The Captain's Corner

When Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Mah played for Barack Obama's inaugeration last week, they left a fabulous momento for all aspiring musicians. I was reminded how important it was when a friend's daughter, who happens to play the cello, was over the moon with the fact that they played "her" song. Well, her song just happened to be Simple Gifts, a tune played on many instruments including the pipes. I got to thinking - if the greatest musicians on the face of this planet dare to play the easiest of tunes and more importantly, put so much feeling and enthusiasm into their performance, in front of an audience of a billion, there has to be an obvious message there. Did lightning strike? This thunderbolt revelation is certainly appropriate for all musicians, not just the young and beginner. Music comes in simple forms... it is appreciated for what it is... the player who constantly has to bash through the heaviest of tune or most obscure melodic form just doesn't get it. ...

..... and from my old friend (as in for many years friend, but no way my age friend!), Duncan Bell from the famous Bell Clan, Parlin NJ...... hey flash.........went on you tube .. usually looking for porn (only kidding) ....guitar players.. was going to show my eldest boy a black brother named Tony McAllapin...... hot player....... a video of the clan from the early 80's came up with the stuff because i spelled the cats name wrong.......... it just says clan macfarlane pipe band...someone said in small print ...from the early 80's.... all the chaps were slim.....LOL anyway ,it is an MSR event....... don't know the venue....... the spry chap on tenor........slings his drum down low.......wears his watch face to the inside of his wrist...has his cap on slightly cocked ...as per old school.......a real cool cat!!!!!!!!! this guy is the real deal holyfield!!!! Why is this man NOT giving talks at ensemble seminars!!!!!!!!!!!! or just plain tenor seminars!!!!!!!!!!! this guy has ...