Weekly Update - 5/30/06
May-30-2006 18:53 |
Weekly Update
| Permalink
Greetings
All,
I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of summer when the pools open, people start going to the beach, men can wear white shoes and women can wear short gloves ... oops, I'm starting to date myself.
In the case of the Northern Virginia Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band, we get to parade up Lee Hwy for the start of the Ride of the Patriots and the beginning of Rolling Thunder. This year we were joined by members of the Fairfax Sheriff's Deputies Coalition Pipes and Drums. (be sure to go to our web site and take a look at Scott Philben's handy work with a camera.)
http://novairishpipes.org/photos/06RollingThunder/06RollingThunder.html
(Also take note of the fact that after the parade we went over to P.J. Skidoos for brunch. That was probably the highlight of the morning ... even better than the coffee and doughnuts that Steve brought.)
Together we had a total of 15 pipers and 3 drummers. We probably could have used a few more drummers and they were definitely outnumbers back there in the back.
PIPERS: Steve Cochran, Ed Snyder, Gary Winemiller, Kevin Byrnes, Jeff Burton, Kevin Donnelly, Dave Foley, Karen Killmeyer & Phil Nannery from the NVFESPB. Kevin Pittman, Rob Deer, Matt Dolan, Carl Hunt, Phil (his last name escapes me) from the FSDCP&D
DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew & Ron Kuley from NVFESPB & the FSDCP&D Bass Drummer who's name I can't remember either ... sorry guys.
All in all we did fairly well. Obviously the Military set needs some more work, but otherwise things went pretty well. A bunch of the Sheriff's took the time to learn Let Erin Remember so they could play our whole first set and after one shaky start, those of us from the NVFESPB managed to get through the new modified fifth set (Wings, Cockney Jocks & Scotland the Brave) without stumbling over the change of tunes.
During the speeches there were many reminders of what the day we were celebrating was really about. Memorial Day is the day that we remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of our country. Looking out while we played Amazing Grace with Marine One flying overhead, I didn't see too many dry eyes. Always keep the memory of those who died defending our freedom and keep the Gold Star Families in your prayers.
The Pipe Majors, Drum Major and John are planning on getting together and working up several more sets that we can play together in the future.
Speaking of playing together. The Sheriff's go over to the Auld Shebeen on the first Tuesday of each month for a little jam session. Next month (June 6th) we will be joining them. Therefore there will be no regular practice on Monday, June 5th. (There will be beginner practice on Monday and if the rest of you want to stop by, we'll do a little practice chanter work on the Cohen Set. Drummers are also invited.) So keep watching your e-mail for additional details.
Another opportunity to listen to pipe music exist on the first Thursday of each month when the City of Alexandria Pipe Band plays a mini concert in Market Square in Old Town Alex. Afterwards, they go into Pat Troy's for a little liquid refreshment. John Sprages has invited all of us to come down to Alex and watch the concert and share in the libation afterwards ... I think John said something about the first round being on him .... ?!?
REMINDER:
The Fairfax City 4th of July Parade is only a month away.
While you are looking at pictures, here is somewhere to take a look. Rob Deer sent me this sight with pictures from MPO Mike Garbarino's funeral. Thanks Rob.
http://www.pbase.com/jowille/mpo_gabarino_funeral
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I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of summer when the pools open, people start going to the beach, men can wear white shoes and women can wear short gloves ... oops, I'm starting to date myself.
In the case of the Northern Virginia Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band, we get to parade up Lee Hwy for the start of the Ride of the Patriots and the beginning of Rolling Thunder. This year we were joined by members of the Fairfax Sheriff's Deputies Coalition Pipes and Drums. (be sure to go to our web site and take a look at Scott Philben's handy work with a camera.)
http://novairishpipes.org/photos/06RollingThunder/06RollingThunder.html
(Also take note of the fact that after the parade we went over to P.J. Skidoos for brunch. That was probably the highlight of the morning ... even better than the coffee and doughnuts that Steve brought.)
Together we had a total of 15 pipers and 3 drummers. We probably could have used a few more drummers and they were definitely outnumbers back there in the back.
PIPERS: Steve Cochran, Ed Snyder, Gary Winemiller, Kevin Byrnes, Jeff Burton, Kevin Donnelly, Dave Foley, Karen Killmeyer & Phil Nannery from the NVFESPB. Kevin Pittman, Rob Deer, Matt Dolan, Carl Hunt, Phil (his last name escapes me) from the FSDCP&D
DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew & Ron Kuley from NVFESPB & the FSDCP&D Bass Drummer who's name I can't remember either ... sorry guys.
All in all we did fairly well. Obviously the Military set needs some more work, but otherwise things went pretty well. A bunch of the Sheriff's took the time to learn Let Erin Remember so they could play our whole first set and after one shaky start, those of us from the NVFESPB managed to get through the new modified fifth set (Wings, Cockney Jocks & Scotland the Brave) without stumbling over the change of tunes.
During the speeches there were many reminders of what the day we were celebrating was really about. Memorial Day is the day that we remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of our country. Looking out while we played Amazing Grace with Marine One flying overhead, I didn't see too many dry eyes. Always keep the memory of those who died defending our freedom and keep the Gold Star Families in your prayers.
The Pipe Majors, Drum Major and John are planning on getting together and working up several more sets that we can play together in the future.
Speaking of playing together. The Sheriff's go over to the Auld Shebeen on the first Tuesday of each month for a little jam session. Next month (June 6th) we will be joining them. Therefore there will be no regular practice on Monday, June 5th. (There will be beginner practice on Monday and if the rest of you want to stop by, we'll do a little practice chanter work on the Cohen Set. Drummers are also invited.) So keep watching your e-mail for additional details.
Another opportunity to listen to pipe music exist on the first Thursday of each month when the City of Alexandria Pipe Band plays a mini concert in Market Square in Old Town Alex. Afterwards, they go into Pat Troy's for a little liquid refreshment. John Sprages has invited all of us to come down to Alex and watch the concert and share in the libation afterwards ... I think John said something about the first round being on him .... ?!?
REMINDER:
The Fairfax City 4th of July Parade is only a month away.
While you are looking at pictures, here is somewhere to take a look. Rob Deer sent me this sight with pictures from MPO Mike Garbarino's funeral. Thanks Rob.
http://www.pbase.com/jowille/mpo_gabarino_funeral
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|
Bagpipers are definitive homage of 'fallen warrior'
WASHINGTON
— At the solemn stroke of midnight, two
Minnesota bagpipers stood at the center of the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and played
their mournful tunes.
One of the pipers, Bill Gilchrist, wrote a song they played, "The Thin Blue Line," and the other, Jeff Perry, composed its harmony.
"The tune is a tribute to the police; the melody line is about their dedication to duty," said Gilchrist, Minnesota Police Pipe Band senior piper and an Edina resident.
It's Minnesota's year at National Police Week. For the first time since the event began in 1962, the hosts are groups from Minnesota — the pipe band, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association honor guard and the Emerald Society of Minnesota.
"It's a tremendous honor to be here in our nation's capitol, representing Minnesota," said Charles Timmers, the band's incoming pipe major and an Inver Grove Heights resident.
At all the ceremonies, including a march through the streets of Washington Sunday and an address by President Bush Monday, the pipe band from Minnesota was the featured group.
The Minnesota Police Pipe Band, which changed its name last year from Minnesota Pipes and Drums to emphasize its connection with police, has about 80 members, including students, and 34 came to Washington, said Sally Gordon, piper and band manager. Its members, except for about a half-dozen, are not police officers.
More here...
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One of the pipers, Bill Gilchrist, wrote a song they played, "The Thin Blue Line," and the other, Jeff Perry, composed its harmony.
"The tune is a tribute to the police; the melody line is about their dedication to duty," said Gilchrist, Minnesota Police Pipe Band senior piper and an Edina resident.
It's Minnesota's year at National Police Week. For the first time since the event began in 1962, the hosts are groups from Minnesota — the pipe band, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association honor guard and the Emerald Society of Minnesota.
"It's a tremendous honor to be here in our nation's capitol, representing Minnesota," said Charles Timmers, the band's incoming pipe major and an Inver Grove Heights resident.
At all the ceremonies, including a march through the streets of Washington Sunday and an address by President Bush Monday, the pipe band from Minnesota was the featured group.
The Minnesota Police Pipe Band, which changed its name last year from Minnesota Pipes and Drums to emphasize its connection with police, has about 80 members, including students, and 34 came to Washington, said Sally Gordon, piper and band manager. Its members, except for about a half-dozen, are not police officers.
More here...
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New Scotch, without the bagpipes
May-19-2006 20:53 |
Miscellaneous
Scottish | Permalink
Scotch whisky
has long been considered a drink men discover before
they die -- usually, not too many years before.
Part of the reason is physiological: Research suggests young adults' taste buds aren't ready for Scotch's bitter flavors.
But Scotch also has an image problem. Consider the music connections: Cognac and hip-hop. Rum and dub. Vodka and electronica.
Scotch and bagpipes.
Learn more here...
===============================================================================
Part of the reason is physiological: Research suggests young adults' taste buds aren't ready for Scotch's bitter flavors.
But Scotch also has an image problem. Consider the music connections: Cognac and hip-hop. Rum and dub. Vodka and electronica.
Scotch and bagpipes.
Learn more here...
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The jig isn't up yet for bagpiping fans
Paul Glader
Wall Street Journal
May. 14, 2006 12:00 AM
PITTSBURGH - As the only student majoring in bagpipes at any American university or college, Nick Hudson walks a loud, lonely road.
A recent day found him practicing by himself in a basement room at Carnegie Mellon University's student union. Pulling back his shoulder-length red hair, the 18-year-old freshman jammed rubber plugs into his ears before he adjusted the reeds and tuned the drones of his instrument.
Then, tucking the bag under his arm, he began to step methodically around the room in time as he played Scottish jigs, classical pieces called piobaireachd and, to show the instrument's versatility, a lightning-fast rendition of Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
The earplugs are crucial since the instrument churns out up to 122 decibels, making it louder than a chainsaw.
Bagpipes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, amid a broad interest in folk music and ethnic music. Jeff Mann, chairman of the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations, said there are 9,000 bagpipers in North America registered with the 10 regional associations, up 50 percent since 1999. The count doesn't include those who play as a hobby but don't belong to the bagpiper organizations.
Read more here...
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Wall Street Journal
May. 14, 2006 12:00 AM
PITTSBURGH - As the only student majoring in bagpipes at any American university or college, Nick Hudson walks a loud, lonely road.
A recent day found him practicing by himself in a basement room at Carnegie Mellon University's student union. Pulling back his shoulder-length red hair, the 18-year-old freshman jammed rubber plugs into his ears before he adjusted the reeds and tuned the drones of his instrument.
Then, tucking the bag under his arm, he began to step methodically around the room in time as he played Scottish jigs, classical pieces called piobaireachd and, to show the instrument's versatility, a lightning-fast rendition of Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
The earplugs are crucial since the instrument churns out up to 122 decibels, making it louder than a chainsaw.
Bagpipes are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, amid a broad interest in folk music and ethnic music. Jeff Mann, chairman of the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations, said there are 9,000 bagpipers in North America registered with the 10 regional associations, up 50 percent since 1999. The count doesn't include those who play as a hobby but don't belong to the bagpiper organizations.
Read more here...
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Weekly Update - 5/15/06
May-15-2006 21:00 | Permalink
Greetings
All,
This week we had a pretty good practice …
STUDENTS: Scott Philben & Devon Trice
PIPERS: Kevin Byrne, Jeff Burton, Pat Carroll, Steve Cochran & Ed Snyder
DRUMMERS: …?
SHERRIF’S DEPUTIES: Matt Dolan, Carl Hunt & Kevin Pittman
The pipers spent the entire evening outside on the big pipes working mostly on tunes that the Firefighters’ and Deputies’ had in common as the deputies are going to join us in the Rolling Thunder parade. We have two basic sets going for the joint band: “Wings, Cockney Jocks & Scotland the Brave” and “Bonnie Charlie & Minstrel Boy”. Both groups also know “Green Hills of Tyrol” as well as “Amazing Grace” and “Going Home” (although there are some are differences in “Going Home” that are going to have to be worked out between us.) We also worked on the Military Set. This is coming along nicely by we still need a little work, particularly on the ending of “Anchors Away” and “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder”.
REMINDER: Next week is the mandatory practice before the Rolling Thunder parade. We need everyone to attend. That even includes those who don’t plan on being in the parade.
Kevin Byrne has acquired some POW/MIA flags to place on our bass drones so be sure to see him next week to get yours.
ALSO: For those who have signed up for the parade (as well as the students as you are invited as well) who are coming to the after parade brunch at P.J. Skidoo’s, I need to know if you will 1) be coming to brunch, and 2) if you plan to bring a guest. Get back to me this week so that I can give a final head count to P.J.’s.
UPCOMING EVENTS: The Sheriff’s Deputies practice on Tuesday evenings at the Fairfax County Police Academy on Lee Road and have invited us to join them any time we want. I encourage all of you to avail yourself of this opportunity. They practice just inside the front entrance and start around 7:00 pm. They also practice the first Tuesday of each month at the Auld Shebeen on Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. Right now, we are looking at joining the Sheriff’s there on Tuesday, June 6th, unless there are major objections. As we normally do not practice the Monday after a gig, there will be no regular practice on Monday, May 29th.
===============================================================================
This week we had a pretty good practice …
STUDENTS: Scott Philben & Devon Trice
PIPERS: Kevin Byrne, Jeff Burton, Pat Carroll, Steve Cochran & Ed Snyder
DRUMMERS: …?
SHERRIF’S DEPUTIES: Matt Dolan, Carl Hunt & Kevin Pittman
The pipers spent the entire evening outside on the big pipes working mostly on tunes that the Firefighters’ and Deputies’ had in common as the deputies are going to join us in the Rolling Thunder parade. We have two basic sets going for the joint band: “Wings, Cockney Jocks & Scotland the Brave” and “Bonnie Charlie & Minstrel Boy”. Both groups also know “Green Hills of Tyrol” as well as “Amazing Grace” and “Going Home” (although there are some are differences in “Going Home” that are going to have to be worked out between us.) We also worked on the Military Set. This is coming along nicely by we still need a little work, particularly on the ending of “Anchors Away” and “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder”.
REMINDER: Next week is the mandatory practice before the Rolling Thunder parade. We need everyone to attend. That even includes those who don’t plan on being in the parade.
Kevin Byrne has acquired some POW/MIA flags to place on our bass drones so be sure to see him next week to get yours.
ALSO: For those who have signed up for the parade (as well as the students as you are invited as well) who are coming to the after parade brunch at P.J. Skidoo’s, I need to know if you will 1) be coming to brunch, and 2) if you plan to bring a guest. Get back to me this week so that I can give a final head count to P.J.’s.
UPCOMING EVENTS: The Sheriff’s Deputies practice on Tuesday evenings at the Fairfax County Police Academy on Lee Road and have invited us to join them any time we want. I encourage all of you to avail yourself of this opportunity. They practice just inside the front entrance and start around 7:00 pm. They also practice the first Tuesday of each month at the Auld Shebeen on Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. Right now, we are looking at joining the Sheriff’s there on Tuesday, June 6th, unless there are major objections. As we normally do not practice the Monday after a gig, there will be no regular practice on Monday, May 29th.
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