Category: pipeband

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.

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!

Competitors – Calgary and Canmore Games – Good Luck

Good luck to all of the competitors competing this weekend at the Calgary and the Canmore Highland Games.

            Good luck to all of the competitors competing this weekend at the Calgary and the Canmore Highland Games.

Red Deer Highland Games 2011 – Old 78th Fraser Highlanders

Videos of the Old 78th Fraser Highlanders practicing and then performing for the 2011 Red Deer Highland Games. Practice for Opening Ceremonies 1: Practice for Opening Ceremonies 2: Opening Ceremonies:

Videos of the Old 78th Fraser Highlanders practicing and then performing for the 2011 Red Deer Highland Games.

Practice for Opening Ceremonies 1:

Practice for Opening Ceremonies 2:

Opening Ceremonies:


	


	







	

		
		
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.

	


	





	

		
		
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.