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.     

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!

The Recording of Wander My Friends

Bear McCreary wrote the tune <em><strong>Wander My Friends</strong></em> in the celtic style for the show BattleStar Gallactica.  You can see a recording of an <a title=”Wander My Friends on Youtube” href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtO1ZpDcDSw” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>orchestra playing it</a> on youtube. Unfortunately the Highland Bagpipes does not have the range to play the tune as composed, so I … Continue reading “The Recording of Wander My Friends”

Bear McCreary wrote the tune <em><strong>Wander My Friends</strong></em> in the celtic style for the show BattleStar Gallactica.  You can see a recording of an <a title="Wander My Friends on Youtube" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtO1ZpDcDSw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">orchestra playing it</a> on youtube.

Unfortunately the Highland Bagpipes does not have the range to play the tune as composed, so I had to make a few minor changes (4 notes) to fit in.

To record Wander My Friends, I had:

  • 6 Audio tracks of Bagpipes (only 5 made the mix down).
  • 5 Percussion tracks (only 3 made the mix down).

If time permits I intend to eventually add guitars, keyboard, orchestral instruments etc.  But this will be a longer term project.

And the result is:

Piping as a member of a pipeband

I just returned from the first performance i have done as a member of a pipe band in 13 years.  Considering that the band itself is rebuilding, and that over half the players are new to the band (and I believe today was the first day most of us played with the band as a … Continue reading “Piping as a member of a pipeband”

            I just returned from the first performance i have done as a member of a pipe band in 13 years.  Considering that the band itself is rebuilding, and that over half the players are new to the band (and I believe today was the first day most of us played with the band as a whole) we sounded good.  We performed at the Chapelhow legion.

It was like riding a bike – you never truly forget how.  But the sheer volume and energy of the band when playing in the circle was awesome.

Just returned from being recorded for the Radio

The Range (106.1) in Airdrie asked me to record the lament for them to play on Friday.  It is now a digital file, as well as a video file.  They will post the video on Friday as well.  To see me dressed up in my kilt and piping, check out <a title=”The Range ” href=”http://www.therangeonline.ca”>their … Continue reading “Just returned from being recorded for the Radio”

            The Range (106.1) in Airdrie asked me to record the lament for them to play on Friday.  It is now a digital file, as well as a video file.  They will post the video on Friday as well.  To see me dressed up in my kilt and piping, check out <a title="The Range " href="http://www.therangeonline.ca">their website</a>.     

Celtic Folk – various amateur Celtic performers

Celtic Folk holds 4 gatherings a year, and the 2011-2012 year is about to start.  The first night is September 24th.  Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door.  Further details can be found at <a href=”http://www.celticfolkcalgary.ca/”>their website</a>. I was a guest performer at Celtic Folk for their November 2010 gathering.   During the … Continue reading “Celtic Folk – various amateur Celtic performers”

            Celtic Folk holds 4 gatherings a year, and the 2011-2012 year is about to start.  The first night is September 24th.  Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door.  Further details can be found at <a href="http://www.celticfolkcalgary.ca/">their website</a>.

I was a guest performer at Celtic Folk for their November 2010 gathering.   During the 2010-2011 season, they had a large number of soloists and groups performing.  Most groups perform common (within the Celtic community that is) tunes, and you will find the audience singing along with the performers.  For my performance, I intentionally chose tunes I knew to have words, and I wasn’t disappointed as the audience sang along as I piped.  Many of the performers are guitars and vocals, and a few of them could give Great Big Sea and the likes a run for their money.  One night they even had some step dancers perform.

Their house band, who play the first hour of every gathering, is the Sunday Night Band.  They are definitely one of the groups that could challenge GBS, especially live.  Their fiddle player can play the jigs and hornpipes with the best of them, making many a piper envious with the finger control demonstrated.

Hope to see you at their events!

With the competition season done, now what?

<h1>With the competition season done, now what are your plans?</h1> Are you taking your competition results and feedback, and working to improve for next year?  Have you decided to take a bit of a rest before starting working towards next year’s competitions?  Have you sworn off competing and instead going to find a street band … Continue reading “With the competition season done, now what?”

            <h1>With the competition season done, now what are your plans?</h1>

Are you taking your competition results and feedback, and working to improve for next year?  Have you decided to take a bit of a rest before starting working towards next year’s competitions?  Have you sworn off competing and instead going to find a street band to play with?

My last competition

I haven’t competed in several years.  My last piping competition was really to find out if I was really as good as I thought.  While I didn’t place, I didn’t expect too either.  In fact, the comments and feedback I did receive confirmed, in my mind at least, that I had correctly judged my own level.

My Winter Plan

I have a few strings to my bow, as they say.

I plan to work out a new set list, and then practice and record the sets.  First step is to find the wayward Scots Guard  books.

Secondly, I have a number of beginner pipers that I am training.  Instilling the basics and good habits will remain a priority.  Also having them blow pipes, be them my own  or their own is right up there.  I don’t believe you should play the practice chanter for 2 years before seeing a set of pipes.  Lesson four or five is as good a time as any to start blowing drones.

Thirdly, I intend to write some more lessons articles, especially focusing on bagpipe maintenance.  Now that competitions are finished, it is a good time to replace bags, break in new reeds, fix cracks and re-hemp joints.