Author: Fraser Kevin

A practice heard around the neighbourhood

During our practice today, we had a number of people walking by telling us how they lived on the next street (or two) over, and they were thrilled that they could hear us.  One guy was walking his dog, but on the way to go get his girlfriend as she loves the Pipes. We also … Continue reading “A practice heard around the neighbourhood”

            During our practice today, we had a number of people walking by telling us how they lived on the next street (or two) over, and they were thrilled that they could hear us.  One guy was walking his dog, but on the way to go get his girlfriend as she loves the Pipes.

We also had a tune request.  The moment we switched from warm up (evcryone on their own) to group formation, we were asked by a neighbour across the street to play Mairi’s Wedding.  Ironically, that was the first tune of the first set we were going to play.

While everyone but one was present (and he was accounted for), there is always room in the group for more pipers and drummers to join us.  In the future, we also hope to have some affiliated Highland Dancers.

 

Slainte!

Band uniform cost cutting gone too far?

A suggestion on how the group can accomplish the lowest possible expense for uniforms was made tonight.  Inspired by a photo on the Calgary Highlanders regimental website, one of the group suggested we go with Socks, Shoes, Spats and Sporran. And while this uniform has an official name (Sporran Parade), and it is decent on … Continue reading “Band uniform cost cutting gone too far?”

            A suggestion on how the group can accomplish the lowest possible expense for uniforms was made tonight.  Inspired by a photo on the Calgary Highlanders regimental website, one of the group suggested we go with Socks, Shoes, Spats and Sporran.

And while this uniform has an official name (Sporran Parade), and it is decent on those hot, humid but overcast days, I suspect some of the membership will have an issue with this order of dress.

The Crazy things students get up to when unsupervised

Well OK, maybe not so crazy.  C performed this past weekend, leading the procession.  At one time, he was joined in a jam session by 2 other pipers.

Well OK, maybe not so crazy.  C performed this past weekend, leading the procession.  At one time, he was joined in a jam session by 2 other pipers.

Blowing a set of pipes for the first time

It is an inevitability.  Take piping lessons long enough, and you end up having to blow a set of pipes.  This week, it was Janet’s turn.  Well done!

It is an inevitability.  Take piping lessons long enough, and you end up having to blow a set of pipes.  This week, it was Janet’s turn.  Well done!

Janet blowing a set of pipes for the first time
Janet blowing a set of pipes for the first time

Celtic Folk Calgary’s last meet of the season is the 26th

It’s been a couple of years since I last attended a <a href=”http://www.celticfolkcalgary.ca/”>Celtic Folk</a> gathering, but I think I am going to make this one.  The list of performers sounds good.  Hope to see you there!    

            It's been a couple of years since I last attended a <a href="http://www.celticfolkcalgary.ca/">Celtic Folk</a> gathering, but I think I am going to make this one.  The list of performers sounds good.  Hope to see you there!

 

 

A new mix of Wander My Friends

This is just a new mix using the same source files as the original version, with some of the volumes adjusted so that the percussion aren’t so over powering. 5 Bagpipe tracks, 4 percussion tracks mixed down into this MP3.  The tune is adapted from the original composed by Bear McCreary for BattleStar Galactica a … Continue reading “A new mix of Wander My Friends”

            This is just a new mix using the same source files as the original version, with some of the volumes adjusted so that the percussion aren't so over powering.

5 Bagpipe tracks, 4 percussion tracks mixed down into this MP3.  The tune is adapted from the original composed by Bear McCreary for BattleStar Galactica a few years ago.

Enjoy 🙂

I’ve also uploaded a video of it to youtube at http://youtu.be/igBUgndkCm0

 

March 20 is the Spring Equinox. Celebrate like the Celts

<h1>How do the Celts celebrate the Equinox?</h1> Well, I am not totally sure, especially in the cold weather in Alberta, but  I understand it used to involve dancing around naked under the full moon.  Add in some bagpipes, and that can’t be all bad 🙂

            <h1>How do the Celts celebrate the Equinox?</h1>

Well, I am not totally sure, especially in the cold weather in Alberta, but  I understand it used to involve dancing around naked under the full moon.  Add in some bagpipes, and that can’t be all bad 🙂

Congratulations to the winning curling team

Congratulations to the winning team at the Alberta Firefighters Curling Bonspiel,  Thank you for allowing me to participate in your closing ceremonies.  

            Congratulations to the winning team at the Alberta Firefighters Curling Bonspiel,  Thank you for allowing me to participate in your closing ceremonies.

 

March is Music in Schools month

<h1>March is Music in Schools month</h1> And we make music on the bagpipes.  So lets get the Bagpipes into those schools!

            <h1>March is Music in Schools month</h1>

And we make music on the bagpipes.  So lets get the Bagpipes into those schools!

As heard on Air106 this morning!

Yes, I am now a radio star.&nbsp; I had my 15 minutes of fame between 0840 and 0855 this morning. I had a brief interview with Mark and Christina on Air106, and I also had 2 tunes (audio linked below) played on the air as well. Highland Wedding Highland Cathedral Christina also filmed me playing … Continue reading “As heard on Air106 this morning!”

Yes, I am now a radio star.&nbsp; I had my 15 minutes of fame between 0840 and 0855 this morning.

I had a brief interview with Mark and Christina on Air106, and I also had 2 tunes (audio linked below) played on the air as well.

Highland Wedding

Highland Cathedral

Christina also filmed me playing Scotland the Brave and posted it to youtube!