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.

 

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!

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

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