect. It couldn't possibly be staged any better. The Saturday contests went off without a hitch as did the instructor's recital in the evening. Workshops on Sunday concluded a very successful first meeting.
The Committee and Instructors after the recital... Eric Albert 2nd from right Now, according to chairman Eric Albert, next year's event(s) will be the start of something really special for Western New York .... but he will need the support of all New Yorkers and piper/drummers from the surrounding New England, Ohio and Pennsylvania. "I didn’t get the chance to speak with you about my vision for the GVPA (Genesee Valley Pipers Association) but in brief the idea is to have two events per year. One, an amateur event, in the March time frame and second, a Masters Invitational similar to the DRM in Rochester, in the Fall. Probably around Oct 5-6 time frame. I have spoken, via email with both Willie McCallum and Alasdair Gillies about the prospect and both were interested. Having the right venue and judging were key factors for both of them. If I add Jack Lee whom I have never spoken to about this and Roddy MacLeod whom Iain is familiar with, we could have a really nice event. We would host at the Woodcliff Lodge, a five star establishment with possibly invite Mike Cusack and others for judging. Iain (Maddog Productions) would probably do an audio/video of the contest."
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Band Size ( again ! ) Got a super letter in today from Gregor Burton ... a rational understanding of the idiom: First off, I do respect any players' right to join a band, and be part of whichever group they wish. Furthermore, I respect the right of a bands' leadership to make decisions regarding their band. That being said, I think that there is a saturation point; for all intents and purposes, in my humble opinion, the Fraser's have reached that point. By my count, their roster now sits at 40 pipers, 14 snares, a Bass and 4 Tenors. Based on the numbers with which they won the World's in '87, that is three fully-staffed Grade 1 Bands being rolled into one (apart from missing two bass drummers). Even if the Fraser's plan to play 28-30 pipers, that is 10-12 pipers 'riding the pines.'
The point here, is that this is not sustainable for our art, and I can see no good coming of this 'drive' to play so many individuals. Regardless of the calibre of the players, I don't think that it is feasible to tune and maintain 30 instruments, or have the 30 individuals weilding those instruments, play in unison - and as a result, the quality of performance will fail to reach the standards that have been set. I may be proven wrong in the future, but at the current time, bands have yet to successfully field anything over about 21 players, without some aspect of their sound suffering as a result. Although you can 'hide' a lot in a bigger band, I feel as though Pipe Bands reached a pinnacle at about 18 pipers or so - and as bands moved beyond that point, the number of Grade 1 bands with tonal problems on given notes (D and F are common culprits), has increased. If you listen to the Worlds' CD's, you cannot really deny it. Even FMM, who has a brilliant overall tone, and an amazing drone sound, has suffered from increased numbers - trying to play 22 pipers (imagine what adding 8 more pipers to the mix would do in this instance!).
I think competition is a wonderful thing, and I wish the Fraser's the best of luck in their attempts this year. That being said, I do not agree with the logic that 'bigger is better,' and I think that once bands begin to realize that the quality of their performances is suffering as a result of trying to reign-in too many variables, we will see a reversion to smaller pipe sections, and subsequently, smaller drum corps.
Cheers, Gregor Burton
Hi Gregor.... super response.... I too tend to think that the pipe band idiom can be saturated if care isn't taken.... the spectacle of 30 pipers might be tarnished on the competition field with the lack of tonal definition and technique articulation - even though the overall presentation is impressive. Regimental tours did that for me way back when.... so I am very apprehensive with the proposed development for huge bands .... but time will prove the nay-sayers right or wrong. The first championship contest here is Hamilton, and there is nothing to stand in the way for a band to field 30+..... but Glasgow Green is another story.....
All the best, Ken
Friday, March 9, 2007 Trading Deadlines - NHL vs. PPBSO The NHL trading deadline was some 2 weeks ago and one of my favorites got traded to the New York Islanders - Ryan Smyth. What was Edmonton thinking ? But here in our own back yard there is no such deadline with the PPBSO. Players can move about freely up to just a few weeks prior to the first contest. This was no more apparent than the latest salvo on the PipesDrums.com site where it was announced that one Grade One band was once again receiving players from another in the same area. Will a proposed pipe section of some 30 plus players improve the quality of musicianship and stage presentation of such bands?
30+ pipers trying to get into a circle - yes count them! Can you imagine this at Maxville in the Grade 1 Arena ?
If there are any pipers in I cannot imagine how this influx of players into the Frasers is helping the overall health of grade one bands in Rolly
Tuesday, March 6, 2007 The Genesee Valley Indoor Meet A first ever is almost upon us.... this weekend marks the inaugural event near Rochester, NY. Eric Albert and his team have been planning and setting up this complete weekend for pipers and drummers in the Eastern US and Canada. It has been a long time since anything significant occurred during the long winters in this part of the country. For those attending, the events include a Friday evening solo contest start - Saturday contests with the emphasis on encouraging new competitors - a Saturday nite ceilidh including recitals by the judges/instructors Rob Mathieson, Iain Donaldson (both from the HOE, Shotts and Dykehead Cal. PB), Tom Foote (Metro Toronto Police PB) and the Captain. Sunday will bring workshops on various piping and drumming topics. The whole weekend is being hosted in the fabulous Rochester Institute of Technology Conference Centre. The weather is cooperating, so consider attending, even at the last minute. Maybe I will see you at the ceilidh.
Iain and Rob with Nat Russell supporting the Cowal beer tent -2006
Friday, March 2, 2007 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 E
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 !
Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis - look again !
Granny MacLeod Jig - see Princess Street Parade, Edinburgh City Police
Thursday. March 1, 2007 Scotland the Brave - 4 Parts ----- Original Message -----
From: "Iain MacDonald"
To: <captain@computan.on.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:15 AM
Subject: Scotland the Brave Hi Ken:
A 4 - parted setting for Scotland the Brave, from the pen of Doug Will (by kind permission of Iain MacDonald, Avonlea Productions)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Dr. Michael New, Juneau, Alaska turns 50 today ! 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..... E Mail Michael New - he would love to hear from you!
Monday, February 26, 2007 Pipe Major Norman Gillies 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 ? From: willie mcerlean
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 11:44 AM
Subject: SCOTLAND THE BRAVE
Hi Ken, I have a question about the awrabest, Willie
Willie at the Pleasanton Games, 2006 From: Ken Eller
To: willie mcerlean
Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2007 9:28 AM
Subject: Re: SCOTLAND THE BRAVE
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
The resting place for this blog from its inception to the present. A place where pipers can meet for a tune, a read and a pint - the latest in concert and contest recordings, book reviews and announcements. An area designed for both education and enjoyment. Hear current band/solo contests and adjudicate them as one of the judges.
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