The Captain's Corner

... When Longevity Means .... YOU!

2012-01-05T08:07:00.002-05:00

Clyde - the mascot of Triumph Street

I received an email this past week from my very good friend Allan Skalazub from Vancouver:

Greetings, Ken,
Hope you are well and enjoying the holiday season.
I was wondering if you might put a wee mention in your blog
about the 40th anniversary of the Triumph Street Pipe Band.
We made our debut at the BC Pipers Indoor Meet at Easter of 1972.

We are having a get together to commemorate the anniversary on March 17, 2012 in Burnaby, BC. All friends, supporters and ex-members are welcome and can receive more information by contacting me at skalazub@gmail.com

Clan MacFarlane 50th Anniversary - 2007

This really got me thinking! First of all, I would encourage all those former players and friends from way back in the 70's to plan on attending. The first reunion a few years ago was a huge success. Longevity in pipe bands is a fleeting thing. The fact that most of the former players are still active in the scene says volumes in itself...

I was reminded of the 50th anniversary of my own band, The Clan MacFarlane. We counted the TSPB as our closest friends - not competitors - together, we could entertain, party and play with the best. Heaven knows, the motels in Santa Rosa must still be buzzin'.

Now to my point - bands come and go, but people do not. It is a blessing to reach that stage in life when you can truthfully say "I remember when" or "I was there".

Triumph Street was part of the fabric of the Canadian and World pipe band scene in the 70's. Congratulations to all the former members of that crew headed by Hal Senyk and Willie McErlean ... and in case you don't believe I was there, I remember when I was gifted a T- shirt by Triumph Street:

All the best to the Triumph Street Pipe Band of the 70's

Thanks for the reflections, The Captain

... RIP... The Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Nova Scotia

2011-12-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

The Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Nova Scotia

The Gaelic College in St. Ann's has been the centre of Cape Breton teaching for almost 2/3 of a century. Some of the best pipers, drummers, fiddlers, dancers, Gaelic educators and more have taught students from far and wide. I spent many summers myself there as an instructor... many happy weeks each year soaking up the ambience of the Cape Breton culture. Piping flourished. It is not a stretch of the truth to say that almost every piper of note from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick most likely attended a session or two at the venerable institution. Enough said glorifying its past!

Highland Piping has just been removed from the curriculum to be replaced by Cape Breton (kitchenpiping) ! What next?

Thinking of its future as a bastion of piping excellence is more like preparing a eulogy for a close friend. I have been following the thread in PipesDrums.com and I just shake my head. One responder was bold enough to infer Cape Breton piping as the only true form from centuries ago. He cites Barry Shears' book on the topic, which reads as a mythical fable for those who couldn't make it in the bigs! I have read the book with an open mind... and there began my problem...the author and his sources are totally polarized on this other (older) style of piping and imply heavily that competitive styles have all but completely divorced themselves from the tradition. There is no hint of a liberal opinion on all forms of piping. Hogwash!

Tradition or more aptly, living traditions evolve. There is a need for sound technical and rhythmic tuition in the present sense to effectively play styles like that found historically in Cape Breton. To stop one in favour of another is a huge regressive step. The administrators of the College must be reminded that the Shears book is based on ill founded assumptions! Piobaireachd was the music of the Highland pipe at the time of the clearances in the 1700's when immigration started... there was also light music for the dancing.... competitive light music evolved after the fact. The short sighted College admin has chosen to single out only one branch of the great music at the exclusion of all others. If they were true to their mandate, it would be piobaireachd rather than kitchenpiping to survive these troubled times.

For Shame... I fear they will live to regret it.

Before I close, have a look at Michael Grey's Blog on this site or found at Dunaber Music.

Mike is worthy of the following quote:

"There’s great glory and tradition and, dare I say, Gaelic-ness to today’s “competitive” bagpipe music. It’s a rich, lively tradition with huge vibrancy. It evolves. It moves forward. It influences, even CB fiddlers – whether they know it or not."

.... a full shillings worth, don't you think?

You might consider going to PipesDrums as well. Pay special attention to the comments of others.

Of note, I was asked to join the faculty for 2012. NOT! I am not qualified to teach Cape Breton piping, assuming it is defined as being aligned with the fiddle... nor are 99% of all the pipers in existence today. Unfortunately, to wish them well in this misguided adventure would imply there was a realistic opportunity for success. So let the College RIP.

... And You Only Use 9 Notes!

2011-10-21T10:33:00.001-04:00

Pipe Major Roddy S. MacDonald

Creativity is a gift... and unfortunately or fortunately, perhaps, a gift for very few. Bruce Gandy, Michael Grey, Gordon Duncan... all names that bring to mind some great tunes over the years. Oh, there are dozens of participants in the composition game - perhaps one tune a year - maybe one tune in a lifetime that makes it to the mainstream. I would be such a player. Perhaps that is why it has been a passion of mine to discover new music; and in the process come to appreciate the nuances each composer brings to the table. Roddy S. MacDonald is a giant among current composers. He has published two books, the ClanRanald Collection with his father, Willie MacDonald (Benbecula) and his latest, released at the National Piping Centre during Piping Live, 2009 - the R.S. MacDonald Collection. Such great tunes (and names, BTW) -El Paco Grande, Good Drying (the title tune off his CD), The Last Tango in Harris, The Pivovar Express, and the list goes on. Buy the book...buy the CD...hours of enjoyment.

But this isn't why I am writing this piece...I just got sidetracked! His latest tune, Dalvey, is a classic! It is not the proverbial diamond in the rough, but a polished gemstone for anyone's up-taking.... written using the A arpeggio, but just skimming the octave briefly in the second and fourth parts, it tickles your harmonic fancy with an abundant use of the note D and very fiddle-like use of cuts and dots, what I might refer to as "3 note pulses"....

Listen to Dalvey, composed by R.S. MacDonald

I hope you enjoy this tune.... Roddy has been gracious enough to grant copyright permission to the Corner for publishing here. I believe in copyright for composers. I purchase their books and CD's. I encourage you to do as well and in return, we all play our role in supporting a living tradition!

Music lessons — hard work, so make sure they're fun

2011-09-04T13:18:00.008-04:00

When Fiona MacPherson’s two young sons told her they wanted to quit piping, she was upset. "I asked why, and they said it wasn't fun," she said. After speaking with her husband — who is a musician — they decided it was important not to force their kids into it.So, the boys quit.

But a week later, Angus, 12, and Calum, 11, said they had made a mistake."It turned out to be me," said Fiona. "I made it so regimented that it wasn't fun for them." She asked them to write letters explaining why they wanted to return to lessons and when they did, she allowed them to continue. "Once we all adjusted, it was good," she said, admitting she needed to change her tactics a little. And it worked out.

And they don't need much prodding to work on their craft anymore. They practice at least half an hour every day. "Angus wakes up and he walks around while playing his practice chanter in the morning", she said. Making piping fun is an important part of their success.

Most parents with kids in lessons know that practicing is the most difficult part of the process. Distraction is the biggest enemy when it comes to practice. There’s video games, the Internet, friends. There are too many distractions with instant gratification. So use incentives that will make even these distractions a compliment to their practice regimens.

Most of all, make it fun!

... The Truly Remarkable Might Not Be Pipers!

2011-02-21T16:52:00.002-05:00

Every so often you meet some one that doesn't stand out in a crowd... is humble beyond words...yet has accomplished more in their lifetime than anyone you know. These people don't have to be involved in the same things as us! They don't need our obsessions. They have their own inner passions which see them through life! Such was DJ (Dorothy) Douglas of Madison, WI. Jake Watson, John Fisher, John Cairns and myself got to know her as the life partner of Rory Ward - a piping student every year at the Milwaukee school. Rory, in her own right, has lived a truly remarkable life and career - being a retired fire lieutenant in Madison Fire Department and also a highly trained psychologist! Here is DJ's life, captured on a PBS documentary recently:

Watch the full episode. See more In Wisconsin.

... Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-04T13:13:00.004-05:00

That's right...Super Bowl Sunday...will it be Big Ben and the Steelers or the Packers and Rogers the Rocket Arm? Can you imagine an event in the pipe band world with the same import as the Steelers vs. the Pack? We have it already.... Super Saturday. Mark it on your calendars - August 13, 2011 - coming to you from Glasgow Green and broadcast live by Bob Worrall. Now, what we lack in TV sponsorships, we can make up for in crowd appeal. Unlike the Super Bowl of football, the "pipe band super bowl" has never disappointed its fans with mediocrity or just plain bad play. The one thing about the pipe band fraternity - we can always praise a good performance - we are sufficiently negative to criticize a poor performance - we argue which band should be first - we know better than the "wise judges" on the field - we will always disagree with the final result - we replay the event over and over - and when it is all said and done, we come back year after year regardless of our favourite band. Nothing wishy-washy about us!... see you in Glasgow.

... To Make a Difference

2010-12-04T11:55:00.005-05:00

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' Pipe & Drum Band

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:

When he was a young boy growing up in Scotland, Robert suffered burns to his hands and feet. Although originally told he would never walk or make use of his hands, he later met a man who volunteered to teach him to play the bagpipes - he just had to learn to play them backwards compared to how most people play them.

Robert wanted to express his appreciation for all the time his teacher devoted to him, but his teacher said that, to pay him back, Robert should spread the culture of generosity and teach others - and that he shouldn't charge money for his services.

As soon as Robert came to Canada, he kept his promise, founding his band in 1957 - and he's still at it, now helped by some former - now grown-up - students, who are helping teach new band members. Included among their many community activities is their "Scotathon," when they march around to local business, play a bit of music, and pass the donation bucket.

Diane Kotelko, whose son is in the band, nominated Robert, noting his outfit travels around the world, and came in 8th out of 26 bands at an international competition in Scotland this year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: FURTHER INFORMATION AND LINKS

To learn more about Lord Selkirk Boys' Pipe & Drum Band, visit their website at http://www.lsbpb.ca/

To hear a recorded interview with Mr. Fraser, visit and download

http://www.thecaptainscorner.com/Fraser/Interview.mp3

... November 11

2010-11-11T06:59:00.002-05:00

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!

... The Instrument Can't Play Music!

2010-09-16T14:47:00.008-04:00

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 observing a mechanical display of sounds, much like those of the rolls of the player piano of old. But such is not the case.

I am often reminded of what has become the norm in so many music classes - reading the notes with correct duration, but not really playing music. Music is a passion. It transcends obsession. It is a language and not an alphabet. Their are many voices and just because one plays a particular instrument, we shouldn't feel that it is only that instrument that plays that music. For sure, the instrument doesn't play music at all... it is you, the musician... and anyone can be musical whether they play an instrument or not! So enjoy your favourite music played by your favourite musician, regardless of what medium is used.

Galway Girl - Mundy with Sharon Shannon

2010-09-11T23:48:00.002-04:00

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.

Cliffs of Dooneen - Paddy Reilly

2010-09-11T23:31:00.002-04:00

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!

The Fields Of Athenry - Paddy Reilly

2010-09-10T22:35:00.002-04:00

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.

How Times Have Changed...

2010-08-03T11:32:00.006-04:00

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's. The Fredericton Society of St. Andrew was third with Rocky Mountain of Calgary and the Stuart Highlanders of Boston rounding out the top 5. With this result it would appear that the Ontario Grade 2 has been decimated... or is it guillotined?

The World's Championships is next on the list of majors. Canada will be well represented in the premier grade by SFU, Triumph Street and Edmonton Caledonia from the west and Peel Police and the 78th Fraser Highlanders from Ontario. The USA will have the City of Washington and the LA Scots entered. SFU is the only sure bet for the final as they are defending champions and already qualified. The other 4 bands just might share in elation and bitter disappointment as only 6 bands make it through the qualifier... and the contest is stacked! The Grade 2 this year also has qualifiers with two heats running simultaneously to select 12 finalists. The New Westminster Police, 6th last year, heads up a list that includes the City of Regina and the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg. Good luck to them all. Better still, let's hope for good plays and satisfying trips.

See you in Glasgow!

... All Old Pipers Should Be Put Out To the Doubling Pasture

2010-06-23T09:53:00.003-04:00

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 embellishments take priority over sound, phrasing, expression, and overall music? When is it appropriate for an old timer to simply play the melody with limited or no embellishments? Should he quit and take up whistling? Here is my thinking:

1) He (and many others) will NEVER be able to play ANYTHING with full embellishments. His hands simply won't allow it without damaging phrasing, expression, sound or tempo.

2) It is probably good for these people to practice embellishments (e.g. rhythmic fingerwork) even though they may never put them inside a tune effectively. Even if they never find their way into his music, the exercises themselves can't hurt.

3) I think it's wrong for us (the piping world at large) to place this burden on someone who will never be able to effectively achieve that goal, given all circumstances under consideration.

I'd like your thoughts."

Well, after I hit the ceiling and responded, I thought it a situation that should be shared. I have arthritis. I collect Canada Pension (Social Security in the USA). Am I staring my eventual retirement home in a doubling, taroluath, birl, grip free pasture where all of us will reside in melodic bliss for the remaining years?... Good grief!

... Own the Podium !

2010-03-01T17:08:00.002-05:00

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 their necks, celebrated in classic style with pints, champagne and cigars right on the ice at the Olympic arena. It sure looks good on us! But a couple of things did bug me. For one, the press built the "Own the Podium" hype just too much. Expectations were unrealistic. In some circles, rather than reacting positively towards our athletes' performances, I heard the very opposite. Comments like "Crosby has done nothing - the women's long track pursuit team blew it - or the column didn't rise in the opening ceremonies!" But in true Canadian fashion, the closing ceremonies certainly poked fun at the rising of the last column in a way that would make "22 Minutes" proud - a clown pulling the column upwards to the sky and Catriona le May Doan taking centre stage to light the flame. What other country would turn press and popular opinion disaster into a triumph of humour and a sincere "look at who we are". And as far as Crosby doing nothing, let that last goal go down in Canadian folklore right beside that of Paul Henderson - truly a fitting end to the most successful games in history. And like Paul Henderson in the hockey summit, Crosby toiled tirelessly and took a physical pounding like no other in the tournament. So take that you nae sayers and negativity merchants! Now if you missed the closing ceremonies, you missed a Hollywood production beyond anything that could be expected out of California! Avril Lavigne, Neil Young, La Bottine Souriante from Quebec, Nickelback, William Shatner, Michael Buble and of course, "I Believe" sung by Nikki Yanofsky and Annie Villeneuve.

Can you imagine if there was a pipe band "Own the Podium" - with sponsorship for development and travel even at 1% of the 120 million federal dollars budgeted for the current program? This would secure our pipe bands for the current generation and the next. It would take strong corporate involvement and grass roots teaching - but imagine! Can you say "I Believe"

... The Bear Minimum

2009-09-19T09:22:00.005-04:00

I have just come out of the Alaskan tundra from one of those life experiences ... a week in tents fly fishing for rainbow trout, coho salmon and dodging the Coastal Brown Bear (the Grizzly when found inland). It was a week of seclusion - no lights visible N-S-E-W in any direction and only my 4 partners to converse with. Needless to say, much was revealed through thought and imagery! But, like all temporary diversions, it is back to Reality 101 this week as I set up my lesson plans for the Fall piping students at the Corner. This year, I will insist that all students from beginner to competitive level, from enthusiast to contest driven, will have several learning tools in common. For sure, each will attempt to develop rhythmic technique through a series of hand crafted control drills and exercises found in my lessons of previous years. Without these dexterity skills, a piper cannot make the musical grade. Furthermore, all students will start their initial piobaireachd or continue their study, based on tunes chosen for strong melodic and structural content. The music of by-gone years is very much at the fore for the current piping student to appreciate that a composition has a floor plan and it is this layout that permits an ease of memorization. All in all, there are minimum skills that all students must bring to the table. With proper guidance, perspective pipers will develop technically with a musical appreciation and understanding of what lies in the written score. This, of course, is what all great musicians deliver to their audience... the bear essentials!

... Over the Rainbows

2009-08-28T09:16:00.005-04:00

There comes a time each year where you just have to shut down and get away from it all - a renewal for better things to come. Right?... Of course I am right! For me, puttting a 9 wt. fly rod in my hand and dropping me in the middle of nowhere for a few days allows my body and mind to meld with nature - enables a cleansing of whatever residual trash exists from the previous few months and opens the doors for a fresh, positive attitude the rest of the year. Everyone can prosper from a break from their busy summer pursuits - and for me, teaching schools, judging, highland games and far too much travel! It is always uplifting to get past the World's in August - marvel at the Gold Medal results for Oban and Inverness - congratulate all my friends for their summer successes and then just disappear! This year, I have talked my piper brother (photo inset) into flying to Anchorage, Alaska with me. There, we will be joined by two other pipers from Juneau and a retired music teacher from Washington State. The last you will see of us for 8 days will be the Continental lounge at the airport. We are heading west - a small plane to Illiamna and then a Beaver the rest of the way to Talarik Creek - imagine west of Anchorage and all you see on the map is wilderness and Russia! So, for a week there will be nothing except bears, moose, trophy sized rainbow trout and us. Does it get any better ?... so long piping! See you in October.

... In My Rear View Mirror

2009-08-23T14:37:00.005-04:00

The World Championships is over for another year so it only remains to sit back and reflect upon my impressions for the extended week in Glasgow. Certainly the Grade 1 arena itself, the primary purpose of any trip, takes the featured spot. However, ranking a close second are all the events of Piping Live and the Todd's Bar. I MC'd the Drumming event and kicked off Drumming for Drinks. It is the latter that leaves a lasting impression - Top Secret, the Basil, Switzerland based drum corps performed live - I mean really live, right in front of us. Thanks have to go to Jim Kilpatrick for making this possible. Roddy MacDonald kicked off his new book with a launch at the Piping Centre... the Perth and North Berwick Highland Games provided a great backdrop for meeting friends from everywhere. Normally I would be judging and miss this opportunity, so in a back-handed way, perhaps I should thank the powers to be for this year's suspension from the judging panel. The photo here depicts a rare opportunity where Bob Worrall and myself had the chance to dine with our South African friends on the Monday nite prior to the championships. I judged two solo events - the piping quartettes and the piping idol contest...both very relaxing and less formal that some. If anything, the qualifier for the Grade 1 was a big disappointment. First of all, the first 6 bands or so were at an extreme disadavantage - not only playing early in the morning, but also in a terrible downpour. This resulted in several subpar performances - none as major as the 78th Fraser Highlanders - perennial finals' competitor. There were few outstanding performances from the qualifiers' section, which was confirmed by the results of the afternoon final. The top 6 or 7 bands are light-years ahead of the rest of the field. So in hindsite, hats off to SFU, FMM, SLOT and Strathclyde Police - especially Strathclyde whose performance under the dark cloud of departmental politics was even more rewarding.... next year is only 51 weeks away...I am booked already.

The World's : a Pre-Qualified Stage

2009-07-29T14:49:00.016-04:00

It's August once again and us faithful pilgrims make our way to Glasgow Green, the World's and a week of Piping Live. Some of us have been making this trek for more years than we care to remember - how long is a lifetime? 1966 was my initiation - way back when jetplanes were not the medium of travel... we travelled in a turbo-prop - yes a propeller plane - 14 hours each way! Regardless of the time or money spent, this was the beginning of a lifelong love affair - a passion that burns as strong today as ever. But the scene has changed... Piping Live makes it a weekly event with superb entertainment condensed into a short few days. The actual World's Championship is almost anticlimatic... big ticket prices for grandstand seating... over-priced merchandise... inclement weather often... Glasgow Green service amenities like the food concessions and beer tent that need some dire upgrading... and a Grade One Championship that is predictable and even biased in favor of the pre-qualified bands. Here are the facts: The qualifying system which is made up of predominantly non UK based bands will DQ 10 of 15 bands from having two plays in the final. Yet the league table pre-qualifiers are all UK based - 6 of 12 to be exact... the very bands that spend the most and travel the farthest have the least chance of making it through to the final. To make matters worse, the qualifying event starts at 9 am - a time when it is almost impossible to avoid moisture concerns. Any fortunate band to make it to the final is faced with the unenviable task of three plays on the day - a hurculean effort is needed. The odds-on favorite must be one of the 6 pre-qualified UK bands. Fact - The World's Pipe Band Champion has never come from the qualifying event. Fact - The World's Pipe Band Champion has never come from outside the top 3 in the league table or the international pre-qualifiers! Fact - the Championship needs all the bands to make it a complete day's event. It is the 15 bands that attempt to qualify that are the heart and soul of the WPBC. Let's give them more of a stage! I will certainly be watching from the stands and by August 15, drop my bets at Ladbrokes or Thomas Hill; risking becoming the Pete Rose of the pipe band world! Who knows? Longshots anyone?....

Glad Mikey said it!

2009-07-08T19:44:00.003-04:00

I am reading blogs much more while I am on the road teaching this summer. For one, it keeps me in touch with my own reality. Michael Grey touched a superb point on pipe bands and you-tube recordings - well worth the read at http://www.dunaber.com/2009/07/07/pipe-bands-and-youtube/ ... thanks Mike.... the critique aisles are full of those who slag the judges or the bands for what is perceived as a bad call or performance.... I received this from one of my closest friends after the World's qualifier last year. In his opinion, my result was totally out in left field. In hindsight, that is exactly where he sat with his new mp3 recorder - left field. I was perched in right field as my fellow adjudicators had control of the rest of the playing area. Needless to say, I missed some negative stuff over on the other side and had a band higher than I would have, if I had been placed with my compatriot. But, judging is a team sport and it was covered in the summary consensus. The band in question did not qualify for the final. Does that make me a bad judge? Does that say that from some vantage point the band didn't play well.... well, sideline adjudicators off you-tube and contest mp3 recordings, just sit back and reconsider ill-advised suggestions that can color and harm future endeavors... thanks Mike for giving me an opening!

Complex Music

2009-06-15T09:02:00.004-04:00

I have had a strange hiatus from this blog...more to do with unusual off shore distractions rather than any other circumstances! But it was good to get back on the scene at the Georgetown Games on the weekend where I had the opportunity to judge the Grade 1 medley contest. I was reminded immediately of my last post here, months ago... shortly after the Obama inauguration... Simple Music from Complex Musicians... yes, I thought, that is a great theme.... and it applies today as well as then. Band medley composition is clever today - themes are integrated - melodic lines are for the entertainment of the audience - rhythms are established that get the feet tapping - tones and harmonic blends are designed to cleverly overlay a pleasing touch to your auditory senses - midsections enhance your visual! All this was present in varying degrees from the four Grade 1 bands that competed. The responsiblity of the adjudicator is vastly different than that of the audience. For one, the audience is allowed the freedom of expression and can show emotion through a performance whereas the adjudicator must harbour those feelings inside, preferring a stone cold outward appearance. But keep one thing in mind, a band performance also stirs our inner feelings as well and we score accordingly. Such was the case this past Saturday. I was reminded of the downfall of competition - one winner only. Needless to say, we were all winners having heard the best performances of the day. Thanks - SL,78th Frasers, Toronto Police, Peel Police and the 78th Highlanders, The Citadel. And thanks also to the other grades that I heard - Grades 2 and 4 with Hamilton Police prevailing in both... an excellent start to the outdoor games season.

Simple Music from Complex Musicians

2009-01-29T08:42:00.005-05:00

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. Music is brain food... emotion seizing... I don't want to work hard for my music...

Thankyou Yo Yo and Itzhak.

It's Miller Time

2009-01-03T17:53:00.004-05:00

..... 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 got the goods....no diggety doubt!!!! at times during donald cameron he has a right hand double tap... real slight cool move..in time and on the beat... high swings...hanging quality air as the skateboard kids say.... up high come down hard only to just tap the drum tastefully and in time... this guy is doing stuff that they do now..ONLY IT PREDATES TYLER FRY ..ET ALL... By 20 YEARS!!!!!... cannot determine if heard or not.,... video is old.. anyway......this freekin guy has got style..... verve and panache...... adds to the music...swings like a real pro dag gamit!!!!! i have got to meet this man........THATS a real tenor drummer... music and substance!!!! i am serious... what a find... thank you for letting me rant........ cheers.... Duncan

The man - Andy Miller!

Do you have time...?

2008-12-23T09:38:00.009-05:00

A man sat at a metro station in Washington, DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work. The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on. In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32.

When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theatre in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

This reminded me so much of the many buskers that line the Buchanan Street Mall in Glasgow during World's week. I always stop to listen, contribute to their coffers and scan the listeners stationed nearby - always with admiration for their attentiveness.... Merry Christmas

When Christmas Becomes Thanksgiving

2008-12-21T11:37:00.006-05:00

The fall has passed by quickly - but not without incident. Here we are into the Christmas week and time to reflect on the past, present and future - no, not as ghosts but in truly real life fashion. In the past 4 months our piping community has witnessed too many passings for any season... for me with the untimely deaths of both Scott MacAulay and Duncan Gibson for sure. The Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band family is still grieving the additional losses of Jackie Fair and Isabel Davidson. Piping lost one of the last Robert Reid students in the passing of Willie Connell. For this, I will dedicate the present to an appreciation and thanksgiving for life, friends and family and extend best wishes for the future to all. May our immediate year ahead be full of promise and prosperity, in spite of the doom and gloom brought upon by the current recession. We still have our music making events like Winter Storm and other gatherings more important than ever... hope to see you in the New Year... Merry Christmas.

Name that Piper

2008-11-25T10:39:00.005-05:00

Strange the thoughts that go through your mind after an emotional event like the tribute to Scott MacAulay on Sunday last. So many friends gathered for a singular purpose - Mike Grey, Bob Worrall, Jim McGillivray, Ruth Sutherland, Rob Crabtree, Lynda Mackay, Jessica Dent, Rick Tersteeg were the performers - each adding a special musical tribute to the many remembrances of Scott. I read with interest the parallels drawn my Michael Grey in his blog (When Pipers Die) and this immediately caused me to recollect the one thing mentioned so often on Sunday - "I wish someone could do Name that Piper"...but that was a MacAulay/Dickie phenomenon that kept all of us in stitches some 20 years ago.... clever to say the least... their antics on stage or in a pub would bring tears of laughter to any of those caught in their satirical episodes. Well I remember them bringing the house down in Vancouver as their road show roared into the annual BC Pipers Indoors in the mid 80's. They immortalized the likes of Terry and Jack Lee, Hal Senyk, Jamie Troy and countless others. One could say that you had made your mark on the Canadian piping scene if MacAulay and Dickie "Named you!"... I remember, too, another form of the same that came from the pen of the late Joe Young, a cartoonist who published for the old North American Scotsman magazine. His pen was as mighty as any satirical sketch, for he too caught the ideosyncracies of those portrayed... Name that piper! Name that judge... no one escaped his wit.... fortunate we are, to have such lasting personalities around the piping scene...

Support for Indoor Events

2008-11-07T08:04:00.005-05:00

Today might be the last real day of Indian summer in this part of the country. The chains and plow are on my tractor, so bring on the snow! But also, lets bring on the cold weather indoor piping and drumming events. In some cases, workshops - other cases, contests. And like other years, we have a full slate starting with the George Sherriff Memorial Invitational, November 15, organized by Bob Worrall and heavily endorsed by the Hamilton Branch of the PPBSO. Bob is also the headliner in an evening of piping and discussion at the British Shop on November 21. Billed as a Pipe Nite by owners Iain and Moira Donaldson, this is the first of a series of guest speakers and recitalists, one a month, during our indoor season. The AGM of the PPBSO is scheduled for the next day in Milton, ON. President Bob Allen has just completed his first year of a 2 year term and looks for support from the membership to successfully administer our P&D affairs for 2009. So by the looks of it, November is full. But we mustn't forget the other months as well. President Gary Moore of the PPBSO Toronto Branch has scheduled the Annual Indoor Games for April, the Livingstone Memorial is slated for May and the Agnew Harrison Drumming event around the same time - all under the auspices of the Hamilton Branch

Now in the past, attendance at these events has come under some criticism. We as a group want such events, but do we support them? When admonished for poor attendance at last year's Stratford Sessions, one observer claimed lack of promotion for the event - a similar response was put forth concerning the Toronto Indoors. I would give credence to that if it were 100% true, but I hesitate. In part, it is lack of awareness of our membership. Do you read the on-line journals like the PD Online - the Captain's Corner here - BobDunsire.com - The Pipe Band Forum - the PPBSO Quarterly? I dare to say that promotion starts with the pipe band public regularly accessing these websites for news and events. The days of the paper trail are over - no longer do we have rags like the Piper and Drummer Magazine. So support comes in many forms, but heading the list is attendance and close behind would be making the effort to be informed. So spread the word....

Sham or Shame

2008-11-02T21:43:00.004-05:00

I have heard it all now.... announced on the PD Online tonite was a vote-in poll for the best bass section at the 2008 World's.... now give me a break and give the pipe band community some space. Just at the time pundits are criticizing the contest format, the judging format and the concept of the qualifier, the PipesDrums Online posts this charade? Holy smokin', I just can't get my head around the concept of judging by international opinion. Come on guys...get your thoughts in gear. Lead drummers like Reid Maxwell, Jim Kilpatrick and Drew Duthart have won the World's by adjudication. What creditibilty would they have if they were issued their prize by an online poll? I can see it now - winners of the World Pipe Band Championship and the Julilee trophy - by the vote of no one who was there - SFU...... where's the thinking here? And who are the smart ones? ... anybody who does not participate and only recognizes the real thing - a World's adjudicated on Glasgow Green, plain and simple!

... Longevity

2008-10-18T08:52:00.003-04:00

How many of you will be around at age 90? ... and even if you are, will you be able to entertain yourself with the occasional tune?...have the same energy as a man half your age?.... well, congratulations to Ken Thornton of Creemore, Ontario. He began the pipes at the age of 84 and fulfilled a life long ambition to join the RCMP by parading with them in Ottawa shortly afterwards. We, at the Ontario School of Piping had the privilege of assisting Ken along his journey and now watch with great pride as he celebrates his 90th b-day this weekend. As far as pipers go, Ken is a middle aged youngster... and watch for him celebrating his 100th, only a decade away.

Ken Thornton is living proof that age is only a figment of the imagination. Pipers are living longer and sustaining a high level of competence well into their senior years. The Grade 1 scene used to be for the younger set only. In my time, players looked to retirement from the big grade often in their 40's. But now, musical life doen't seem to begin until much later. Hell, I recall John Weatherstone, the Silver Fox, on the field with the Red Hackle...well into his 60's. Even today there are Grade 1 pipe majors in that age bracket and maturity doesn't seem to arrive till at least the early 50's - check out the PM's of the top bands in the world!...so there is hope for me yet....just might have to mount a comeback...thanks for the inspiration, Ken Thornton. In your honor, I think this evening I will hoist a few Creemore's.

... on the Melodic Line... Boghall to play 8 tenors in 2009...

2008-10-13T12:15:00.005-04:00

Rumor has it that Boghall and Bathgate are planning to play 8 tenors in their 2009 corps (bobdunsire.com - Bass Sections Forum - September 30,2008). TyFry must be on cloud nine with the potential for all those new mallet sales! I wonder if TyFry blue will replace TyFry pink... But I digress, there was no better response in the forum than that of Peter Hendrickson, formerly of AlCal and now with SFU.

"Just like in all other genres of music... everyone plays the melody... all at the same time, right?

Once I played this jazz gig, and it was with a piano player. So, I was like, "how many notes does a piano have?" I brought 88 tom toms to the show and I was able to play everything HE played. It was awesome... and he even told me so afterward! He said, "FINALLY, someone to play with that makes MY role less significant!"

I was just trying to use all the skills I learned in music school. What they taught me was to, and I quote, "always play the melody! Rule number one... always play the melody." If you're playing in a group that has a melodic instrument (instrument designed to play melodies), and you are playing a "rhythm section" instrument, like uh, the drums, you must always tune the drums in a way that you can play all the notes that the melodic instrument is playing already. This way you can play EXACTLY THE SAME!!!

The last gig I played where I just kept good time, provided energy and forward momentum, didn't get in the way of the melody and provided a solid foundation, making the rest of the band sound awesome... I got fired!! Man, I couldn't believe it. It was with Quincy Jones, if I remember correctly. A man I respected for years and always wanted to play with. Anyway, he pulled me aside after the gig and said "son, if you EVER pull that kinda crap again you will NEVER work in this town." He continued with "YOU ARE A DRUMMER!! Haven't I taught you ANYTHING?!?! You must ALWAYS play the melody... you must always play the melody."

Now, after years of study, I have finally realized that THE most important element in music is the melody. So, if it is the most important element, I ask you this... WHY... are we not ALL playing it?

Thank you very much,

Peter Hendrickson
(reprinted with kind permission of the author)

Boot Hill

2008-10-03T14:39:00.005-04:00

I was walking the other day down the High Street near Glasgow Green and decided to take a leisurely stroll of discovery through Boot Hill, the local graveyard. In front of my eyes was the Pipe Band Grade 1 section - tombstone after tombstone... a virtual family history of the Grade 1 scene over my 50 years of hangin' around. On my left was the Guelph Pipe Band, interred next to the MacNish Distillery... further down the path was the Clan MacFarlane nestled in beside Bob Hardie's Muirheads and Sons - right in front of the City of Victoria and Hal Senyk's Triumph Street. There was the Red Hackle and DUT, Renfrew and the BCal Airways, Black Bottle and Invergordan Distillery with Toronto and District and the City of Toronto in the newly landscaped Ontario area... and a fresh grave...no tombstone yet, but a freshly painted sign...the Windsor Police. Sad reminders all of past greatness...and what's this on my right? ... a freshly dug hole ... must be a funeral coming by soon.... curiously, I exited back to the High Street and took a window seat in The Diggers, the local watering hole. Sure enough, it was not long before a drummer-less cortege meandered through the front gates and down to the open grave... The Clan Gregor Society! I said a wee prayer as my eyes welled with sadness...another has passed on.

RIP

and I sipped my first pint of the day.

... on Leadership

2008-09-27T10:01:00.000-04:00

So the highland games season is over and competitive bands are retreating into the woodwork to either lick their wounds, change leadership or the direction in which they are moving or simply improve on this year's performance. All these changes involve player ups and downs. For the competitive band, it seems there is no let up to the personnel or musical issues to maintain their spot in the pecking order or to advance to the next level. What does bother me though is the loss of a band like the Windsor Police. Can it rise from the ashes as did the Toronto Police just a year earlier? I doubt it, since the prime ingredient to a top level band is leadership. Every band has it - FMM with Richard Parkes , Shotts with Robert Mathieson, SLOT with Terry Tully and the list goes on. Name a band and its Pipe Major will immediately come to the fore. Windsor evidently sought a new leader but were not successful and let me tell you from experience, that leaders are not so much created from within the band as being born with the talents to successfully satisfy the many minds and egos that come together in Grade 1. So internal searches just are not the answer. You have to laud the Peel Regional Police for luring John Cairns away from a successful career in the SL-78th Fraser Highlanders. Obviously, they examined their direction, analyzed their needs and did their homework. A good leader will attract players as well. Take for example the HOE, Shotts and Dykehead this past year - 13 new players in their ranks and another successful season. Will Peel be the success story for 2009? Top players are in short supply and bands of today must spread their net far and wide to acquire the numbers. I recently talked with a friend of mine who is Pipe Major of a Grade 2 band. Through no fault of his leadership, the numbers have dwindled recently - some leaving for school - some retiring - others taking a leave of absence. Essentially downgrading is the only answer to remaining competitive. With this comes the hope of once again being able to attract players over the short term - idealistic in a confined and very competitive market. So what can we do to maintain a stable number of top flight Grade 1 and 2 bands? I think the answer lies with strong leadership and training programs ! So, all you leaders out there, prepare to take over bands at the upper level. Perhaps within Windsor Police lies the talent to field a Grade 2 band. Now find the leader!