The Captain's Corner

Every so often you meet a person who has made a difference in his lifetime. In Canada, we have a national program of recognition called The Champions of Change. Those that qualify are deemed to be outstanding in their chosen field and in a huge way, have affected change in society in a positive fashion. Specifically chosen was a good friend of mine and to countless young people across this country - Mr. Robert Fraser, who for 53 years has taught upwards to 20 hours per week with the Lord Selkirk Boy Scouts. For some time now, Bob Worrall and myself along with John Fisher and Reagan Jones have been conducting workshops in Winnipeg for Mr. Fraser and his charges. Each year his teaching program has been rewarded with success after success. Below is the CBC Champions of Change profile submitted.... Congratulations Mr. Fraser:Top 50! NAME: Robert Fraser AGE: 87 VOLUNTEERS IN: Winnipeg, Manitoba CATEGORY: Canada - Education, Community & Culture ORGANIZATION(S): Lord Selkirk Boys...

Today is November 11, 2010. I have my father-in-law, Lloyd, a veteran of WWII, in my thoughts. His health is failing him, but nevertheless, he keeps his spirits high. He writes some of the most loving poetry imaginable... about family and friends and of course, events in his long life. God bless him for that. And I reflect back on what Remembrance Day is all about, I see Lloyd reminiscing about his brother who was lost over the English Channel when his Spitfire failed to return from a mission some 65 years ago.... all part of the family fabric. Memorials now exist in France and Canada for both these brave souls - one still with us. Yes, November 11 each year has meaning!

You might be a little puzzled by the last two or three postings... but not me! For you see, I am reminded of something said by Victor Wooten in his book, The Music Lesson. "Music exists inside each one of us. An instrument offers different forms of expression and allows others to hear how musical you are, but you don't have to play a note to be musical. Music cannot be found in any instrument... an instrument laid on the ground makes no sound. It is the musician who must bring Music forth, or not." Music isn't created. It is there in each of us and there, just waiting to be discovered. I make every attempt to truly listen to a performance, so whether the music is from the highland or lowland pipe, the guitar, the voice... whatever... it makes very little difference to me. The previous posts were some of my favourite pieces of music, each setting me adrift in a different world; each providing a mood for the listener. If I saw music as simply notes, I would be only obs...

One of my favourite performers of all time has to be Sharon Shannon. A few years ago I had the great experience of attending an evening with her and friend's at Dolan's Pub in Limerick. This video was taken at the same pub and gives you a feel for the atmosphere that is experienced perhaps only in the west of Ireland.

A few years ago, John Walsh introduced me to a pipe setting of the Cliffs of Dooneen, a beautiful aire sung here by the great Paddy Reilly. I searched for these cliffs many times. According to the lyrics, you can see Kilrush and Kilkee on the west coast of Co. Clare. But like the evasive leprechaun, I never did lay my eyes on them. I am sure there would be a pot of gold at the end!

How is this great Paddy Reilly song for stirring the emotions? Regardless of one's tastes in music, they are bound to swept up in its strong sentimental lyrics... I know I am.

Once again, Maxville has come and passed... as predicted almost. The West is still the best and the East isn't too shabby either. Ontario bands are certainly in a rut. If it weren't for a strong performance by the Rob Roy Pipe Band of Kingston, locals would be shut out in the top 3 grades... as it was, Grade 3 went to Rob Roy but hotly on their heels were the Great Lakes Pipe Band of Cleveland, Ohio and the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band from Philadelphia, so even the Grade 3 wasn't a slam dunk! The Grade 1 North American Champions for 2010 are the Peel Regional Pipe Band under PM John Cairns and LD Graham Brown. Congratulations to them as well as worthy runners-up, the 78th Highlanders (The Citadel) from Halifax, NS, under PM Roderick MacLean. Now Grade 2 presented few surprises as the City of Chicago and the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg split the top events with the CoC nudging in for the championship. Kudos to PM Pat Lynch of CoC and PM Wes Sheppard of the St. Andrew...

I received a very interesting email this week. The gist of the story centres around a 70 year old piper who wishes to compete - passionately rejects the aging process and wants to improve, which conflicts with his Pipe Major and instructor. Let the letter speak for itself! . " You all heard him play and each of you encouraged him to insert embellishments into the music. To be fair, his piping judge at the last contest said the same thing. I need your wisdom here. He is 70 years old. He started when he was 65. He's also got pretty severe arthritis in both hands. I am afraid that moving his focus and energies to embellishments will hurt the good things he's currently doing with his music as well as his personal enjoyment. He's now come back wanting to relearn the tune with all the embellishments. I'm heartbroken. So here you have it. Is this "hobby" as it is in the hands of adult (and senior) learners, not valid without full embellishments? Do emb...

I couldn't help but be moved by the last 17 days in Vancouver and Whistler, BC. The fact that Canada and Canadians were displayed front and centre on the world stage had so many similarities to the pipe band world. Not only did we have champions and medallists, we had spirit and undeniable Canadian humility. When Kevin Martin won the curling Gold, the CTV interviewer attempted to make this medal more important than his Silver in Salt Lake City. But Kevin set him straight with "that silver was very special", not to say that the gold wasn't as well. I liked that... a world class statement from a world class competitor. I liked the image of Jon Montgomery walking through Whistler Village, just out of doping control - handed a jug of beer - and he does the expected Canadian thing! He repeated on national TV with one of the CTV female commentators. Bravo for the refreshing side of Jon Montgomery! Not to be outdone, the Canadian women's hockey team with medals around th...