Author: Fraser Kevin

Time for a Spring Cleaning on the pipes

Now that the birds are chirping outside, Spring is on its way.  And that means its time for a spring cleaning, bagpipe style. It is now time to do that maintenance that has been put off. Check all hemp and replace any that is not 100% Check the air tightness of the bag.  Season as … Continue reading “Time for a Spring Cleaning on the pipes”

            Now that the birds are chirping outside, Spring is on its way.  And that means its time for a spring cleaning, bagpipe style.

It is now time to do that maintenance that has been put off.

  1. Check all hemp and replace any that is not 100%
  2. Check the air tightness of the bag.  Season as required.  Replace the bag if there are holes.
  3. Check the air efficiency of the reeds
  4. Break in a new pipe chanter reed if you don’t have a spare ready to go (I don’t, and my current one is at the end of its life.  I’m going to break in 2).
  5. Make sure all parts are in good order.  Reglue on the metal fittings that have fallen off, take some silvo to the tarnished ones.
  6. Run some bore-oil through the bores.
  7. Check the blowstick valve.

Stay tuned for a date when I will hold a drop-in class on bagpipe maintenance!

The interview with the Echo has been published

While some of the details are slightly incorrect, it is a very nice article.  For example, I’ve been teaching for 20 years, not that I am 20 years old.  I started teaching seriously 2 years ago.  Dad took over a militia unit, not a military base, great grandparents came from Scotland…  But otherwise 🙂   … Continue reading “The interview with the Echo has been published”

            While some of the details are slightly incorrect, it is a very nice article.  For example, I've been teaching for 20 years, not that I am 20 years old.  I started teaching seriously 2 years ago.  Dad took over a militia unit, not a military base, great grandparents came from Scotland...  But otherwise :)

 

http://www.airdrieecho.com/2015/01/27/bagpiper-passes-on-music-knowledge

Listen to Air106 to hear an interview with me

I was interviewed by Air106 about the Airdrie Gaelic Society and the Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums. There will be a followup interview Monday about the Burns Night dinner, after which the segment will air.  As well, I will be interviewed in the near future on their Morning Show.

            I was interviewed by Air106 about the Airdrie Gaelic Society and the Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums.

There will be a followup interview Monday about the Burns Night dinner, after which the segment will air.  As well, I will be interviewed in the near future on their Morning Show.

Interviewed by the Echo about Scottish Culture and Piping

I was just interviewed by a writer for the Echo.  The article is expected to be in next week’s paper, though it might be delayed a week.  We spoke about Scottish Culture, heritage, the bagpipes, learning the pipes, etc.

            I was just interviewed by a writer for the Echo.  The article is expected to be in next week's paper, though it might be delayed a week.  We spoke about Scottish Culture, heritage, the bagpipes, learning the pipes, etc.

Jingle Bells and Oh Christmas Tree

As it is the season, I’ve started looking at what traditional Christmas Carols will work on the pipes. Note, the “play” button may not show but it is to the left of the time indicator. First up, Jingle Bells and Oh Christmas Tree.

            As it is the season, I've started looking at what traditional Christmas Carols will work on the pipes.

Note, the “play” button may not show but it is to the left of the time indicator.

First up, Jingle Bells

and Oh Christmas Tree.

Steam Train to Mallaig, 3 part harmony

Same as with my last post, I did some sounds effect editing (eq, treble boost, etc) to try and smooth out the quality of recording (vice quality of playing 🙂 ) on a 3 part harmony. This one fades out, so it sounds like the band is marching away 🙂   Here, without the fade, … Continue reading “Steam Train to Mallaig, 3 part harmony”

            Same as with my last post, I did some sounds effect editing (eq, treble boost, etc) to try and smooth out the quality of recording (vice quality of playing :) ) on a 3 part harmony.

This one fades out, so it sounds like the band is marching away 🙂

 

Here, without the fade, but more post processing…

 

For comparison, here is just the Melody, no post-processing.

The Hole in One challenge

I recently piped for a Home(Hole) in One challenge, and it made the news. http://www.discoverairdrie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8920:million-dollar-qhome-in-oneq-challenge&catid=11:summer-events&Itemid=155

            I recently piped for a Home(Hole) in One challenge, and it made the news.

http://www.discoverairdrie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8920:million-dollar-qhome-in-oneq-challenge&catid=11:summer-events&Itemid=155

A Fun and Fit day at FGL Sports

FGL Sports has a monthly Fun and Fit day where all of their employees quit working early the first Friday of each month, and they have an organized sports day This month was no different with one difference.  They hired me to play before the event, as well as between each sport. Here is a … Continue reading “A Fun and Fit day at FGL Sports”

Kevin and Jeff at the FGL Sports day 201409

FGL Sports has a monthly Fun and Fit day where all of their employees quit working early the first Friday of each month, and they have an organized sports day

This month was no different with one difference.  They hired me to play before the event, as well as between each sport.

Here is a pic of myself and Jeff, the organizer.

She Moves Through The Fair

I spent some quality time with my recording studio this evening.  After many takes (5 tracks mixed down in this version) I’ve rendered this lovely tune. If the tune doesn’t start automagically, you need to click on the tune bar just to the left of the 0:00 time indicator.  

            I spent some quality time with my recording studio this evening.  After many takes (5 tracks mixed down in this version) I've rendered this lovely tune.

If the tune doesn’t start automagically, you need to click on the tune bar just to the left of the 0:00 time indicator.

 

Piping at the Alberta Summer Games

I piped in the dignitaries, and then the Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums  piped in the Flag Party.      

I piped in the dignitaries, and then the Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums  piped in the Flag Party.

Kevin leading the dignitaries
Kevin leading the dignitaries
Kevin leading the dignitaries.