http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/index.htmlNoVa Bagpipers Newsensphilben@mac.comCopyright 2006 Scott Philben2006-10-16T19:03:34-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:03:42 -0400sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-10-16T19:03:34-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/e952c827849b2bd51669f36d7ad40882-53.html#unique-entry-id-53http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/e952c827849b2bd51669f36d7ad40882-53.html#unique-entry-id-53Full Review Here...
Hey, anybody know any good bagpipe jokes? Let's start off this review with a nice, juicy Highland kneeslapper? OK, here goes...

Oh alright, maybe not.

See, when I first listened to Michael O'Neill's Ontophony, the idea came up that it would be fun to turn the tables on those people who are always having fun at the expense of the bagpipes. But after several more listens, it became fairly obvious that O'Neill's music more than holds its own.

Ontophony brings together O'Neill's Mearingstone group (four bagpipes, plus percussion) with the percussion ensemble Uzume Taiko. With three taiko (Japanese drum) drummers, tablas, shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute), and snare drum, this makes for a big group with an even bigger sound. Imagine the bagpipes acting as a gamelon orchestra, taking on the music of Philip Glass, leavened with the percussion approach of Bill Laswell. This is not music from the St. Patrick's Day parade.

The opening track, "A Walk Supreme," is a perfect example of the Ontophony sound. Since it's not possible to completely avoid the sound of the pipes, we're presented with that trademark drone. Thirty seconds in, a very angular melody forms, supported by the melodic signature of the tablas. Periodically, other bagpipes move in to add circular and repetitive lines that would not be out of place in a Steve Reich composition. With its intertwined melody lines, Ontophony has a modern sound unlike anything else I've ever heard.

"Migration of a Triad" take the sound a bit further out with lots of magnificent dissonance. In a jazz composition, notes from the next octave up are often added for coloration (flatted nineths, elevenths, etc.) "Migrate" takes advantage of the presence of multiple instruments to allow notes only a half-step apart to be sounded. While this may set some listeners ears on edge, I happen to hear beauty in the chaos.

Drawing on the entire bagpipe and percussion ensemble, "Luffness" features an extended weave of pipes, taiko drums, shakuhachi, and didgeridoo. It somehow manages to sound traditional and 'out' at the same time. While "World Music" has become an almost meaningless in descriptive usefulness (sort of like "ethnic food"), this particular composition does showcase the cross-cultural aspects of the Vancouver music and arts scene—melding various Eastern and Western musics to produce sounds that neatly fuse all elements. Impressive and sometimes magical stuff.

So, two bagpipers walk into a bar...

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-10-02T18:47:11-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/02b5e03b7baa6253ed43e4522808a7a5-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/02b5e03b7baa6253ed43e4522808a7a5-51.html#unique-entry-id-51Weekly Update – 10/02/06
 
Greetings All,
 
We have had a couple of good practices in the past few weeks.  Last night was the "Mandatory Practice before a Gig" practice and we had a fairly good turnout.  There were a couple of folks missing who had called in sick or had other legitimate excused absences.  Those present were:
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Karen Killmeyer, Dana Moore, John Murray, Scott Philben, Ed Snyder and Clarence Soong.
DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew and Ron Kuley
 
We had a brand new beginner piper show up. Everyone should welcome Kate Weatherby, a firefighter with Fairfax County.
 
EMMITSBURG:  Here are the basic's on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg.  Here is the list of the folks that I have going:
Rob Agnew, Brian Brendel, Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrne, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Dave Foley, Karen Killmeyer, Ron Kuley, Dana Moore, Pete O’Brien, Scott Philben, Jay Rubin, Ed Snyder, Clarence Soong, Gary Winemiller, Pat Carroll.  For those staying overnight, your rooms will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 6. So you are welcome to check in Friday night and join me at the Ott House. 
SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY:
* The Honor Guards are going to be practicing in the morning and would like a drummer or two to help them get their pace. 
* At noon, there is the Red Helmet Ride.  There is a need for one or two pipers, in uniform, to play Amazing Grace.  In the past, this has been handled by Charlotte, NC. 
* After the Red Helmet Ride, all pipes and drums need to gather for practice with the Honor Guards in front of the monument.
* We will all need to be in uniform by 4:30 to form up and pipe the familes from the Academy to the Basilica at 5:30.
* After the Candle Light Vigil, we all gather at the Ott House.
SUNDAY:
* Memorial Service will start about 9:00 a.m.  For those staying on Campus, you will need to be up, dressed, packed and ready to leave before you go to breakfast before the Memorial.  There will be places to store your baggage and change into street clothes before you leave.  The reason for this is that there are students for the following weeks classes who will be arriving in the early afternoon and they have to get the rooms ready.  For those who are not staying on campus, you will need to plan to arrive very early.  You will not be able to park on campus and you will also have to go through security to get on campus.  Everyone’s name and numbers have been given to security so even if you are not staying on campus, you are on the list as a member of the band.  But you must plan to arrive early.
ADDIDTIONAL INFO:
UNIFORM OF THE DAY:  We will be wearing tunics.  As not everyone has a wool cape they will not be worn, BUT bring your green RAIN CAPE.  The weather forecast as of this evening is for temperatures in the 50’s & 60’s (10-15c) with the chance of light rain on Saturday morning. 
ALSO: As security on campus has been greatly increased, DO NOT BRING YOUR SGIAN DUBH.  For that matter, leave all your weapons at home, unless you have federal credentials to carry. 
AND, as there will be no parking on campus, pack accordingly.  Parking will be at Mount St. Mary’s College with shuttle busses to bring you on campus.
If you have any other questions, feel free to call me.
 
===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBlog2006-09-18T18:48:05-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/2bfac9df5f4d005b7e8d988e43dcf756-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/2bfac9df5f4d005b7e8d988e43dcf756-52.html#unique-entry-id-52Weekly Update – 09/18/06
 
Greetings All,
 
At practice this past Monday we had the following members present:
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrne, Steve Cochran, Dave Foley, Jack Gardner, Dana Moore and Pete O’Brien.  Plus students John Murray, Scott Philben & Bill Ward.
DRUMMERS: Brian Brendel & Jay Rubin
 
This was week two with John Sprague providing the instruction for our practices.  I’m interested in some feedback … and so is John.  If you have any comments, good or bad, suggestions to improve practices; things you’d like to see added or deleted, emphasized or de-emphasized; more time spent on this or that.  Please let me know.
 
In the mean time, the homework assignment for this week is to continue working on WINGS with emphasis on doublings on F, D & C and half-doublings on E from every note in the scale.  Continue working on the exercises from last week.  Also, go over the music for DAWNING OF THE DAY so that you know all the embellishments AS WRITTEN!  John is going to work on that for the next couple of weeks so that we are as sharp and together as we can be before we go up to Emmitsburg.
 
Speaking of Emmitsburg, for our brothers in the Coalition Pipe Band, I should have extended this invitation earlier and for not doing so, I am most heartily sorry, you are invited to join us and participate in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial weekend.  I’m afraid that it may be a little late to get you all rooms on campus, but if you don’t mind the drive, the National Fire Academy is located about 75 miles / 90 minutes from Fairfax.  You are welcome to come up Saturday evening to pipe as the families walk from the National Fire Academy to the Basilica next door for the Candle Light Vigil and then join us at the Ott House for food, drink and piping.  Or you can come up Sunday morning for the memorial ceremony.  The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is the weekend of Oct. 7 & 8.  If you are interested in coming, you will need to get your names to me by the 1st of October so I can get you on the list to get into the Academy.
 
OTHER NEWS:  A bunch of us gathered at The Philadelphia Tavern on Sunday, and presented Tim with a plaque with the patches I had collected from the members of the band.  (Photo’s attached -- Of couse while I was in the Philie Tavern today taking the pictures, I had to ahve a Guiness, which may explain the reason for the poor quality of the pictures.)  
 
In return for participating in The Philadelphia Tavern's Halfway to St. Patrick's Day celebration, Tim gave us $500.  That money will be donated to HEROS INC. a local charity that provides scholarships (a full boat free ride through college) for the children of slain public safety employees; local, state and Federal from the Washington, DC area.
 
That’s it for now,


Steve

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]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-07-14T20:17:02-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/795156d64c48f7b9b2b1dbf58d1393f1-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/795156d64c48f7b9b2b1dbf58d1393f1-50.html#unique-entry-id-50More here...

• Q. What do you call someone who hangs around with musicians? 
A. A bagpiper. 
 
• Q. What did the bagpiper get on his I.Q. test? 
A. Drool. 
 
• Q. What's the definition of a quarter tone? 
A. A bagpiper tuning his drones. 
 
• Q. Why are bagpipers fingers like lightning? 
A. They rarely strike the same spot twice. 
 
• Q. How can you tell if a bagpipe is out of tune? 
A. Someone is blowing into it.


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]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-07-14T20:09:18-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/8d2eb0c5fd2075862c806a19dabd5d8c-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/8d2eb0c5fd2075862c806a19dabd5d8c-49.html#unique-entry-id-49Check out more here


The mere mention of jazz played on bagpipes is guaranteed to get a look of disbelief from most people, but not from listeners who have heard Rufus Harley, especially Re-Creation of the Gods, a 1972 disc that many consider his best. The Transparency label has reissued this record on CD with four extra tracks and pristine digital remastering of the sound.


Rufus Harley, one of the only bagpipe-playing jazz musicians in the history of jazz, is a virtuoso on the instrument, coaxing improvised riff after riff from it. In his hands it sounds like two reed instruments played at once. This very enjoyable and often surprising music is in the soul-jazz vein, with a touch of Eastern sounds, and the combination of organ, bagpipe, percussion and sometimes electric bass works very well. The playing can easily be termed spiritual.

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]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-07-07T19:52:11-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/add85881a181dcd4de23cc6cb53caa90-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/add85881a181dcd4de23cc6cb53caa90-48.html#unique-entry-id-48Greetings All,
 
I trust everyone had a safe and happy Independence Day on the 4th of July !
 
We had a really great turn out at last Monday's practice and an even better turn out for Tuesday's parade.  At this point it doesn't look like we won anything, but after taking first place two years in a row, it's about time for someone else to win.  However, according to a co-worker of mine, who was standing on the side lines near Fire Station 3, our band sounded more together, that is more line one loud pipe and one loud drum as compared to the other pipe bands who sounded like a herd of individuals who were almost playing the same thing at the same time ... See, practice does help!  Well done to all!
 
Those who showed up for practice on Monday, July 3rd were:
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrnes, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Dave Foley, Phil Nannery, Pete O'Brien, Ed Snyder & Clarence Soong.
DRUMMERS: Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran, Ron Kuley & Jay Rubin
 
In addition to the above, Piper Gary Winemiller and Drummer George Murphy showed up for the parade the next morning on July 4th.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) There will be no practice on this coming Monday night, July 10th.  That is because it is the Monday following a gig and we don't have practice that night.
2) Normally, we go into our summer recess after the 4th of July and don't get back together until the Monday after Labor Day (which this year would be September 11th ... Hmmmm, now why does that date ring a bell?) and this year there will be no MANDATORY practices during this time.  HOWEVER, I will be at the academy on most of those Mondays, holding practice for our beginners and students AND if the rest of you would like to show up at 8:00 pm, I'll be more to hold practice.  And, I might add, if you have any interest in playing the Quiet Man Set, or the Cohen Set, or Yingling Bells and Wreck the Walls for the Christmas walk, I would strongly recommend that you come to practice!
 
UPCOMING EVENTS: 

WILDWOOD, NJ. IRISH FESTIVAL - SEPT, 22,23&24, 2006 at this time I have the following people signed up to go: PIPERS: Jeff Burton & Ed Snyder are definitely going, Kevin Byrnes, Steve Cochran, Dave Foley, Karen Killmeyer and Chalmers Marquis are maybe's ... DRUMMERS, Brian Brendel - definite, and Rob Agnew, Ethan Cochran & Jay Rubin are strong Maybes.  We need a few more people to make a firm commitment.  (Note to self, make a firm commitment!)

NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL - OCT, 6,7&8, 2006 at this time I have the following folks signed up to go: PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrnes, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Dave Foley, Karen Killmeyer, Pete O'Brien, Ed Snyder, Clarence Soong & Gary Winemiller are definitely going while Chalmers Marquis and Phil Nannery are Maybes ... DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew, Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran & Jay Rubin are going without any maybes.  Anyone else who wants to go to Emmitsburg, as a photographer or luggage carrier or groupie, please let me know within the next couple of weeks as that is when I am going to turn in the list for rooms.  Libby, I've already got you on the list as member emeritus. 

ALEXANDRIA SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK - DEC. 2, 2006 at this time I have the following: PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrnes, Steve Cochran, Karen Killmeyer, Chalmers Marquis, Phil Nannery & Ed Snyder ... DRUMMERS: Rob Agnew, Brian Brendel & Ethan Cochran.   Drop me an e-mail if you want to be added to the list.
 
I haven't heard anything on the Vienna Halloween Parade, so if anyone has any info, let me know.
 
That's about it for now.  I hope everyone has a wonderful summer, enjoy your vacations and don't forget to practice.
 
I'll see you all in September if not before.
Steve
 
PS, don't forget the Fairfax County Emerald Society's Crab Feast on August 5th! 

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]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-06-11T19:19:59-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/aaaadbd8ddd2490929269488c97c1ec5-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/aaaadbd8ddd2490929269488c97c1ec5-47.html#unique-entry-id-47Read more here...

"I'm tired of being one of those Heinz-57 Americans with no clear cultural identity. It's just not right when you talk about your kin from the 'Old Country,' and you're referring to people from Wapato. I'm thinking strongly about adopting a national heritage. And you could do a lot worse than being Scottish or Irish."

Just how much worse, of course, is cause for great argument. But I was halfway serious about wanting to learn how to tame the Great Highlands Bagpipe.

I'll state the obvious right up front: Bagpipes, like liver, are a taste some listeners simply never acquire. Thanks to their forced-air nature, the pipes can only be played one way — freight-train loud. And given that even a perfectly tuned, expertly played set of pipes can be painful to some, listening to a newbie huff and screech could be considered cruel and unusual.

As the authors of a bagpipe Web site, hotpipes.com, put it: "There's a certain charm in walking past a house and hearing someone awkwardly running scales on a tuba, but blundering into earshot of a neophyte honking away on [bagpipes] might cause nose-bleeds, shattered eyeglasses and could lead to convulsions and death."

[...]

Q: Why do bagpipers walk as they play?
A: They're trying to get away from the noise.
Or:
Q: How do you get two pipers to play in harmony?
A: Shoot one.

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-06-03T13:38:01-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/df953bd8a65880384bbe7f1263d64d6f-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/df953bd8a65880384bbe7f1263d64d6f-46.html#unique-entry-id-46Steve,

I was intending to get off a note to you yesterday but got hung up at work.

It was terrific to have the NVFESPB in the Parade again. The Pipers got rave reviews. You have a spot in the Parade as long as you want it. You can be sure that I'll be back in touch with you early in 2007. I would tell you I would have a revolt on my hands now if the Band was not a part of the parade. Amazing Grace still gives us all a chill. The Taps played at the end was equally as chilling.

I apologize that we did not recognize from the podium that morning the Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Coalition Pipes & Drums. They certainly deserved it, and I’ll make sure that should they join you next year that we give them the proper recognition.  It would be great to have them back again next year as well. Their presence just made the entire experience that much richer.

I took a few pictures of the band this year, and I've attached them with this email.


It has been a great pleasure to work with you, and to have the band in the parade. It is, without any doubt, one of the most appreciated aspects of the entire event that morning. I hope the march back to Captain Pell’s was enjoyable. I know the bikers enjoyed it immensely.

Best regards to you,

Sean
===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-06-02T18:39:21-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/9d0f5e0daa06facea70003d31f2112d1-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/9d0f5e0daa06facea70003d31f2112d1-44.html#unique-entry-id-44Read more here.

THE lads and lassies of Townsville's highland band will go head to head with the best pipers and drummers in the North at a competition being held in June.

The RSL Memorial Pipes and Drums Association will represent Townsville at the North Queensland Highland Gathering at the Kirwan Tavern on Monday, June 12.
Association spokesman Denis Airens said the competition would involve solo performances as well as each band playing 45 minutes of a medley of tunes.
There will be five bands competing from Cairns, Innisfail, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Mr Airens said the bagpipes were difficult instruments to master.
He said it took about 12 months to learn to start playing.
"After 40 years I'm still trying to work them out," Mr Airens said.


===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-06-02T18:37:10-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/b879591aa76df75a32e615c4197c87a4-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/b879591aa76df75a32e615c4197c87a4-43.html#unique-entry-id-43Read more here.

Pipers compete at the 'big one'

By MARK RANZENBERGER

Sun Staff Writer

Piper Ian Donaldson raised his finger, and the piper in the orange tartan played a simple scale.
But McDonald sensed something not quite right in the drone, reached into his sporan and pulled out an electronic tuning meter. With a few tweaks on the pipe, the world-class piper had brought the Atlanta Pipe Band closer to the sound it was seeking.
"That sound is not something that happens by accident," drum major Jim Thompson said.
The Georgia-based group of bagpipers competed this weekend in the U.S. Open championships at the 39th annual Alma Highland Festival. The band won its class in 2005.
"We compete all over the place," Thompson said, "but this is the big one."

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-05-30T18:53:31-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/193b94b6145dd764362836a7ff8d9d01-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/193b94b6145dd764362836a7ff8d9d01-45.html#unique-entry-id-45Greetings 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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]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-05-19T20:57:18-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/41bd220d539d2771407eeeb5f5398768-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/41bd220d539d2771407eeeb5f5398768-41.html#unique-entry-id-41WASHINGTON — 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...

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comMiscellaneous Scottish2006-05-19T20:53:58-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/eab179aa6fa79f06ca89e20f6ebacd11-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/eab179aa6fa79f06ca89e20f6ebacd11-40.html#unique-entry-id-40Scotch 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...

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-05-19T17:25:33-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/7fe94e2e27b5af8b2f1c4becbfec5cee-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/7fe94e2e27b5af8b2f1c4becbfec5cee-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Paul 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...

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBlog2006-05-15T21:00:14-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/3c04db91ddacefc1811f37c27e07e843-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/3c04db91ddacefc1811f37c27e07e843-42.html#unique-entry-id-42Greetings 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. 

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-04-29T16:22:02-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/5719ea36f3dcf44ae06ddaa2d4a6c673-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/5719ea36f3dcf44ae06ddaa2d4a6c673-38.html#unique-entry-id-38Maybe we can get some of them to join up with us?

TWENTY students from Melbourne's Presbyterian Ladies' College will form the first all-girl school band to perform in Victoria on Anzac Day.
It's always good to be the first. But the distinction gets even more impressive — the students belong to an all-girl pipes and drums marching band.
The girls, aged 14 to 16, have been practising their instruments for three years, perfecting their technique in preparation for their first big march.
All Girl Pipe and Drum Band



===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-04-29T07:27:06-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/7c25e05e7bd8b01fc6cf3b604acc8ec3-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/7c25e05e7bd8b01fc6cf3b604acc8ec3-37.html#unique-entry-id-37Greetings All,
 
Se had a rather small practice this week.
PIPERS: Kevin Byrnes, Jeff Burton, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly (with students John Murray & Scott Philben)
DRUMMERS: Ron Kuley (new guy)
 
As you may have noticed we had a new prospective member show up … Ron Kuley is a firefighter at Station 26 on A Shift.  He was recruited by Brian Brendel.  His aspiration is to become a Tenor / Bass drummer.  He hopes to be able to march with us by the 4th of July.
 
We only did a little chanter work. I received in the mail a copy of the seconds to “America the Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner” (Fragment) from a piper I know with the Mesa, AZ.  We tried them out on the chanters and not being able to tune them not with standing, it sounded fairly good.  Jeff, Kevin & Kevin are working on learning them.  The thought is that when we play the Patriotic Set, that we would add the seconds with the repeat of “America the Beautiful”.
 
We then went outside and played the Military Set, “Caissons”, “The Marine Hymn” & “Semper Paratus” are coming along quite well, “Anchors Away” and “Off in the Wild Blue Yonder” still need some work.  We also went through “The Dawning of the Day” and the Quiet Man Set.  Both of these are doing quite well. 
 
Homework assignment for pipers is to work on the Military Set, “Dawning of the Day”, Quiet Man Set & Cohen Set … in that order.
 
REMINDER: There will be Practice next Monday, May 1, 2006 (yes we are practicing on May Day – Sorry).
There is also a performance on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, for the Prince William victims of 9-11 at 7:00 p.m. and we are looking for as many participants as possible.  It will be a short event, a monument dedication with lots of local politicians and the press … good PR event for us.
 
That’s it for now, see you all on Monday.
 
Slàn,
Steve

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-04-23T07:25:23-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/8242bf67a784a96e7315166ff1661f4f-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/8242bf67a784a96e7315166ff1661f4f-36.html#unique-entry-id-36Greetings All,
 
I got an e-mail from Kevin Byrnes the other day who had been contacted about having some pipers play at a memorial service for some local folks who were killed on 09-11-01.  (We have been waiting for confirmation and additional details which is why I am just now putting this out.)  The event will be on May 9th around 7:00 p.m. and is for a memorial for Prince William County Residents killed in the 9-11 attacks.   The memorial will be at the McCort Building (Pr. Wm. Government) Complex south of Manassas on Prince William Parkway.  We would like to turn out a complete band but we'll go with what we can get.  Let me know ASAP if you can make it ... particularly the drummer dudes.
 
===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBlog2006-04-20T07:24:11-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/c924ebc5bffcd7b8d9ead723a3b698a8-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/c924ebc5bffcd7b8d9ead723a3b698a8-35.html#unique-entry-id-35Over the past couple of years, Tim at the Philadelphia Tavern in Manassas has been very good to this band.  The other night I was in there with my wife and a couple of friends and I noticed that he has several framed groupings of Police patches on the wall in the Tavern.
 
I thought it might be nice if we put together a framed collection of the patches representing the different departments from which we draw our membership (with an NVFESPB patch in the center - of course) to present to him for his support.
 
To that end, please bring (or mail to the address below) one or more of your department / agency patches to the next practice you attend.
 
Thanks,
 
R. Steven Cochran
Pipe Major / Manager
Northern Virginia Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band
P.O. Box 1143
Centreville, VA 20122
703.791.5616 - Phone
703.791.5696 - FAX
703.967.6728 - Mobile
www.NoVaIrishPipes.org
RSCochran@aol.com

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-04-10T07:23:45-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/4a3a45b6ea5c024a586ef34d8a180cf4-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/4a3a45b6ea5c024a586ef34d8a180cf4-34.html#unique-entry-id-34Weekly Update
 
Greetings and all the Blessings of Holy Week, Passover & Easter
 
For this time of year, practice was fairly well attended last night.
PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Steve Cochran, Ed Snyder & Gary Winemiller, (Matt Dolan and Kevin Pittman from the Fairfax Co. Sheriff’s Deputy Coalition Pipe Band joined us)
DRUMMERS: Ethan Cochran
We did a little chanter work on the Military and Cohen Sets and then moved outside on the big pipes to prepare for Saturday.
 
SATURDAY: The Sikh Parade:
Attending:  Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrne, Pat Carroll, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Dana Moore, Ed Snyder, Rob Agnew & Ethan Cochran from the NVFESPB, Matt Dolan, Carl Hunt, Kevin Pittman (possibly) and two drummers from FDSCPB and maybe two and two from MCDFRSP&D.
 
Line up:  We will meet at the parking lot an 3rd St and Pennsylvania Ave NW (in front of the Capital).  Please be there by noon!  The Sikhs will be sending a couple of 15 passenger vans to fetch us around a quarter after.  We need to be all kitted out and ready to get on the vans at that time.  This parking lot is usually open with spaces available and there is no charge on the weekends … (if there is a charge, save your receipts and turn them in to the treasurer and you will be reimbursed.)
 
Uniform of the Day: The uniform of the day will be the summer uniform, which is short sleeve, light green shirts, without neck ties.  For those of you from the Sheriff’s Coalition and Montgomery County DFRS, wear your uniform that most closely matches ours.  Obviously our kilts will be different and even shirts may be a different color but we want to look as uniform as possible.
 
Note:  I just found out that this year the Sikh’s have hired another pipe band to march with them.  It seems that their parade is getting so long that they want two bands.  Our friends with the Washington Scottish Pipe Band will be marching with the Sikh’s as well.  We will be in the front and the WSPB will be further back in the line of march.
 
===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-04-07T07:13:07-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/cd4029c50cad6136224b2ee6072f50d2-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/cd4029c50cad6136224b2ee6072f50d2-33.html#unique-entry-id-33Greetings All,
 
Those attending last Monday's practice:
Pipers: Kevin Byrne, Steve Cochran & Scott Philben
Drummers: Rob Agnew, Brian Brendel & Ethan Cochran
 
For those of you who have not made it to practice, remind me next time you are there and I will give you copies of the new music.  For those of you who are living out in the wilds (i.e., non-Virginia residents) I will mail you a copy.  If anyone knows that they will be out of town for the next couple of weeks, let me know and I'll mail you a copy as well. 
 
Next Monday is a Mandatory Practice for the up-coming Sikh Parade.  Right now I have only 5 pipers and 2 drummers from our band who have signed up to go.  I have solicited help from the Sheriff's and Montgomery Co. Pipe Bands and have received some indications of interest from both. 
 
The next gig we have coming up after that is the Rolling Thunder parade on May 28th.  We hope to be able to play the new sets at that parade.  Therefore, we need everyone to make as many of the practices as possible. 
 
As a reminder, we practice every Monday* at the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Academy located at 4600 West Ox Road in Fairfax, VA. Beginners start at 6:30 p.m. and the rest of the band begins at 8:00 p.m.  Practices normal go until 10:00 p.m.
*(The band practices every Monday except the Monday following a performance, unless there is a performance scheduled before the next practice.  The Band also takes a break between the 4th of July and the first Monday in September and during the month of December.)
 
The Northern Virginia Firefighters' Emerald Society Pipe Band is an inclusive organization and everyone is welcome at our practice.  Our friends with the Fairfax County Sheriff's Pipe Band, and with the Montgomery County (MD) Department of Fire & Rescue Services Pipe Band and the District of Columbia Fire Department Pipes and Drums are especially welcome.



===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comMiscellaneous Scottish2006-04-05T07:03:56-04:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/8a05eb7bdc5160beefa1d662a5eb7277-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/8a05eb7bdc5160beefa1d662a5eb7277-32.html#unique-entry-id-32Read more here
ON March 17, 1762, the Irish members of the British military marched with bagpipes through New York City and began a tradition that has now become the largest St Patrick's Day parade in the world. Since then New York has become host to over 150 parades a year. To a New Yorker it often seems like every nationality and large social group has its own parade and we have become almost as jaded over them as we are about everything else.
But comparing the Irish event in particular to the Scots one is natural and it is understandable that many see St Patrick's Day as a benchmark for what the Tartan Day parade and Tartan Week should be.
Of course, the Irish have been celebrating St Patrick's Day as a religious holiday for centuries and they have been marching in New York as a show of strength and solidarity for 244 years. Tartan Day has only been nationally recognised for eight. But in eight short years Tartan Day has grown in popularity.
Celebrations are held in many cities of the US including the nation's capital, Washington DC, and, of course, the world's crossroads, New York City. In fact, in New York City an entire week is needed to fit in all the events that have been planned. But in certain ways, history does count. The St Patrick's Day parade became a symbolic way to unite the Irish during a time of great racism and discrimination. They used it as a way to remind each other that together they were strong and that being Irish gave you a voice in a greater group that you didn't have alone. That vision of inclusiveness remained, even later when the parade was used to promote tourism and help politicians gain the large Irish vote.
On the surface there seems to be no reason why a Scots version of the Irish "battling underdog" shouldn't similarly appeal to Americans.
Americans love looking to the past. They love all the kilts and tartan, bagpipes and shortbread stuff, and they love the spirit of Braveheart, which they see as not unlike their own pioneer spirit. Scotland may be a small place but it is well known over here that the Scots played a major role in the founding of America. Americans want to connect with tradition and heritage and they want to feel a part of something older and greater than themselves.
But there is a divide between the Scottish Americans and the Scots born in Scotland. Instead of the inclusive approach of the Irish's "Everyone is Irish on St Patrick's Day" we sometimes hear: "Yeah, yeah, everyone has a Scottish granny, that doesn't make you Scottish."
Another problem is that there seems to be some confusion as to what Tartan Week, with Tartan Day as the centrepiece, is really meant to be. Tartan Day in America, according to referendum 155, is meant to honour the many contributions Scots have made to the development of America.
April 6 was selected as the date of observance due to its significance as the day of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, the document the Declaration of Independence is said to be modelled on. A chance, you would think, to show the world how many Scots there are here in America and how rich the Scottish traditions still are today.
When it comes to St Patrick's Day, the Irish seem happy to embrace all the stereotypes - the Guinness, the shamrocks - whereas the Scots seem a little more unsure what image they are trying to project. There are several political organisations, societies, clans and foundations that each have their own vision of what Tartan Week should be and at times it seems like each is only operating in their best interest. It is not uncommon to see one organisation undermining another to further their own event or agenda. Some are trying to push an "olden times tartan and shortbread" image to appeal to potential tourists to Scotland and some are trying to distance themselves from that to appeal to modern businesses.
So what are the Scots trying to achieve? Is it a week of cultural events and talks highlighting the best and the brightest minds and artists Scotland has to offer? Or a time to remind American Scots of the strength of their heritage and promote tourism? Or a big piss-up catering only to the world's glitterati? Why is it that some of these efforts smell of desperation?
In many ways, it is unfair to compare Tartan Week to St Patrick's Day - the Irish have had far longer to build their vision and sell it. But the Scots, from both sides of the Atlantic, need to answer some fundamental questions before Tartan Week can move out of St Patrick's shadow and into a limelight of its own.

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comMiscellaneous Scottish2006-03-29T20:44:07-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/a010d236fe1edf7188c76f9ec13d5be3-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/a010d236fe1edf7188c76f9ec13d5be3-31.html#unique-entry-id-31I know we are an Irish Pipe Band, but that doesn't mean we can't commemorate

National Tartan Day

on April 6.

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-03-29T20:37:59-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/0a7954a157047a6efd098382696d32d4-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/0a7954a157047a6efd098382696d32d4-30.html#unique-entry-id-30Read more here.

Korff, an 83-year-old Newport News resident with a high energy level and sharp wit, gives free bagpipe lessons. Korff prepares novice pipers for the Newport News Police Pipe and Drum Corps, which performs free at police academy graduations, fund-raisers and funerals of fallen police officers and firefighters.

"We all come together for a common cause," said Thomas Crouch, a detective with the Newport News Police Department. He plays bagpipe in the band and serves as president of the organization. "It's about promoting heritage and culture and honoring the fallen."

But there's a test for students' dedication: They have to train for about two years before they can perform with the band.

They take lessons with Korff for about a year and a half, playing on a practice chanter - a long black instrument similar to a recorder. Then they can advance to the full bagpipes and start practicing with the pipe band. But they must take about four months of lessons before they can perform.

"Whoever sticks with it is obviously dedicated," Crouch said.

[...]

The band consists of eight pipers, five drummers and one drum major. One piper is a retired New York police officer who played in close to 90 funerals after Sept. 11, 2001, he said.

"I think the bagpipes have a way to stir the soul," he said. "Everybody knows 'Amazing Grace' on bagpipes."

He hopes to expand the band to consist of 20 pipers. To achieve that, Korff's lessons are open to anyone with the goal of joining the pipe band. They have to pay $25 annual dues and about $140 for a chanter and music book. And they need to be ready to pay more than $1,000 for a bagpipe from Scotland.


===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-03-28T20:09:07-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/63aca57b49fb2cbb3ac1c95910ebfe86-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/63aca57b49fb2cbb3ac1c95910ebfe86-28.html#unique-entry-id-28
Only fourth time bagpipes have been featured in orchestra at august venue
By ANTHONY RAMIREZ New York Times

Read more here

NEW YORK — For centuries, the drone of the bagpipes has been a cry to battle. It was an instrument of war, accompanied by drums and a dagger in the piper’s sock. More recently, especially, after Sept. 11, 2001, the bagpipes have been more visible as an instrument of lamentation.
At the funerals of police officers and firefighters, as well as of national figures like President Ronald Reagan, the bagpipes’ wail has become a cry from the heart.
What the bagpipes have rarely been, however, is an instrument used for classical music. On Tuesday, the bagpipes, typically heard outdoors, will be heard inside Carnegie Hall, the hushed venue of Casals, Horowitz and Rubinstein.

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comMiscellaneous Irish2006-03-28T16:45:36-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/7c7a5c33e102cdc42d03950b60cea353-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/7c7a5c33e102cdc42d03950b60cea353-27.html#unique-entry-id-27I just finished a book called Ireland written by Frank Delaney and highly recommend it for those interested in Irish history and storytelling.

You can check it out here at Amazon.

Review:

BBC reporter Delaney's fictionalized history of his native country, an Irish bestseller, is a sprawling, riveting read, a book of stories melding into a novel wrapped up in an Irish history text. In 1951, when Ronan O'Mara is nine, he meets the aging itinerant Storyteller, who emerges out a "silver veil" of Irish mist, hoping to trade a yarn for a hot meal. Welcomed inside, the Storyteller lights his pipe and begins, telling of the architect of Newgrange, who built "a marvelous, immortal structure... before Stonehenge in England, before the pyramids of Egypt," and the dentally challenged King Conor of Ulster, who tried, and failed, to outsmart his wife. The stories utterly captivate the young Ronan ("This is the best thing that ever, ever happened"), and they'll draw readers in, too, with their warriors and kings, drinkers and devils, all rendered cleanly and without undue sentimentality. When Ronan's mother banishes the Storyteller for telling a blasphemous tale, Ronan vows to find him. He also becomes fascinated by Irish myth and legend, and, as the years pass, he discovers his own gift for storytelling. Eventually, he sets off, traversing Ireland on foot to find his mentor. Past and present weave together as Delaney entwines the lives of the Storyteller and Ronan in this rich and satisfying book.

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-03-28T16:44:43-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/e4806794dd65e1902f55fe8a22251b85-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/e4806794dd65e1902f55fe8a22251b85-26.html#unique-entry-id-26Greetings All,
 
It was a small but enthusiastic group that gathered at the Academy last night for practice. 
STUDENTS: Patti Blankenship & Scott Philben
PIPERS: Kevin Byrne, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Phil Nannery, Ed Snyder & Gary Winemiller.
DRUMMERS: Jay Rubin & Sean Nannery (Phil's son)
 
The main part of the evening was spent catching up on recent events and talking about up coming events and the music we hope to have ready for those events.
 
The next event we have is the Sikh Parade on Saturday April 15th.  Unfortunately this is on the Saturday before Easter which is putting a crimp in our style and we have a very limited number of people who have committed to the event so far.  Right now, we have five pipers & a maybe and one side drummer (& a maybe bass).  This is our second big money maker of the year.  With what we can make from this parade we can buy three kilts, or three new tunics, or a dozen sporrans, etc. so if you haven't signed up and can commit an afternoon, please let me know.
 
The other two events that we have coming up in the vary near future are the Rolling Thunder parade on Sunday, May 28th (just two months down the road) and the Fairfax City 4th of July parade (which coincidentally is on July 4th). 
 
New Music:  Last weekend we played at the Lockheed Martin awards dinner and there we played the five service tunes: The Army Goes Rolling Along, Anchors Away, The Marine Hymn, Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder & Semper Paratus.  That went over so well, that everyone wants to make this a regular part of our tune list and play it at the Rolling Thunder event.  Updated music will be available at next Monday's practice or I will mail it to you out of towners.
    The other bit of new music comes from a suggestion from Phil that we try to get our George Cohen Set off the ground.  The consensus last night was to build a set of Yankee Doodle Dandy and Grand Old Flag.  Thanks to Kevin Donnelly for having a copy of the Chicago Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society music, those are the settings we will use.  These will also be made available at next practice and mailed to the away group.
    
Looking even further down the road towards Emmitsburg and the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Weekend, we are going to be adding The Dawning of the Day into our street routine and we are continuing to work on Suo Gan.  Jeff Burton and Kevin Donnelly have both agreed to play harmony on Suo Gan but I would like to have one or two more who know it as well.
 
There is obviously a lot of work to be done if we are going to accomplish these ambitious objectives.  The group that was at practice last night feels that it can be done, but if that is going to happen, we need everyone to make as many practices as they possibly can.  Pipers, if you can't make practice, give me a call and let me know, drummers call Odie. 
 Important items are highlighted.
 
See you all next Monday. 
 
 
Slàn,
Steve
703.967.6728 - Cell
 
Odie
703.244.7594 - Cell


===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-03-26T20:40:39-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/e7ac2770e8e6d38fb96e207b74c21d5b-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/e7ac2770e8e6d38fb96e207b74c21d5b-25.html#unique-entry-id-25Greetings All,
 
What a wonderful and profitable evening we had last night thanks to PHIL NANNERY, KEVIN BYRNE, KEVIN DONNELLY, PETE O'BRIEN, STEVE COCHRAN, ROB AGNEW, JAY RUBIN AND ALEX KULDELL!
 
The Lockheed Martin event went off well, in spite of last minute changes in program.  Everyone who attended followed the Band's unofficial gig motto of "Semper Gumby" and the folks loved us.  The revised program, when we got there, was that we would come in as single pipers, one through one door, another piper through another door, and so on, playing something soft and quiet ... yeah right, soft and quiet on the pipes ... so we played Balmoral.  As each piper entered they would join the ones already playing and thus the sound would gradually build.  When all the pipers got in we would end the tune.  Then, they would open two other doors and the drummers would strike in a roll off and we would all play a rousing chorus of Scotland the Brave.  The the speech's would start, followed by each of the five pipers playing one of the five armed service tunes one at a time: The Caisson's Go Rolling Along, Anchors Away, The Marine Hymn, Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder and Semper Paratus.  Sounds like a plan.  We sort of did that.  Steve came in from a door in the back (opposite the stage) playing Balmoral and worked his way through the tables, Phil started in through a different door in the back of the hall, and was to join in.  Unfortunately he couldn't hear Steve until he got close to the stage.  After those two were in place, Kevin, Kevin and Pete would come in through doors on either side of the stage and join in.  That part worked pretty good.  We finished the tune and cut.  They then opened the doors for the drummers who started their roll off and the MC started his speech.  The pipers held and didn't play as they would have drowned out the speaker.  Scratch that part.  We did play the five service tunes, and that went well.  All agreed that this is a set we need to work on and have ready for Rolling Thunder as all the service connected people in the hall commented how wonderful that was. 
 
After this opening ceremony the band was cut loose to a separate room where we were fed like kings.  Excellent food! 
 
The second part of the evening was that we were to come back into the hall after the dinner and awards were handed out and play one verse of God Bless America and then parade everyone out of the dinning hall into the dessert and dancing hall.  This was done to the First Set (Let Erin Remember, Bonnie Charlie & Minstrel Boy).  By now it was 10:30 p.m. and everyone headed for home.
 
I would like to give special Kudos to those who made this event possible, especially to Phil Nannery who was the initial contact and Jay Rubin who took the extra effort to get Alex Kuldell out to play the bass drum at the beginning of the evening and then to took over the bass for the last part (as Alex had to go home early).  Also, to Pete O'Brien who came out and played, even with a bad back.
 
REMINDER: There WILL be practice tomorrow (Monday) night.  Beginners at 6:30 and everyone else at 8:00 p.m.
 
Also, we have two up-coming events that we have to get ready for:
The SIKH PARADE, on April 15, 2006.
The ROLLING THUNDER PARADE, on May 28, 2006.
 
A special note to our colleagues in the Sheriff's Dept. Pipe Band; you are more than welcome to join us on either of these two events.
 
 
See you all tomorrow night.
 
Slàn,
Steve

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comBagpipes2006-03-12T20:19:26-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/83d13121b2d4c09873ae2a5f30416060-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/83d13121b2d4c09873ae2a5f30416060-29.html#unique-entry-id-29Read more here

The Irish bagpipes are known as the uilleann pipes.
"Uilleann" means elbow in the Irish language.
They are the latest evolution of the pipes, reaching their current design in the mid-1800s.
The pipes are different from Scottish pipes in a number of ways. First off, you don't blow into them to produce a sound, unlike the Scottish Highland pipes that most people have seen. There are two bags that sit under each arm; one pumps air into the second bag, while the second pumps air into the chanter the whistle-like part.
The uilleann pipes are the only pipes that you can accompany yourself on; keys called "regulators" on the side of the chanter allow the player to play chords along with the single note lines they play on the chanter.
Uilleann pipes are the only pipes that can rest, or keep silent, for a beat or two. Scottish Highland and Border pipes require constant airflow, and therefore, emit constant sound.

===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-03-06T16:49:02-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/aea760ae4595e2ff6f3c812b8bab9201-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/aea760ae4595e2ff6f3c812b8bab9201-24.html#unique-entry-id-24Greetings All

This is our busy time of year and I hope everyone is able to keep up.  I have a number of things to cover so I will try to be brief.

We had practice last night with only a few folks in attendance.

PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly & John Murray.
DRUMMERS: Brian Brendel, Ethan Cochran, George Murphy & Jay Rubin.

As a result of the Alexandria parade and Monday night's practice we will probably be working with a pared back tune list.  We still do not have the 'Quiet Man Set' up to street quality.  We may give it a try before the parade on Sunday but we will probably not use it in the line of march on Sunday.  Caubeen still needs more work.  We didn't play Caubeen for a long time because the drummers weren't up on a 2/4 drum setting.  The drummers have their setting now but the pipers are rusty.  As for pub tunes, We will try to get by with Danny Boy in addition to our regular marching tunes.  We may be able to play Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral by itself, but transitions into and out of Irish Eyes just isn't ready.

PARADE INSTRUCTIONS:  As of right now, we are in Division C, Position 6 … all things subject to last minute changes.  We are to be in position on Madison Ave. at 11:00 am, the parade steps off at 12:00 noon.  Please plan to meet on the Mall in or near the statue garden by 10:30.  We will move into our final line up position when we find out where that is during check in.  (There is a map attached.)

PARKING:  If you plan to drive in, you will want to get there as early as possible as the few available spaces fill up very quickly.  There are some on the street parking spaces on Virginia Ave, NW around 18th St., NW but again, you need to get there early. 

METRO: The closest stops near the beginning of the parade are:
Archives/Navy Memorial on the Yellow/Green Lines.
The Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange Lines.
L'Enfant Plaza on the Blue/Orange/Yellow/Green Lines

AFTER PARADE GIG: A reminder that we have been invited to join the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Emerald Society at Murphy's in Alexandria for food and spirits and to play a few tunes after the parade on Sunday.

PRACTICE: There WILL be a practice next MONDAY!  Beginners will start between 6:30 and 7:00 pm with the rest of the band at 8:00 pm.

Look for more information through out the week if things change or as new information becomes available.

See you on Sunday,
Steve





===============================================================================]]>sphilben@mac.comWeekly Update2006-03-04T16:48:34-05:00http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/5bc255276545505a68734f765fc3cad5-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://homepage.mac.com/sphilben/My%20Website/blog/files/5bc255276545505a68734f765fc3cad5-23.html#unique-entry-id-23Weekly Update - 03/04/06

Greetings All,

Alexandria City St. Patrick's Day Parade

PIPERS: Jeff Burton, Kevin Byrne, Pat Carroll, Steve Cochran, Kevin Donnelly, Chalmers Marquis, Dana Moore, Phil Nannery, Pete O'Brien & Gary Winemiller.
DRUMMERS: