The Bagpiping Road

Scotty Don't Surf!

2006-07-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

SCOTLAND isn't renowned for its rich surfing history. When some of the best wave riders on Earth travelled to Thurso earlier this year to compete in the inaugural O'Neill Highland Open, the rest of the surfing world seemed to think it was hilarious.

As a new exhibition at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum shows, Scottish men and women were surfing years before their Antipodean cousins even knew what a surfboard looked like.

"Quite a few Scottish people settled in Hawaii not long after Captain Cook had first made contact with the islands in 1778," he says. "There is a story of a chap - a Scotsman - arriving there on a boat in the early 1800s and expecting to be the first white man to settle, but he saw this white face in one of the outrigger canoes, paddling out with the natives to greet him, and when he spoke this fellow had a broad Scottish accent, so he'd been beaten by quite a few years.

"If this guy was in one of the outriggers with the locals, he would certainly have ridden waves in on the canoe, so you have to speculate that a Scotsman could have been one of the first non-Hawaiian people to surf."

Wetootwaag's Podcast of Bagpipe Power!

2006-02-24T15:02:00.000-08:00

I just ran across a great bagpiping podcast called "Wetootwaag's Podcast of Bagpipe Power!" The podcast is done by a piper from bemidji minnesota and is a mixture of his own well-done tunes, other tunes, his critiques on various brands of scotch and some Gaelic mixed in. Wetootwaag also maintains a Blog found here

Hands are getting better

2006-02-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

My hands continue to slowly get better from the tendinitis I have been suffering from since January, 2005. Progress has been in terms of months not days or weeks but I am back to playing the bagpipes nearly every day. Right now I can practice for about 3 to 4 days straight before I need a day or two off. If I limit my work to the chanter and slow marches, I can play for much longer; however, if I move on to faster stuff, I pay for it the next day.

Here are my new rules for playing:

-Keep everything ultra-relaxed. I thing this tendonitis thing probably came from playing in a tense posture.

-Warm up with a slow tune and to some hand stretching beforehand.

-Play for long durations on the chanter and short durations on the pipes, after warming up.

Lately I have been working on 2 tunes: The Poisoned Dwarf and Farewell to Nigg (You can find Midis of both tunes here). The first is a reel I first saw at bagpipe camp. The second is a slow march I got from Jori. I am starting to think I am almost ready to get back to formal lessons. We'll see how the hands do.

Lastly, I just joined a formal choir, The Peninsula Singers. I figured that the sight reading and tempo work would help me with the pipes and the best part....No hands! By a strange cooidince, the conductor of the choir is a conductor I knew from Anchorage, Alaska where I played Frederik in The Sound of Music. Even after 30 years, he still remembered me, or at least he said he did.

Hardie Bagpipes Goes Under

2005-10-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hardie Bagpipes, popular makers of GHBs is facing liquidation after some hard years.

Being relatively new to piping and piping history I don't have all the facts, but my suspicion is that Hardie once filled a niche in the market that has either dissolved or been overcome by modern pipe manufacturers and new techniques.

Hardie made pipes for the British Military. Perhaps the military no longer needs allot of good, but not great pipes. I fact, it may be that the Military has almost dried up completely as a market for pipes, The Black Watch being disbanded and all).

My teacher once told me that up until 15 years ago it was relatively difficult to find a really good sounding set of pipes. In fact, the best way was to find a good set of well cared for, pre-World War pipes, Henderson being the brand most sought after. I suspect that Hardie made a good set of pipes, and one of the few alternatives to Hendersons when it opened in the 50's. Now there are several good alternatives and Hardie just couldn't hold onto its market. As a personal example, I like the Hardie company, but I bought a set of Naills.

Its a sad day for Hardie and for piping. By the way, I am just speculating here. If there are any Hardie players out there I'd like to know what you think.

High Altitude Bagpiping Progress Report

2005-10-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

No progress. It is completely baffling to me that I have not heard from the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland, regarding my query into high altitude piping. Are they not scientists? Have they lost their ability to question "why" or in this case "how high"? Do not their Scottish loins quiver with the need for inquiry?....I suspect they thought I was joking.

I have not yet checked into hyperbaric chambers here close to Seattle. Additionally, I have not queried my diver friends where I work at NOAA's, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. I intend to get to this in the week ahead. Science is hard.

PROGRESS

2005-10-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am still looking into the altitude limitations of the Great Highland Bagpipe and just as I was contemplating all that hiking, climbing, rope and danger, it occurred to me, sort of an "If Mohammad Won't Come to the Mountain" sort of moment. All we need is one of these things, a hyperbaric chamber to simulate elevation gain. No avalanches, No Crevasses, No danger, and home for a nap and a snack.

I have located an source at the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland They have a cool hyperbaric chamber and being Scottish and all, they should have a predisposed interest in my study. So, I have taken the liberty of writing them:

Greetings,

I am a piper living in the Pacific Northwest of The United States, near Seattle. On one of many of my hiking trips into the mountains I began to wonder what the altitudinal limits of the Great Highland Bagpipe are. I am wondering if your organization has any data on this subject. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. I AM COMPLETELY SINCERE IN MY INTEREST!. I am also wondering if, in your consideration a hyperbaric chamber would be a reasonable option in order to study the altitude limitations of the instrument in question. Lastly, I of course would be happy to make myself available for any studies that may result from this query. Warmest Regards, Eric A. Evans, Piper

As of yet I have not heard back, but as added insurance I will be contacting NOAA to see if I can borrow one of their hyperbaric chambers just in case. This is fun.

I HAVE A QUESTION

2005-09-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

OK, what is the highest altitude at which a bagpipe will functionally play. Is there a record to be broken here? I did some research and found no mention of altitudinal limitations of bagpipes. However, I know that altitude does horrible things to drone reeds and a friend told me that while there are pipe bands in Denver, even that altitude makes the pipes sound soft and mushy. Beyond this info, I am without a definitive answer. Where is Bill Nye the Science guy when I need him?

If anyone out there has some information on this I would be eternally grateful. In the mean time I'm gonna snow seal my climbing boots and get busy writing the NASA grant to take my pipes into "The Death Zone".

Laidlaw’s C.O. reportedly shouted, “For God’s sake, Laidlaw, pipe ‘em together!”

2005-09-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Piper Daniel Laidlaw

Rather than play from the safety of the trenches, Laidlaw mounted the parapet and, ignoring the German shelling, launched into “Blue Bonnets Over the Border.” Encouraged by Laidlaw’s example, the KOSB went over the top with no further prompting, soon followed by the Cameronians and the Highland Light Infantry. As the attack caught up with him and passed him, Laidlaw followed and kept playing. Miraculously, he was not wounded until the attack had nearly reached the German lines. Laidlaw said later, “I kept on piping and piping, and hobbling after the laddies until I could go no farther, and then, seeing that the boys had won the position, I began to get back as best I could to our own trenches.” The bagpipes apparently survived the action without a scratch.

Piper Daniel Laidlaw was one of many heros of the Battle of Loos. Recently, the British paid hommage to Laidlaw and the 20,000 British Solders who died at Loos. Read his full biography here.

Bagpipe/World Music Prodigy Martyn Bennett Dies at 33

2005-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hadn't even heard of him until today on As It Happens, but now I want to buy his records.

ADDRESS TO A HAGGIS

2005-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

In honor of Burns Night, which was actually yesterday, we offer this poem by Robert Burns.

The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar

2005-01-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

piperkmackay
Originally uploaded by eevans24.

This painting is of Kenneth Mackay of the 79th Regiment. It depicts the battle of Waterloo where, facing French Cavelry, Mackay stepped outside of the British defensive lines to play "War or Peace" an acient priobrachd tune of glory. The tune so rallied his comrades that the day was won. Golly!

The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar was written by Pipe Major John MacDonald of the 79th Regiment of Foot (Cameronian Volunteers). The regiment played a major part at Waterloo and also served in the Boer War, guarded the queen at Balmoral Castle, went to Ireland and eventually to WWI in France.

The 79th Regiment is the only Regiment that serves under a clan tartan. The tartan worn by the regiment is the Cameron of Erracht. Here is a very interesting website that goes into much more detail on the regiment's history.

PIPING LESSON #29

2005-01-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

Good lesson. I am finishing up 3 tunes "Farewell to Nigg", "Highland Laddie" and "Highland Cathedral". I played each of them on the pipes and repeated portions of each as needed. After 15 minutes of playing, my wind, much depleted since my New Year's injury gave out.

Yoda, tutored me on a few rough spots and suggested that by next lesson in 2 weeks I have all three tunes memorized. Next we worked on a new tune that the Laird has already done, "The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar". Here is a Midi version of the tune as a Medley with a couple of other short bits. The first 2 parts aren't very hard but the third can be a bit trickey. I am to work on the first 2 parts for next lesson.

To get my wind back I am attemption to play until my wind, lips or arm give out. Each day, I am going to try to break the previous day's record. We'll see if I can't whip myself back into shape. Yesterday I played for 16 minutes. Today it was 18.5.

COLLEGE OF PIPING CERTIFICATION WORK

2005-01-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

As part of my bagpipe training, I have chosen to take the Level 2, College of Piping Certification Exam this summer. The exams are a way for pipers to show practical competency in all aspects of piping. They are also used as a way for piping instructors to demonstrate that they have been formally accredited and that they posses the proper education to pass on to their students.

For me, the certification is just another way to remain motivated. I kind of dig taking tests and I am usually pretty good at them when I apply myself.

This exam, a beginners exam, requires that I be able to write out all embellishments, give examples of timing signatures and generally demonstrate a basic knowledge of beginning theory. I will also have to write out 5 bars of one tune from memory and be able 2 play 5 tunes in simple time. I have selected these 5 tunes to play:

Blackbear Hornpipe
Dream Valley on the Road to Glendaurel
Farewell to Nigg
Scotland the Brave
The Rowan Tree

I will be taking the exam at next summers piping camp in Vernon, BC. The camp is in early July.

PIPING LESSON #28

2005-01-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

My foot is still healing from the New Years debacle. I have 2 slashes and one big hole in my right foot that are slowly closing. Of course walking on the wound doesn't help so my normal routine for the last 3 weeks has been. Work, lay on the couch, sleep. I see the light of day only on the short trips between the house and the car or the car and my office. Each morning, my wife rebandages the wound and wraps my foot in wraps of pile. Then I stuff it into a walking boot. In this way, I can get around pretty well using a cane.

Bagpiping has been difficult. I can stand and play for a short time, but I must remain in one spot. I am used to pacing while I play. With the lack of exercise and playing only for short periods, my wind is suffering.

Right now, I am working on cleaning up The Black Bear Hornpipe and Farewell to Nigg. I am also working on 2 new tunes, Highland Cathedral (or as Yoda calls it, "Highland Catheter") and Highland Laddie. Despite my damaged foot, the lesson was a very good one. Yoda said that all our hard work on Black Bear had paid off in that it really only took me a couple of weeks to nail the other tunes. I still need to make my dot/cut notes crisper and pay attention to rythem but on the chanter all three tunes sound quite servicable.

For my lesson next week I am to practice all 4 tunes on the pipes. I am also to continue my work memorizing how to write out all embeleshments on command. This is for my upcoming College of Piping certification.

WE HAVE A PIPER DOWN!

2005-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

As many of you may recall, I was getting all set to perform my annual ritual of playing the pipes New Years eve on the spit. Instead, i spent it in the Port Angeles Emergency Room.

New Years is the date I have chosen to use as a measuring stick for my bagpipial education. Every new year, I choose a tune that is beyond my present capability, and then I attempt to learn it over the course of the year. On New Years Eve, I attempt to play the tune on the spit overlooking the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Last year was the first annual "Spitpipe" where I successfully played "Auld Lang Syne" and "My Dream Valley". This year's "Spitpipe" was to feature my rendition of "The Blackbear Hornpipe"

The evening started off as always. My wife and her sister gathered for a nice meal, followed by the annual watching of "It's a Wonderful Life". I had laid out my kit so that at around 11:00 I could get dressed and head out. This year, we had invited several close friends to meet us at the spit for my recital. About half way through the movie, where George Bailey refuses to work for Mr. Potter, I decided to retrieve some egg nog from the kitchen. That's when it happened.

I don't recall this but witnesses state that I tripped over my sister in law's dog. All I recall is loosing my balance, falling into the living room wood stove and stepping on a decorative garden stone my sister in law had made Loraine for her birthday. The stone is very lovely. It is made out of a large piece of rock that sits upright. On it's face there is cut glass in the shape of a bunny, flowers and several finely cut shards of glass depicting field grass. Each blade of grass is cut to a fine point just like real grass. Avoiding the hot woodstove, my bare foot found the decorative garden stone, more precisely it found the grass on the garden stone, the very sharp glass.

I was reminded of the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail in which the Black Knight gets all his limbs wacked off and spurts rediculous amounts of blood from each stumpy limb. My first thought was "Gosh, I'm gushing kind of like the Black Knight". Now it wasn't like a garden hose or anything, but given the right motivation, I could probably have spray painted my name in the carpet. Loraine applied pressure immediatly and it was off to the ER. Loraine's sister Tani, stayed behind to clean up the blood and take care of the dogs. That is when she found the filet of skin draped over the grassy gnoll on the garden stone. She still hasn't recovered fully. In the ER they discovered that I had cut a divot out of my foot and that there was nothing to stitch.

Spitpipe was cancelled.

I have spent the last week either on the couch or in bed, watching bad sci-fi movies and drifting off on pain killers. All in all, despite the injury it han't been the worst vacation in the world. I have rescheduled Spitpipe for February when I will again attempt to play Blackbear, without all the blood.

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

2004-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Originally uploaded by eevans24.

Naked Pipers!

PIPING LESSON #26

2004-11-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

I had a very good lesson today, the kind where I felt well prepared, was relaxed and able to play an accurate rendition of my tunes without fumbling. I still have a long way to go on my two tunes, "Black Bear" and "Farewell to Nigg" but they are coming along. I finally am getting the concept of dot and cut notes down and I need to work hard to keep improving them.

Yoda is pushing me to understand that with dot/cut notes, the dot takes up 90 to 95% of the available time in the 16th note. The cut note only takes up the additional 5 to 10%. So, the 16th note should sound something like dooooooooooooooooootcut. I don't know if this will make sense to anyone else but me, but I tried.

For my next lesson I must concentrate on the following:

1. Relax the hands. I must have soft hands to play properly.

2. Don't lift my fingers too far off the chanter. When I lift them to make a note, lift them only a little. This will make it easier to change notes quickly.

3. In my dot/cut notes, make the dots very long and the cuts very short. This will give the music punch.

Also there is some good news about kilts. If I join a band, the band will do a fitting and sizing, and then purchase a kilt for me. I thought I would have to fit into one they already had.

Also, Yoda suggested that if I purchase a kilt, I get a fitting at Tartantown in Vancouver and have them order the kilt from Scotland. I can purchase the fabric independantly or through Tartantown. I am going to wait on this for a while. My twill utilikilt is doing fine for now.

LEARNING TO PIPE

2004-11-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

learning2pipe
Originally uploaded by eevans24.

Uncle Eric helps Owen with his first notes. Oh to have learned the pipes at his age! He was able to get all 3 drones working on his first attempt!

BACK ON TRACK

2004-11-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

After a long semi-hiatus in which my practice sessions have been short or non-existant, I have managed to get in 3 really good, hour long practices. It feels good to get back on track. I am learning that I get rusty very fast and that it is really important that I polish my repratoir regularly. I also am recommitting myself to using the metronome, tapping my feet with the beat and slowing down. My lesson is tomorrow and I will be continuing my work on The Blackbear Hornpipe and Farewell to Nigg.

Smallpipe Progress Report

2004-11-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

I've tried a couple of different approches since I got my smallpipes. My instructor told me to try to play tunes with the drones closed. My instructor is usually right, but I decided to try something different, based on the theory that you can't do two things at once (blow the bag and play the chanter) unless you can do each of those things individually. I'm worried that if I start with drones closed I will devlop bad breathing habits. (Now, I totally understand why this approach is necessary for the GHPs, out of physical necessity. But I have more than adequate lung capacity to blow the smallpipes.)

To that end, I opened all the drones (and tuned them correctly -- it turns out my instructor and I had the convertible D/E drone in the wrong position), turned on my electronic tuner, and tried to blow a consistent A note for, at first, four minutes, and work my way up to 20 minutes. Last night, I got up to 20 minutes for the first time. Now, I'm going to stick with 20 minute intervals, and work on my consistency. (I tend to be a little sharp when blowing and a little flat when squeezing). The hardest part thus far has been dealing with what I call a "spit crisis", when I must stop blowing, move the blowstock in my mouth, swallow excess saliva, then bring the bag back to the desired fullness, all without changing pitch. (Makes me wonder whether bellows blown smallpipes might be a good idea. That or a drool cup.) Sometimes afterward, I'll pick up my practice chanter and play a tune or two, just to make sure I'm not losing that skill. Surprisingly, I'm playing my chanter better than ever.

Another week of this, and I may be ready to start playing the bagpipes.

The Last Piper (see Eisengeiste)

2004-11-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!

2004-11-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Got my pipes. Now, with Michelle gone for another five days, I've got nothing to do but blow them. BTW: they sound great!

PIPING LESSON #24

2004-10-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am working on the BlackBear Hornpipe. It was one of my favorite tunes when I started piping and I still can't really believe I am learning it. Last year it seemed like an insurmountable goal. Now, it is somewhat within reach, though it may take many months to perfect.

I have not been playing the pipes much since I played for my boss's mother in law because I caught a pretty good chest cold and still haven't fully recovered. Loraine bought me an electronic chanter so I spent quite a bit of time horizontal on the couch playing tunes on it. After several weeks of laying off the pipes I am finding that my wind and chops have both suffered. I am now struggling to get back in shape to play.

My biggest problem with Blackbear is the many dot and cut notes in the tune. Jori's favorite mantra after I play for him is "great, now play it the way it is written". I tend to allow my ear to tell me how to play the tune, rather than relying on my poor sight reading.

So, for next lesson I will:

-Practice the Dot and Cut exercises Jori gave me.
-I will start learning "Farewell to Nigg" without listening to it first.
-I will clap out "Farewell to Nigg" and diagram the tune before playing
-Lastly I will work out the timing on Blackbear and not try to memorize it until it is perfect.
-Oh yes, and I will play the pipes often and to excess.

The Keith Highlanders

2004-10-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Last week, my family all went to see the Keith Highlanders perform in Kirkland outside of Seattle. Each year the keith Highlanders hold a Fall concert consisting of bagpipe music, Celtic music and dancing. Jori, a mentor/coach for the band also played 2 sets. It was a very nice evening and thanks in part to great seats, I learned allot.

The biggest thing I took away from this concert pertains to my breathing while playing the pipes. Jori blows allot more than I do when he plays. Instead of filling the bag and pushing the air out the drones, he is regularly topping off the air in the bag and doesn't have to use his elbow so much to force the air out. This is probably why he sounds so smooth and I have so many warbles. I will try to blow more and use my arm less, and see if that helps my music.

I have asked Jori about joing a band as part of my progress. He has often suggested that the Keith Highlanders might be a good band to join because they work hard at trying to get better. I was very impressed with the band and the pipe major and I would very much like to someday audition for them; however, I have many reservations. First, they play and practice 2 1/2 hours and a ferry ride away. Second, they take piping very seriously. Lastly, at my current weight, I really can't expect that they can provide me with shirts and a kilt. If I want to play seriously in a band, I must be willing to make a complete comittment to the band and I must lose at least 100 pounds. So, joing any band is a distant dream at this point but I will continue to learn standard tunes in the hopes that someday I can use them in a band setting.

John Walsh re-joins 78th Highlanders (Halifax)

2004-10-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

John Walsh rejoins old band. States "The Laird's new pipes will be delayed".

Area51--Now the Truth Can Be Told!

2004-10-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Lethal Force Authorized
Originally uploaded by eevans24.

Let me depart from Bagpipe news to spin this little story about a man, his rental car and a crazy dream to visit one of America's most mysterious and zany tourist spots, Area 51.

My wife Loraine teaches physical therapy classes for North America Seminars. A month ago she taught a class in Las Vegas. Now Las Vegas doesn't beckon me. In fact, I have worn my "Never Been to Vegas" moniker with pride ever since I was knee-high to a bean sprout. However, seeing the opportunity for a cheap vacation and badly needing a respite from work and politics, I took the opportunity to tag along. Loraine taught class during the day, while I played hooky. Then in the evenings, we had dinner and took in Vegas. The nightlife was fun, but that is not what I am here to tell you about. The Lairds stories of Vegas are far more interesting.

Instead I am here to tell you about my pilgrimage, my ascent into madness, my dance with the silly, my trip to Area 51. Yes folks, instead of blowing my wad in Vegas, I (the weirdo that I am) chose to run the rental car into the ground and visit the land of conspiracy theorists, urban militias, desert rats and cactus Kooks 120 miles North by Northwest of Las Vegas. The truth is out there.

In case you need a refresher, Area 51 is a semi-secret military installation long thought to be the facility used to test state-of-the art "black" aircraft and aircraft weapons platforms. Legend has it that this is where the SR-71 and the B-2 Bomber were tested and that they are now testing a new spy plane nicknamed "Aurora". Stranger theories suggest that the military has kept the remains of several alien beings and their spacecraft dating back to the Roswell incident in the late 40s. They are now retro-engineering the spacecraft and that is where they have come up with these "new" composites that are in the Stealth aircraft. Strange, dancing lights are regularly seen in the night sky over Area51. They seem to defy our understanding of physics and inertia. Are they of this earth? Nobody can say for sure because the base is heavily guarded with sentries, cameras and allegedly motion sensors. The truth is out there.

I turned the rental car onto Highway 15 North, connected with Highway 93 North and finally turned off onto "The Extraterrestrial Highway", State Route 375. The terrain is extremely harsh with cactus, yucca-type plants and Joshua trees. I pass an ancient lake completely devoid of water; only a saline ring around the lakebed indicates that there was once water there. I drive on, through endless wastes, thinking of movies like "The Road Warrior" and "Damnation Alley". The truth is out there.

25 miles up Highway 375, sits the town of Rachel and the jump off point to Area51. Rachel consists of about 6 trailers and one diner called "The Lil' Alien". A couple that ran the famed "Area51 Research Center" owns the gift shop. I buy a T-shirt, a mug and a couple of post cards. Also, for 33 cents, I buy a Xeroxed copy of a map to Groom Lake and Area 51. I chit chat a bit with the hard core UFOlogists in the diner. They tell me about the recent UFO sightings, the cattle mutilations, the mysterious "Black Mailbox"in the middle of the desert marking the entrance to Groom lake road and they urge me to watch out for "The Camo Dudes", camouflaged, armed contractors who guard the base and arrest trespassers. They reportedly are welcome to shoot anyone who sets foot inside the base. There have been no reported shootings of trespassers, but of course we'll never know about the unreported ones. The truth is out there.

I leave the Lil' Alien even more determined to get to the base entrance, just so I could say I'd been there. I take a few pictures of the diner as I leave, and then I backtrack up Highway 375 to Groom Lake Road and destiny. The truth is out there.

I travel up the seemingly endless, 2-lane road back toward the mountains and across the flat lakebeds of Nevada until; off in the distance I spot the Black Mailbox, or rather its replacement. The original Black mailbox was replaced and sold to a UFO club in Las Vegas. The new one is silver, built to withstand a nuclear attack and pocked with bullet impacts. There is one slot for mail addressed to a local rancher and one slot for UFO donations to help maintain the often-vandalized mailbox. The truth is out there.

With a little hesitation I ease the rental car off the road and onto the dusty, graded path that leads to Groom Lake road. The roads over the lakebed are more like graded paths. They remind me of the winter roads I used to drive on over lakes in Alaska, only instead of snow berms marking the edges of the one lane road, there is only sand. Joshua trees and cactus are the only signs of any life. I travel on for 3 miles, past an abandoned cattle stall, a rusting water tower and onto the second of 4 connecting fingers of road off into nowhere. A few miles more and I hit the intersection of Groom Lake road proper. I take a right and I am committed. I am on the road to Area51. The truth is out there.

As I drive the remaining 12 miles up groom lake road I begin rethinking my little adventure. I am in a badly maintained American-made rental car, on a maze of rocky, potholed roads with no discernable landmarks. I have no idea whether or not there is a spare tire. I haven't seen another soul in 2 hours. It is 100 degrees outside and I have exactly 1/2 of a cup of warm mineral water and a small bag of Planters Mixed nuts. I didn't even have the foresight to bring a friend along that I could kill and eat in an emergency. This would be a very foolish way to die, but I must persevere. The truth is out there.

The rental car bumps and bounces up the road and I find that the faster I go, the smoother the ride seems. Eventually, after what seems like hours, I finish the last 12 miles and pull up to the last turnout before the base and the end of my pilgrimage.

"No photography permitted...No trespassing... Use of deadly force authorized". A cluster of signs makes it very clear that this is as far as I'll go. There is not a sound. Up on the hill I spot a white SUV and what looks like a person watching me through binoculars. I can't be sure. Also nearby is a large tripod with various boxes, cones and antenna sprouting from it. Is this the famed motion detector system that is rumored to surround the base? It must be so. I fumble with my camera, take some pictures of the ominous signs and try to take a timed picture of me in front. All the while my tension and unease grows. I finally abandon the idea of a timer photograph and decide I have outstayed my welcome. Did I see the guy watching me from the hill get in his car and begin to approach my position. I thought I did. He was after me for sure, ready to die, or kill to guard the base's secrets. The truth is out there.

I hightail it out of there, back down the dusty road and out past the water tower and the black mailbox like I had seen a ghost. Maybe I did. I turn back onto the highway, check my gas gauge and zip down the road back to Las Vegas. Back at the Luxor Hotel I take out the map and look at my digital photos. Had I really been to Area51? Even an hour after the trip I question whether my visit had really happened.

Area51-The government insists it doesn't exist, yet transports "un-people" in and out on Jane flights from a secure section of the Vegas airport. The government insists it doesn't exist, but maintains a contingent of armed guards to dissuade visitors from nearing the borders on public land. In the mid 80s they petitioned congress to annex hills overlooking the base so UFO buffs could not spy on the runways. They claim it doesn't exist while hoards of unbiased, truth-seeking citizens have seen aircraft surely not of this earth. Is Area51 fiction or the biggest cover-up of our generation? The truth is out there friends, and I have seen it, or at least got up to the warning signs where I could have seen it if there wasn't a big hill in the way. And that's as good as getting there in my book.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM MY FIRST GIG

2004-10-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

I must play with consistent pressure on the bag. Seeing the video of my gig, I noticed that there were allot of warbles and sags in notes as the bag inflated and deflated while playing.

Several months ago, Jori showed me how to make a manometer that could plug into a drone so pipers could read the pressure coming out of the pipe. The device consists of a $40 pressure gauage connected to surgical tubing that is in turn, connected to a a rubber plug on one end (the plug has a hole in it). By inserting the rubber plug into one of the pipe drones, pressure is forced through the surgical tubing and into the pressure gauage. A piper can then read the gauage to see what kind of force they are pushing out the drones and whether or not the pressure is consistent.

When I tried it, the needle bounced back and forth from 20 psi to 40 psi. I had to struggle to try to keep the pressure consistent and even at my best moments the needle bounced around wildly. Jori, took up my pipes and was able to play a pretty complex piece while keeping the needle perfectly still at 50 psi or so.

I need to get out my manometer and practice consistent pressure so I can get rid of those warbles and sags.

FIRST PIPING GIG

2004-10-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

Eric Piping for Supper
Originally uploaded by eevans24.

I now have exactly one gig under my belt. This Saturday, in exchange for a very serviceable bottle of Scotch, I agreed to play a short set for a friend's mother-in-law. I was very nervous and didn't want to do it but agreed anyway.

Thursday night, I came down with a nasty cold and by Saturday both my ears were plugged and I felt miserable. In addition, the weather was appropriatly Scottish with drizzle and fog. Still, there are upsides to feeling terrible before a performance. I had neither the energy or tolerance to be nervous.

So, pipes in hand I set out to surprise the Mom who was born and raised in WWII Britain. I started up the street and marched down into her yard so that she could hear the pipes on her own and come out onto the porch to listen. She had no idea she was about to have a concert on her lawn (and neither did the neighbors).

Marching down the street and into her yard, I played the following tunes with only a few mistakes that nobody seemed to notice.

Barnyards of Delgady
Flower of Scotland
Mist Covered Mountains
Dark Island
Scotland The Brave
Happy Birthday

During "Happy Birthday", I was even able to pull off the "and many more" bent note that Jori showed me to finish.

It was a rousing success. Everyone in the audience got teary including the uninvited neighbors. After the concert we were invited in for a wee dram (at 9 am). She said it was the best birthday she ever had. This afternoon, I found a nice package on my porch with a tea cloth she had been keeping with a piper on the front and the words to Amazing Grace.

It was really fun and I am glad I did it. Here's hoping there will be more and better performances to come. Piping is a hoot!

There's another photo of me piping in traffic posted on Eisengeiste.

PIPING LESSON #23

2004-10-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

I had my latest lesson yesterday and it was a good one.

First we worked on my new reed. The reed had been very stiff and hard to blow. I have been putting it in every day or two and playing it a bit, then removing it for my easier #1 reed. Jori moved up the rubber band slightly and gently shaved it. Now it is much easier to play and the tone is improving.

Next I played one of the tunes that I intend to play during next Saturday's first gig. I played Mist Covered Mountains with no mistakes. Jori must have been impressed because he said that there was very little he could suggest in the way of improvement. He did manage to give me some pointers on timing.

Next I showed him my new Glengarry and he showed me how to wear it so that I wouldn't look like a dopy newbie.

Last, I started learning a new tune, Black Bear Hornpipe. Last New Year's Eve, I deided that my goal for the coming calendar year would be to learn Black Bear before next New Years. At the time it seemed a pretty unachievable goal. Now the tune looks quite dooable. Despite the bagpipe's reputation for being a difficult instrument, I am very satisfied with the rate at which I am improving. Hopefully, I will be belting out Black Bear on the beach at Ediz Hook come 2005.

BTW, Laird, Wicked Tinker's Bangers for Breakfast has a good version of the Black Bear. "Houy".

LOOKING FOR CD RECOMMENDATIONS

2004-10-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so thanks to the Viceroy, I have the Wicked Tinkers first album. What else is on the "must have" list? Can you rank the Wicked Tinkers second thru fourth albums?

PIPES ON THE WAY!

2004-10-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

I talked to my instructor/dealer this morning, and my pipes will be here late next week or early the next. This should give me sufficient time to complete the College of Piping Tutor vol. 1, as I'm burning through tunes now. (I nailed Earl of Mansfield very quickly, and am no working on The Inverness Rant.)

I elected to go with the John Walsh A/D Convertible Smallpipes, so I can kick it in two keys.

BBC News | Scotland | Ban bagpipes and kilts, says Englishman

2004-10-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

I wonder whatever happened to this guy?
Back in 1999:
BBC News | Scotland | Ban bagpipes and kilts, says Englishman

I actually feel sorry for him. English guy, probably just out of school, moves to Scotland, where he thinks it might be a good idea to start a campaign to ban kilts and bagpipes. I hope he wasn't planning on a career in Scottish politics.

New Bagpipe Mouthpeice

2004-10-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a bagpipe mouthpiece attachment that may help me with my teeth. It provides a flat surface for my bite that may put less angular pressure on my crowns. They work well, though i think they reduce the productivity of my blowing just a bit. So far I am able to compensate well. I will keep trying them and see how it goes.

Teeth Woes Contine

2004-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Temporary crowns broke again. For those of you just tuning in, there is a timeline.

July-Dentist convinces wife, Eric needs crowns on his fron teeth which were dead but completly intact as a result of a Rugby Injury 20 years ago.

July: Teeth are prepped and temp. crowns put on.
2 hours later: Temp crowns fall off while eating a soft tortilla
1 hour later: Temp crowns put back on.
1 week laater: Temp crowns fall off again while piping.
1 hour later: Temp crowns put back on with permanent epoxy
2 weeks later: New permanent crowns go on
2 months later: One crown breaks in half while piping.
1 day later: Crown patched
2 days later: Crown patch breaks playing pipes
1 day later Crown re-patcherd
1 day later: Both crowns re-prepped and refiled down to get new improved crowns.

Well see.

THOUGHTS (OR IN MY CASE, FANTASIES) ON PERFORMING

2004-10-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Funerals: Assuming I'm ever good enough to play at a funeral, i.e. good enough that I'm not running a risk of fucking up somebody's funeral, I would want to draw the line at playing Amazing Grace. As good as it is, that tune is tired. As much as Scotland the Brave is a cliche for a pipe band, Amazing Grace is for a funeral. The moment it became too much of a cliche was precisely when Scotty played it at Spock's funeral in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

I'm thinking it's always best to start small. If I want to play at a funerals, I think I'll start playing smallpipes at pet funerals, and work up from there.

Playing with the Band: If I ever play with others on a regular basis, I'd like to play with a small group with an edge and a punk-rock attitude. My fantasy punk-pipe band name: The Asshole Highlanders.

"Lad, are ye called the Atholl Highlanders?"

"No, we're the Asshole Highlanders."

FINALLY: GETTIN' MY SMALLPIPES ON

2004-10-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had my first lesson in more than a month. Given that I'm working at home as a consultant for a time, I was able to go in the afternoon and hang out with my instructor, Lynne Miller (proprietor of The House of Bagpipes) and Jek Cunningham (as I posted yesterday on Eisentgeiste, the "piper down" from So I Married an Axe Murderer) as they talked about wierd piping gigs, band competition judging (and how it's changed in the last 50 years), piping bands that suck, bad students who quit, obsessed students who can't stop, and the growth in the popularity of piping in Scotland. Jek is the elder of the two; born in Scotland, served in the RAF (which had no pipe band), and moved to New Zealand in the '50s, where he seriously got into piping. He said at the time that piping was basically dead in Scotland, except for the British Army, and was much, much more popular in New Zealand. (I've think it's kind of cool how Commonwealth nations are often better at carrying on British traditions than Britain, itself. Another example is cricket.)

Scottish interest in piping, according to Jek, started to rekindle in '70s, and is now stronger than ever. Lynne told of his first visit to the College of Piping in Glasgow (didn't say what year), and said that the place was a dump in a really bad neighborhood. Since then, the neighborhood has cleaned up, and countless contributions have refurbished the College.

After Jek left, I finished my lesson, hammering out all 4 parts of The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar, and told Lynne that I wanted to get the smallpipes, now. He said that he agrees that now is probably the time, and that, despite the times I've neglected my piping in the past 10 months, that shown willingness and ability to stick with it. (I got the impression from his conversation with Jek about bad students that most who quit either do so after the first couple of lessons, or after six months. ) Besides my desire to now play a real instrument, I'm also motivated by the fact that my practice habits tend towards fewer longer sessions than more frequent shorter sessions (which if probably worse, but that's just the way it is), and the limiting factor for my being able to carry on longer sessions is that the muscles around my mouth get too tired to blow directly into the reed, and I start emitting involuntary raspberries in the corners of my mouth. If only I had a reservoir or air, perhaps a bag of air, that I could use to blow through the chanter -- maybe I could play these "air-reservoir-pipes."

So Lynne is ordering up a set of John Walsh A-2000 smallpipes. I also considered the John Walsh shuttle pipes, but Lynne swears up and down that the sound of the smallpipes is vastly superior. They may arrive as early as next week, we'll see.

LOOKING SMART IN A TARTAN

2004-09-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a good article on proper kilt dressage and deportment, how to properly wear your colors with pride!

THESE CHEAP EARPLUGS ARE GREAT!

2004-09-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

6 months ago I gulped hard and bought a set of professional musicians earplugs. I found that the cheap foam earplugs just wouldn't allow me to hear my music well enough. I had the plugs fitted and they worked great, but at $125 they were not cheap and as it turns out, they did not fit my destructive lifestyle. First I left them in my pants pocket and put them through the wash. The filters popped out and I spent 30 minutes searching from them. I got them back together only to loose one a month later. I can't be trusted with nice, expensive small things.

For $7.99 I bought a pair of these HEAROS hifi earplugs. They fit well and are actually easier to insert and remove than my old pair. Don't buy a pair of custom earplugs until you try these.

ALL ABOUT REEDS

2004-09-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Some tips on new bagpipe chanter reeds:

1. New reeds are hard to break in and blowing can be hard going
2. Use a new reed sparingly at first. Play it just enough to get it moist.
3. Start out with a good quality reed.
4. Consider breaking in a few at a time
5. Treat them delicately and scrape them with great care.
6. Reeds can last from several months to a year (not much longer).

UPCOMING PERFORMANCE

2004-09-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

This month my boss approached me with a request: He would like me to perform for his wife's mother's birthday on October 9th. He suggested that I show up at 9 am and play in the front yard as a special birthday morning celebration. Hmmmm.

First, I had promised myself that I wouldn't "perform" for real until I had been playing for at least 2 years. Second, I am concerned about any request that could replace the word "piper" with the word "trained monkey". Third, playing in a residential neighborhood on a Saturday morning is a good way to get shot.

After giving it allot of thought, I have agreed to play. First, my boss' expectations are very low. He doesn't expect a recital, just "Happy Birthday" and a few other tunes. Second, I am sticking to my credo: "Pipers Play" no matter what. Lastly, despite my boss' many flaws, I have a great amount of loyalty to him simply because he hired me when nobody else would.

October 9th, I set out to play a 30 minute set consisting of the following tunes:

Barnyards of Delgady
Flower of Scotland
Mist Covered Mountains
Dark Island
Scotland the Brave
Happy Birthday

I will wear my utilikilt, new Glengarry, new socks and sporran. Wish me luck and good piping!

PIPING LESSON #22

2004-09-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

I had my first lesson in over a month. Yoda got back from Scotland and I finally got to get started again. We spent most of this lesson just trying to regroup. I was learning several new tunes and practicing several exercises, additionally, I have been looking into doing the Piping Institute Certifactions next summer. There was allot to go over. Basically, after the lesson, I am to continue working on Scotland the Brave and The Rowan Tree. I am also all set to do the class II certification from the Piping Institute.

I tole Yoda about my problems with my reeds while he was gone. For anyone just tuning in, one day I went to play for my family and my pipes were hopelessly out of tune. Nothing I could do got them to tune up. The sounded terrible. This problem continued on for several days even though I changed chanter reeds and fiddled with the drones. As mysteriously as the problem arrived, it left, and my pipes are fine now. I switched back to my usual reed and they are as bright and clean as ever. I suspect that the reed had simply dried out during the hottest part of summer, and that I finally got it moisened up enough to play again.

I explained my tuning problem to Yoda and he listened patiently, grinning and nodding . His response was, "sometimes pipes to weird things". He urged me to expect problems from time to time. He picked out a new reed for me to begin breaking in and made sure the pipes were tuned properly. Onward and upward.

ANDREW LENZ TO THE RESCUE

2004-09-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

Andrew Lenz's website has a very nice article on chanter reeds. I find myself again thanking Andrew for his excellent website and the articles therein.

EMOTIONAL INVESTMENTS

2004-09-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just a though here: Man was I bummed when my pipes wen't working. I didn't want to play the pipes. I didn't want to play the chanter. I didn't want to listen to pipe music. The tuning problem totally threw me off. Other times I have had similar responses are when I had a really sore back and when my motorcycle wouldn't start. I am so glad my pipes are working again. I think I will play a well-tuned jig!

BAGPIPES BACK IN TUNE

2004-09-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

My pipes are back in tune and the problem was solved by replacing my chanter reed. I don't know if my old chanter reed is dead or just wounded. It could be that they have simply sunk too low into the chanter stock, throwing off the tone. I tried to fix that problem by putting a bit more hemp on the chanter but it didn't do any good.

Finally, I replaced the chanter reed with an old one I used to use. Immediately, the pipes came back into tune. Whew.

I am sad that my working reed may be dead. Jori really liked it and said it was nice and bright. I am hoping he can save it when he returns from Scotland. If he can't, we can have a nice burial for it and I can play Amazing Grace. Perhaps a Viking Burial might be appropriate for a cane reed. Now if I can only find a Viking ship (that I can burn).

In the mean time, I will use my older backup reed. One advantage of this is that the old reed is easier to play. This is apparently not uncommon. The better and brighter the chanter reed, the harder it is to blow. High A notes (on a very bright reed)sound more gravely and require more air to play correctly. A duller reed, though dull, requires less air.

I must not tempt the gods by calling my only working chanter reed dull. Lets call it unencumbered by acoustic complexities instead.

ME PIPES WON'T TUNE!

2004-08-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

I have been having quite a time keeping my pipes tuned. It seems that when the hot weather hit, the hemp in all my pipe joints dried out and everything got loose. The chanter reed sank deeply into the stock of the chanter and some of the drones became very loose in the stocks. Loraine, my wife and tuner was unable to use our electric tuner to get the drones in tune.

Today i got out my waxed hemp and went to work on the loose joints. it is surprising how little hemp it takes to make a loose drone tighter. A few turns around seemed to do it. I don't want to over-do it an make anything too tight.

I also put some hemp around my chanter reed to make it seat higher in the chanter stock. We'll see later on if I can get the pipes in tune. They certainly seemed easier to play after I tightned everything up.

I am resolving to getting back to a firmer practice schedule now that the summer is winding down. Jori gets back from his UK conquest toward the middle of this month and I am sure he expects me to be well polished on the stuff he gave me. Here is my practice regime until he gets back.

-Crossing noise exercises, scales up and down the chanter
-Scotland the Brave
-The Rowan Tree (Memorized and able to march in place while playing)
-Rocking the Baby (Play without errors or crossing noises)
-When the Battle's O'er (If all else is done and I want to move on)

THE HEIGHTS OF DARGAI

2004-08-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have been playing "The Heights of Dargai" lately, a tune I learned at bagpipe camp that I like to call the "Bagpipe Superman Theme" because it kind of sounds like a superhero theme. The tune comes from an important battle involving the Gordon Highlanders where they won glory over incredible odds in the mountains of Afghanistan. For a full account of the tune and the battle, look here

CHISHOLM WINS TWO FIRSTS

2004-08-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hazzah, Jori wins in March and Strathspey at Glenisla. Now on to Oban and The Gold Medal this coming week. Good luck Jori!

WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

2004-08-14T20:22:00.002-07:00

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band takes first at Worlds followed by The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band in second. Results here:

SFU betters last years 3rd place finish. Jori is off to individual competitions later this month.

BBC RADIO SCOTLAND BAGPIPE SHOW

2004-07-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

"Pipeline" is a weekly radio program that airs on Scotish radio on Saturdays. The broadcasts consist of Pipe music, interviews with world-class pipers and contest results. Broadcasts are free to listen to and are archived so that you can listen to back issues. They will be broadcasting results from the Worlds next month.

BAGPIPER'S HEALTH PROBLEMS

2004-07-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here's an article from the BBC that suggests pipers may be more prone to lung infections from breathing in germs growing in the bag. It also suggests pipers are more likely to have distended stomachs from pushing air. Though I am inexperienced, I remain quite skeptical. First the doctor interviewed does not seem to have a clear understanding about how bagpipes physically work. Second, I don't suck air out of the bag, I blow air in. I am not using the bag as a breathing apparatus. As for the stomach thing, I dunno. I still seem to have the same girlish stomach I started with, ha.

PRACTICE AND MORE PRACTICE

2004-07-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just got done practicing. I managed to play on the pipes for just over 1/2 an hour with only minor breaks. This time of year is tough because, to be nice to the neighbors, I shut all the windows. It is hot.

I am trying Yoda's technique of practicing mostly on the pipes. When I get tired I move to the kitchen pipes and then finish off with the chanter. It seems to work pretty well.

I am currently working on Scotland the Brave and The Rowan Tree, two tunes I will probably end up playing in a massed band and also part of the Keith Highlander's tune list. You can find midi formats of these tunes here:

Scotland the Brave
The Rowan Tree

Today, I played for a bit without my earplugs in. It is amazing how the pipes sound without good earplugs. I don't like to play without my plugs in because my ears quickly start ringing and having played in a punk band, I have already suffered more than my share of ear damage. Still, occasionally it is vital, I think, to hear my pipes unfettered.

Yoda goes off to the World Pipe Band Championships, The Gold Medal at Oban and The Argyllshire Gathering after next week. Next Monday will be my last lesson for a month and a half. I am already suffering withdrawals.

INSTITUTE OF PIPING CERTIFICATIONS

2004-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier entry, one of my goals is to take one of the Institute of Piping certifications by next summer. Here is the lowdown on those certifications.

The Institute of Piping is a pretty prestigious body made up of the Piobaireachd Society, The Army School of Bagpipe Music, The College of Piping and the National Piping Center. The Institute offers certifications for pipers,and piping teachers. These certifications are used as one measure of a students accomplishment as they achieve higher levels of ability in piping.

There are 8 levels of certification for students and 2 for teachers. Each examination consist of a practical, oral and written segment. Each exam tests the student on their musical ability, music theory and their knowledge of the history of piping Here are their basic descriptions (I think I will take either Level 2 or Level 3):
__________________________________________________________

THE LEVEL ONE CERTIFICATE (PRELIMINARY) is intended to allow a beginner to assure themselves that they are learning correctly. Candidates will probably have been having weekly lessons for approximately six months.

THE LEVEL TWO CERTIFICATE (ELEMENTARY) can be taken by the average beginner within a year of starting to learn.

THE LEVEL THREE CERTIFICATE (JUNIOR) can normally be taken within the first two years of learning.

THE LEVEL FOUR CERTIFICATE (INTERMEDIATE) This standard is equivalent to that attained by an average learner after five years on the bagpipe.

THE LEVEL FIVE CERTIFICATE (SENIOR) represents a high standard of knowledge and ability. The candidate will be expected to be able to play fluently in a professional manner.

THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE is intended for those who have reached an extremely high peak of proficiency in the playing of the bagpipe and in their knowledge of everything connected with the art of piping. They must be able to play accurately with correct expression and be able to win professional prizes in ceol mor and ceol beag, although not necessarily against the top performers.

THE DIPLOMA is for pipers who are outstandingly gifted and who have worked very hard to develop their talent to a peak. They must be very well versed on all aspects of piping and must have contributed something new and original to the art. Their playing standard will be equivalent to winning a Gold Medal for ceol mor and the top prizes in ceol beag.

TUTOR'S CERTIFICATE is designed to provide a universally recognized basic teaching qualification. The candidate will be expected to display a thorough knowledge of the fundamental aspects of piping technique, and to communicate effectively in both individual and group lessons. The candidate must hold the Intermediate Certificate for playing ability.

SENIOR TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE The holder of this certificate will have a complete knowledge of all aspects of piping, and will be able to teach all types of pipe music, including piobaireachd, at all levels . The knowledge of the instrument, staff notation, and history required are all at Diploma Level, and the candidate must hold the Graduate Certificate for playing ability.

PERFORMER'S CERTIFICATE This certificate is designed to ensure pipers who take on public engagements are of sufficient standard to satisfy the requirements of the engagements to an acceptable playing level.

_____________________________________________________________

I am looking at these certifications as just another way to judge my own progress. They should be fun.

PIPING HOT SUMMER DRUMMER PHOTOS

2004-07-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to photos from summer piping camp.

A Windfall for My Lame (Not-Practicing) Ass

2004-07-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

I've missed about a week of practice due to a pretty bad chest cold. Now recovered, I must make up for lost time on "The 79th's Farewell to Gibraltar" while my instructor (Lynne Miller) is on vacation.

My co-worker (and former boss) Stuart Goodnick has been telling me for the past couple of weeks that he has a book of bagpiping tunes that he wants to give me. When I showed up this morning, there was well-worn copy of "Scots Guards: Standard Settings of Pipe Music, 1954" on my desk (the 1960 reprint, to be precise). I don't know if you know of this book (I imagine Jori and Lynne know it well), but it presents an amazing repertoire of pipe music -- over 280 tunes, about half of them marches, and over 80 strathspeys and reels. Plus, some cool old photos, history, and facts about the Scots Guards. I could spend the rest of my natural life trying to learn the stuff in this book.

2004-07-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

"The Dance" by Brueghel the Elder - Late 16th Century.

Notice not only the piper causing all the ruckus, but all the crazed nookie the pipe music is apparantly inducing. Better than boogie-woogie, apparantly.

FRRREEEEEEDDDDDOOOOOMMMMMM

2004-07-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

The Robert Burns Association of North America has condemned the merchants' treatment of 17-year-old George Muggleton, who was trying to make money for a trip to Scotland with his pipe band.

BAGPIPE LESSON #21

2004-07-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty good lesson today. I was feeling pretty schizophrenic after the Piping Camp so Jori and I spent most of the hour sorting out where I am, where I want to go and how to get there. We decided a couple of major things: First, I will start to study bagpipes with an eye to taking the second College of Piping certification exam next summer. I don't yet know quite what the requirements are, but I kind of enjoy taking tests and this will give me more reasons to learn new tunes and really get my music theory down solid. I will write more about the College of Piping certifications in another blog. Second, we decided that I should learn some common tunes so that I can play along with more tunes at the next Massed band. I will start learning "Scotland the Brave" and "The Rowan Tree" immediately. I have already started "Scotland the Brave" so I will try to have them basically down for my lesson in 2 weeks.

I played my 3 jigs for Yoda and they are still in poor shape with lots of crossing noises and choppy tempo. I mentioned that I had been taking my pipes to Ediz hook and pretty much only playing the tunes I know well. Yoda told me that "You are a shiny thing polisher”, meaning I am playing only the tunes I play well. He also told me that playing on the spit might be fun, but it is a performance, not practice. He suggested I put away my chanter and play my pipes in the house, playing the stuff I find hard and unpolished.

I have resolved to listen to Yoda and only go to the spit once and a while. For my next lesson I will:

Practice "Scotland the Brave"
Practice "The Rowan Tree"
Practice some Grip exercises he gave me
Work on the jigs if time allows
Do Jack Lee's exercises every day
Maybe go to the Spit on Saturday only and only if I practice at home first

A NICE CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

2004-07-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Loraine, Kenai and I went down to Ediz Hook in the mornigs to give kenai a romp on the beach and to give me a chance to play outside, and potentially in front of people. I have decided that in these semi-public surroundings I will try to only play the tunes that I have pretty much memorized and feel solid on. These include "Scots Wa Hae", "Flower of Scotland", "Mist Covered Mountains", "The Dark Island", and "Auld Ang Syne" and also perhaps, "The Company's Lament".

Today, I was out playing and I noticed a flock of local seals popped their heads up to watch and listen. They stayed there a good long time. Also, some kayakers paddled over to listen. This distracted me but I tried to play my best. After I finished, the kayakers paddled up near us and thanked me for the impromptu concert and to say that they had noticed the seals watching me. I thanked them for their kind words. It is the first time I have gotten compliments from strangers on my playing. It is one thing to hear from family and friends who more or less are forced to some degree to add encouragement, but when total strangers offer praise, this is something to be noted, and celebrated. It is truly a sign of progress.

I am becoming more focused on practice and am employing a metrinome and recorder to help me. I am also using Jori's trick of marking up my songs, splitting each movement up into a little project of its own and marking out the beat with a pencil. Disecting the tune in this way really helps. My weakest point at the moment is tempo and beat. I still am having trouble keeping time on my own and I constantly seem to want to rush things, especially when it comes to Jigs. i am continuing to work hard on my 3 jigs, "Rocking the Baby", "Cork Hill" and "Paddy's Leather Breaches"; however, my study of these three jigs has been somewhat interrupted by my piping school and the addition of "Dark Island" and "Heights of Delgai" to my list of songs. I am also starting to learn "Scotland the Brave" on my own. I figure it is time. I plan the focus of my lesson with Jori tomorrow to be getting back on track and maybe starting a new tune. We'll see.

Time For the the Discount Warehouse

2004-07-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

"Musical" Actor Alan Cumming had an arguably perfect answer for the deathless question,
"What do you wear under that kilt?"

"Oh, just a c--k ring."

(Delete if you must, Big E)

DON'T LET "THE MAN" TRAMPLE ON YOUR PIPES MR. MUGGLETON!

2004-07-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

"Bagpipes, are they a clarion call or car alarm?" A young piper's art is nearly stifled, yet critics crack.

SOME COMMENTS

2004-07-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

First, I wanted to say that I very much enjoyed Eric's account of PHSD. I very much hope I'll be able to attend, one day.

I returned from Alaska late last week, where I finally got some real practice time in. While my wife, father-in-law, and mother were out enjoying the sites, I was playing my chanter as much as I could, and making the progress that had eluded me for the previous month. I also took a long walk down the park strip, through Bootlegger's Cove, and into downtown along the coastal trail, stopping to practice tunes. This was my first-ever awkward attempt to play outdoors where someone might accidentally hear me.

Most of my practice was on three tunes: Highland Laddie, Carles with the Breeks, and Scotland the Brave, plus a Strathspey exercise that focuses on C and B doublings.

I also spent time trying to work on my birls. This was tough. I showed Tom Begich my chanter and played him a couple of tunes, and told him about the difficulty in playing birls while keeping my A finger completely covering the whole. He suggested some exercises with my pinkie that he teaches his guitar students, which I have been doing, but it is too early to tell if it will help. (By the way, I'd love to hear more about finger exercises, if you know any that have helped.)

When I started (last November), I had hoped to by on a bag by now, but as my instructor (Lynne Miller of The House of Bagpipes) insists that I perfect my fingering before doing so. At the current rate, this may take well into the fall, and even then, I may well focus on the smallpipes long before acquiring GHBs.

KITCHEN PIPES

2004-07-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

I purchased a set of kitchen pipes the other day. Here is a Picture of the Kitchen Pipes. Shannon, one of the pipers I met at PHSD had a set and they were fun, easy to play and quiet enough so that I could play in the hotel room.

The disadvantages of these pipes is that they are plastic (the bag is leather), they don't sound as good as wooden pipes and they really have to warm up before you can tune them.

The advantages are, you can play them anywhere without ear plugs. They use a highland bagpipe chanter so fingerings are the same. They replicate the breathing process of the Highland bagpipe but need much less air.

So far, I have found that the best way to use them is to practice on my full-size pipes until I loose my wind or my lips go numb and then switch to the kitchen pipes. Because the chanter on the kitchen pipes is thinner than on the highland pipes, I can play it much faster.

All-in-all, Kitchen pipes are a good choice to supplement the real instrument because of their virsatility. I suspect my teacher is worried about my picking up bad habits on them and I will supplement this entry if I find myself falling into any bad habits.

PHSD CAMP-DAY 5 (LAST DAY)

2004-07-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:00 and begin to get packed. I must be down to Town Hall for the last meeting at 9:30 followed by massed band. The massed band is just that, a giant band made up of all of the pipers and drummers in camp. Massed bands usually play standard tunes like Scotland The Brave and Green Hills of Tyrol. I don’t know these but I will fake it. We will also be playing a tune Jack Lee picked out, Heights of Delgai. I have been working hard on this tune all week, though it is a little above my skill level.

We gather in the parking lot for the massed band. We strike up our pipes and form a circle around Jack Lee, playing Green Hills of Tyrol while several instructors go around and tune each student’s drones. Next we form 8 rows of perhaps 10 pipers each. I deliberately place myself in the middle of the band since I will not actually be playing many of the tunes. More experienced pipers tell me to simply put enough pressure in my bag to make the drones sound, but not enough pressure to make the chanter play. It is a trick everyone uses at massed bands when they don’t know the tune. This way, I can drone on and on without disrupting the music. I will play both the Heights of Delgai and Amazing Grace.

The pipe major controls the tempo and movements of the band. Ours has us perform a right face and we begin marching into town playing Green Hills of Tyrol. Once into town we play the other tunes. I don’t like not knowing any common piping tunes and I am going to make it a point to talk to Jori about learning some standards.

The week has come to an end. It has been a week of firsts: First camp, first time playing with other pipers, first time in a band, first performance, first strasthbey/reel/hornpipe. I wish I had the opportunity to go to camp once every couple of months instead of once a year.

If one has the funds, bagpipe camp is a great way to learn allot quickly. It is not the most relaxing vacation I have every taken, but perhaps it is the most fulfilling. My calendar is already filled in for next year’s camp.

PHSD CAMP-DAY 4

2004-07-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

After morning meeting we got together with our group and worked on some tunes. So far we have learned parts of the following tune types: Strathsbeys, Slow airs, jigs, reels and a hornpipe. We worked on a very complex hornpipe and I learned how to do embellishments called “Pele’s”. Jori says they are modern constructs named after the famous soccer player Pele. I am assuming they are so named because Pele could do magical moves with a soccer ball that no one else could master.

Our group is in chaos. We have decided to play Dark Island for our piece at the Ciel Deh (pronounced “cayley” meaning gathering), To add flair, we are planning to sing the first verse of the tune and the chorus. Then one of the better pipers will play the first verse. Then all of us will chime in on the second round and the chorus. The problem is that only about 4 out of the ten of us wants to practice. The others have various reasons whey they are either above practicing or too below our level to even make an attempt. Whatever the excuses, I think that they are letting their nerves talk them out of the attempt. I am sticking to my credo: “I intend to play badly until I don’t, so there”.

This evening I went to a very good workshop on proper study habits. Here are some of the things I learned: Before playing a tune for the first time, dissect it. Use a pencil and mark our each of the beats. Use colored markers to highlighted repeated measures that are identical, clap out the beats of the tune while singing it in your head. Only after you get to know your new tune should you attempt to play it. Also, work on the tough parts separately and get them very clean. Never just play a tune over and over. The most important thing is not to learn the tune wrong. If you simply play it over and over, you will simply imprint the tune with your mistakes included.

PHSD CAMP-DAY 3

2004-07-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

General meeting in the morning to run through practice drills and sing a piobaireachd
piece we will be singing of Friday. Also played a tune way over my head that we will be playing on Friday. I have to thank Jori for steering me in the right direction. Even though I am slower than others in my group, my accuracy is better. I also learned that I read music notation at the same speed that I read English writing. This makes me much slower to absorb tunes for the first time.

Most of the day was spent working in small groups on different tunes, playing and tuning our pipes and working on music structure, beat and tempo.

In the evening I attended a very good lecture on music theory. I learned the difference between compound and simple time and how to figure out the timing of tunes as I listen to them.

PHSD CAMP-DAY 2

2004-07-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Up at 7, shower, walk dog and return to hotel to practice. At 8:00, several bands whose members are here at camp, take turns to play a sort of reveille. One Police band from Port Orchard is here. I talked to one of their members and they are looking for pipers. He gave me the link to the website. I want to talk to Jori about it before pursuing the possibility.

Met for 2 hours with my group practicing "Dark Island" and another tune then went to “Introduction to Piobaireachd” class for an hour, then back to my group for another hour. This afternoon our instructor was Jack Lee. He said my pipes were brilliant and sounded great, nice and crisp. Perhaps this is because they are the exact model used by the SFU pipe band.

This evening I went to a pipe maintenance class and watched other people with pipe problems work them out. There were drones that were too tight and valves that were gummed up. I watched for a while and met some very nice people. Here are two very valuable things I learned. First, don’t be too quick to join a band because after that, you will always be working to keep up and won’t have the same time to learn that you do now. Second, join the very best band you can find.

PHSD CAMP-DAY 1

2004-07-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Last night we arrived at the Silver Star Ski resort and bagpipe refugee camp. The resort itself is about 20 minutes outside of Vernon, BC up a steep hill, thus the ski area. The trip to Vernon was predictably devilish with allot of July 4th weekend traffic. We’d figured Friday that we could reach Pentiction by nightfall but at 9:30 pm we finally found a dog-friendly hotel in Okanogan. Saturday was much better. The drive up the Okanogan valley was really scenic. I love the high desert country and the hot breath of the land as you stroll through parks along the river. My sense is that driving through, the Okanogan has become the secret playground of the mostly rich. Dams that back the water up and create calm, lakes with sandy beaches bedevil the Okanogan River. These lakes were full of boats and water skis. Though the land is pretty, I would love to see it pre-irrigation in its dry, spiky splendor.

Having found groceries and scotch, we arrived at the Silver Star resort. It is a pretty place, full of trees and ravens. The resort makes a little city in a bowl at the bottom of the ski run. Each building is brightly painted in yellows and purples, reds and greens. Right now it is completely quiet except for a wedding party.

I meet my first piper named Shannon who has a funny Glasgow bumper sticker on his car. He has been playing for 30 years. We chit chat for a bit and agree to meet up when class starts, though he will surely be in a more advanced class. We settle in and get ready for tomorrow.

Day 1

Woke up around 7:00 and took the dog for a short walk, returning, I found that the hot water nozzle in the show is broken. Could waking up to “bad” pipes be an omen of what is in store? That’s OK. Perhaps going grubby with help my nerves.

At 9:00 I walk down for registration and meet the mother of a kid who came all the way from Birmingham, England for this class. I am constantly amazed that with no experience of my own, I have managed to surround myself with the very best of pipers. I get my music packet, t-shirt and head over for auditions.

I stand in line for my class entry audition and meet the young piper from England. He is in a grade 3 band with one defeat and a high ranking at the worlds. In short—He is probably very good. He admits that he is very nervous. An 11 year-old from Minneapolis is asked if he plays better when he is nervous. He laughs and gives an amused, disgusted “no!”, as if that was the dumbest idea in the world. I can look in the door at the present auditioner as I stand in line. He is playing for Jack Lee. Jack Lee seems much younger than he does on stage. But he has the same aire of self-assured kindness. It is my turn. I enter the room, shake hands and tell him I am from Port Angeles. We banter a bit and then I play a snippet of Mist Covered Mountains. He says “OK, Great” “So it is clear you have played on the pipes for a while”. I say, “Yes” and he taps some keys on his computer. “OK, well see you at one…. next!” I had just ended my first audition with Jack Lee.

The students were to meet up for an orientation 2 hours later at 1 p.m., Loraine and I took Kenai on a long hike and I played my chanter. While we were gone, a plumber fixed our pipes.

The afternoon lessons got going quickly. Every piper was given a packet of 45 songs. We were assigned groups. Each group is named after a famous piper of yore. My group is the “Robert Dwyer Joyce” group. There are 8 of us, all over 40, all men, 4 of them are named “Jim”(it’s true). Almost all of them are in bands and some have up to 10 years of experience. One person told me that Jack Lee has a very good eye for a student’s talent and present skill level. Even though it looks as if I am in over my head compared with the other students, I plan to accept that Jack has paid me a compliment and see what happens. The first day is spent playing chanter exercises for the teacher and going over songs we might play in the Ceilidh, a Scottish gathering on Thursday night. Each group must play one tune. We decide to play “The Dark Island”, a Slow Air by J. McLaughlan. As we play our chanters and pipes I come to realize that Jori has helped me make up for some of my inexperience by making me really practice my embellishments and note reading. I still feel a bit behind. But my embellishments are as good as any in the class.

Last night the teachers, mostly from the SFU pipe band, put on a show. Jack Lee, Jori, and a host of others played for about 2 1/2 hours. It was a great end to the first day.

BACK FROM PIPING HOT SUMMER DRUMMER BAGPIPE CAMP

2004-07-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

We'll, I am back from Bagpipe Camp, tired but energized after having a great time. I can't believe the amount of stuff I learned in less than a week. I will post some exerpts from a log I kept of the week.

Bagpipe Lesson #20

2004-06-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

I just had what I am estimating is BP lesson #20. I have been going for about a year, twice a month, minus a month or so the Jori either was in Scotland or Christmas interferred.

I learned something I think is very interesting today. I am playing some faster jigs now and I am noticing that I am getting breathless and that the bag requires more air. Here is what I learned and it is very important: A bagpipe requires no more air to play a fast tune, than it does to play a slow tune. Rather, students find themselves breathless because they are concentrating on playing a more difficult tune, and their breathing goes to hell in a handbasket. I am simply forgetting to breath properly because I am being challanged in other ways that are taking my concentration.

I also learned that I am continuing to make crossing noises on most of my jigs. I must learn to raise the fingers on the low hand before putting down the fingers on the high hand, and visa versa.

The most important thing for me to remember at the moment is this: SLOW DOWN AND PLAY THE TUNE PERFECTLY. IF YOU ARE NOT PLAYING IT PERFECTLY THAN YOU ARE PLAYING TOO FAST.

Bagpipe camp starts Sunday.

LESS THAN 1 WEEK TO BAND CAMP WOO-HOO

2004-06-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, less than one week to band camp. I am looking into locating an internet connection so I can make a few posts as the week progresses.

Loraine, my supportive wife will be coming along to catch up on a dirth of paperwork from her busy physical therapy practice.

Should be great fun for all except perhaps any unsuspecting residence of Vernon, B.C.

Here are some photos from last year's camp.

MY CURRENT SONG LIST

2004-06-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Scots Wa' Hae - 4/4 March
Flower of Scotland - Slow March
Dream Valley of Glendaruel - 3/4 Retreat
Mist Covered Mountains - Waltz
The Company's Lament - piobaireachd
Corkhill - jig
Rocking the Baby - Jig
Patty's Leather Breaches - jig

LOST ME TEETH I DID

2004-06-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

Note to self: Don't get crowns put on your front teeth one week before bagpipe camp. I have documented my sad story below.

It all started 20 years ago on a rugby pitch in Flagstaff, Arizona. We had a very large rugby team so freshmen (like me) were told they would only get to play during the second half. For this reason, it didn't alarm me when I got to the field to find I had forgotten my mouthguard. After all, I would only be playing half the game.

Now, I will not go down in history as a great rugby player, but I had my moments. I noticed that in large rucks (a disorganized pile of large men generally pushing each other around) the ball would often be on the ground, but nobody bent down to pick it up. For the first year of my short rugby career I made a living at picking up the ball in rucks. I would pick up the ball, turn my back to my opponents and hopefully feed the ball out to our forwards. It was simple, I could do it, and it helped out our team. I know now that it is also a good way to get your teeth knocked out. On that particular day (sans mouthguard), I went down to pick up the ball in a ruck like I had done many times before. Unfortunately, somebody else had the same idea. A quicker, shorter "somebody". The timing of his lunge was such that he had picked up the ball and was coming back up, at just about the time, I was starting down. My upper teeth hit his shoulder blade square and hard. Right then I noticed something was amiss. My nice (post braces), smiley teeth were no longer perpendicular to the roof of my mouth. In fact they were nearly parallel. Sad testament to the ferocity of the blow was that the other guy had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. By reflex, I took my two front teeth with my thumb and disengaged them from the roof of my mouth like a glob of peanut butter. This put them back in proper position but they were hanging on by a thread. In the emergency room, I found out that I had not only broken the 2 front teeth, but I had fractured the sockets they went into. I had broken my jaw. Time, new braces and root canals saved the front teeth that have served me well for 20 years right up until last week.

I have had the same dentist for the last 5 years. It is the longest dental relationship I have maintained since childhood. My dentist, Dr. Irwin is somewhat childlike and he is gentle. During my first office visit, I caught him playing Warcraft (a computer game) in his office between patients. Since then we have always talked about computers and computer games. Every visit, he examines my front teeth and suggests that I get crowns. Every visit he contacts my insurance company to see if they would pay for my crowns. Every visit they say "no" it is purely a cosmetic procedure. This has become a verbal ballet between me and my dentist. Every visit he suggests crowns and every visit I say "no" unless my insurance company will kick in. This gets me off the hook and satisfies Dr. Irwin too.

A few weeks ago I went in for a cleaning and the office had changed. There were new computers, fancy fountains, a billing department and fancy furniture. Dr. Irwin had gone upscale. The cleaning itself had not changed and our little dance about the crowns continued. "Someday I am gonna do those front teeth". "Sure, Sure, submit it to my insurance and we'll see". But this time things were different. Helga the Prussian billing agent slipped it by insurance and my days of stalling were up.

I went in to get my temporary crowns. The dentist was very gentle as he ground away at my front teeth making little indentations and ledges for the new crowns. He then had his assistant glue on temporary crowns made of acrylic. Nothing like wearing linoleum on your teeth. Anyway, badda-bing, badda-boom, the work was done and new crowns I had, temporaries until my permanent ones arrive in 3 weeks. This is when the problems began.

2 hours later I was eating reheated, leftover Chinese food when the crowns separated from my front teeth. I went back to the dentist, had the reattached with stiffer cement and came home. That night while biting into a soft tortilla, they separated again. The next morning I returned to the dentist who heard an ear-full about how I need my teeth to play the pipes and that I have bagpipe camp in one week in the wilds of Canada. They grind away, get out something that smells like boat epoxy and cement the crowns on permanently. There is talk that if they fall off again, there will have to be more grinding, more etching, stiffer epoxy and perhaps some other nasty stuff.

I have been playing the pipes for 2 days and so far the crowns are now holding. I am trying to eat only soft food in small, bits to avoid any unnecessary pressure on my teeth. Here are the lessons I have learned:

1. Don't undergo any elective surgeries or dental procedures 1 week before bagpipe camp.
2. Don't ever agree to have the dentist fix anything that isn't broken
3. If the billing clerk is Prussian, run, don't walk in the other direction.
4. Always wear your mouthguard and don't pick up the ball from the middle of a ruck!

GOOD ADVISE ABOUT KILTS

2004-06-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Stewart Nimmo has a very good piping site and also has a few things to say about kilts. The pictures say it all.

WHAT'S UNDER THE KILT

2004-06-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

What are you wearing under that kilt? This is the most asked question to anyone who has ever worn one. As a new piper, I am not sure how to answer. As I mentioned, my first standard answer "PINK G-STRING" just scared people. I also like the whole mystery of the thing. If I revealed what I wear or do not wear under the kilt, it would just ruin the fun.

Here is what I suspect is the deal with kilt undergarments. Newbies are allowed to ease into the kilt thing with proper coverage. However, if one joins a band or is able to play a proper "Black Bear" in proper tartan colors, it is time to live up to the heritage of those who went before. The eyes of a thousand piping souls look down from heaven to make sure their tradition is carried on. Of course it is those souls who look up from below who really have the vantage point.

I plan to as Jori "Yoda" about this at some point but I think I might need a pint or two before I broach the subject.

DRONE TUNING

2004-06-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here's that article on drone tuning.

MORE ON DOG'S LUNGS AND SALMON LOAF

2004-06-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

First an update: I have been hitting practice hard, especially practice on the pipes. I am getting used to playing badly and playing practice exercises on the pipes without caring how I might sound to the softball field across the street.

I am now wondering about tuning. I found a good article on tuning and I will try to post the link later.

Now to the dog's lungs: As Loraine mentioned, Kenai seems to love the pipes. We have always been able to get her to howl by doing some howling ourselves. If we are alone with her, we can start an "Owooooooo" and she will raise her muzzle to the heavens and howl right along. She would only howl along with us in private and not around other people or other dogs. It was strictly a family affair.

From the first time I started huffing and puffing on the pipes, Kenai has sung right along. At first of course I could only play for a minute or two. Kenai would switch between long, plaintiff howls and short, sharp barks, exclamations regarding the aloneness of the human/doggie condition I am sure. I Noticed that with each howl or bark, her whole stomach would punch flat. She was clearly singing from the diaphragm and getting the most volume out of each howl that she possibly could.

One day we had my brother, his children, and my sister over for dinner. There was fresh Pacific Northwest Salmon for everyone and leftovers for Kenai. After dinner, as pipers are want to do, I got out the pipes for a quick concert to show the family the progress we had been making. It was also Kenai's premiere performance among my family.

We played "Flower of Scotland" well enough I guess for a beginning piper but Kenai was the real show-stopper. Her barking and howling brought the audience to their feet quite literally. Toward the end of the song, Kenai stopped singing and started looking for a place to ralf. She spewed forth what could only be described as "Salmon Loaf", not the most viscous spew I had ever seen, but a very polite puke on an out-of-the-way portion of the carpet. We all gathered around to view the peculiar orange and brown loaf lying on the carpet as if it was some kind on mutant, alien intelligence, growing up from the floor. Quite astounding stuff it was indeed. Later, loaf cleaned up and family gone the concert and crisis ended without further event.

Today, I always practice before dinner. I will ask Kenai "Kenai, How about some singing!". With that Kenai will spring to attention and sit attentively until I get the pipes. One Breath, Two breathes, with the third breath we are both singing, and no more Salmon loaf has been see since.

The Dog's Lungs

2004-06-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

I am the wife of the piper and along with our puppy dog, I am learning to love the pipes. Perhaps love is strong word...but over time it COULD become love. Or at least, I hope so! In the meantime; however, the puppy dog is getting great abdominal workouts singing with her papa while he is piping. This dog who quickly ran away when the guitar and microphones were brought out has been quite the shock when she runs to the pipes being played. With Eric's improved stamina poor Kenai is getting quite the workout and her lungs seem to be holding out well!

THE PIPES ON D-DAY

2004-06-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

There was some discussion about the piping scenes in "The Longest Day" and the piper who played "Black Bear" throughout the movie. It appears that the account in the movie is nearly completely factual.

Check out this article: "The Pipes on D-Day" from Piper and Drummer Magazine.

"We were the first out of our troop to reach the shore. The ramps on the boat went down and as we stepped off Lovat ordered me to play 'Highland Laddie.'"

-Bill Millin

ARCTIC WINTER GAMES ALIVE AND WELL

2004-06-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

I noticed that The Arctic Winter Games are still going strong.

THE PIPER IN THE WOODS

2004-06-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished practicing and my stamina is getting better and better. I was able to play through the 7-minute "Company's Lament" and continue on to practice 2 of my 3 current jigs, "Rocking the Baby" and "Corkhill". I find as expected, that the more I apply myself and play with an eye toward extending my endurance, the more I can do. I guess it is the reverse of "Garbage In, Garbage out".

THE PIPER IN THE WOODS

My first really recollection of bagpipe music was in 1974 at the Arctic Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska. The games took place in the heart of winter and consisted of skiing, dog sledding, hockey, and perhaps some Eskimo games. I remember it being very cold, mostly out doors; being bundled up from head to toe and seeing my breath hang in the air, also the smell of dog poop from the dog sleds. I will always have affection for the smell of chilly weather and dog poop. Mixed in with dozens of momentary memories of the Arctic Winter Games were the pipers who played at the opening and closing ceremonies. I remember being very impressed by the outfits and the drones extending above and behind each piper, the feeling of being filled with music, rather than just listening to it, and the chest raising, heart-pounding feelings that come with good pipes. I have a theory that people react to pipers because the loud vibrations actually cause ribs to vibrate, and it is this subtle vibration that people fold into their over-all appreciation (or lack thereof) for the pipes. The Arctic Winter Games is where I first "reacted to the pipes".

Several years later my mother bought my father a bagpipe cassette of traditional marching tunes. I didn't take much interest in it until I was in high school, then I commandeered it for my own uses. I played hockey in High School. We lived on a mountainside above Anchorage and I used to drive down to the hockey games at the Ben Boeke Arena near downtown. As the goalie, I had to get to the locker room extra early to get on my ample gear. I would make a practice of getting there extra, extra early to sit alone, the locker room all to myself. I brought a Walkman with that bagpipe tape in it and I would listen to Scotland the Brave and many other common tunes as I adjusted my attitude for the organized, mostly bloodless war that awaited me. As a teenager, I was completely full of myself, but those pipes and that cassette helped me face what was then, to me, a life or death struggle. How time has a way of making us look stupid despite our best efforts to the contrary.

During my college career, I went to Northern Arizona University for a year in Flagstaff, Arizona. Having grown up in Alaska, Arizona seemed like a logical, refreshing contrast. It was in many ways, but in very different ways than I thought. The town of Flagstaff sits at 7000 feet near The Grand Canyon and can be bitter cold in the winter. Very little stops the relentless wind from whipping crystallized snow across the alpine meadows and through campus. When spring finally hits, it is more than welcome. The snow melts and the meadows came out to bloom. One day, I was returning to my dorm room from the dining hall when I heard the sounds of a well-tuned set of pipes coming from the forest on the edge of the University grounds. I proceeded up to my dorm for a moment then thought, "what am I doing? Here a very interesting adventure has literally been thrown before me and I am going to ignore it completely?" I found a small trail into the woods and walked for about 1/4 mile, the pipes growing louder all the while. There in a small thicket, his music propped up on a tree stump was a guy piping away. He was my age, and I recognized him from the dorm. I immediately understood. The jocks in the dorm would surly have made good sport of this guy, had he dared play in the dorm area. We struck up a conversation. He wanted to learn guitar and the bagpipes intrigued me. We agreed to swap lessons. I would give him a 1/2 lesson on the guitar in exchange for a 1/2 lesson on the pipes. Unfortunately once I went back into the dorm, the magical moment had been broken. Once back in the dorm room, with the other jocks and hair bears, all those young adult insecurities took hold. Why was this person alone in the woods piping? Why didn't he have other better things to do? Why didn't I ever see him around campus? He's probably some kind of pervert or Nazi, or worse. Foolishly, I talked myself out of what could have been a life-altering opportunity. At 21, I didn't know better. Now I do. Had I taken him up on his offer, I would have had 19 years of piping behind me. Instead I am a newbie at 40. I hope that piper reads this blog and understands that even in our brief 30-minute encounter, he planted the seed for my piping today. He has my complete and total thanks and sincere apology for judgments grounded in vanity and my own insecurities. The fact is, I just wasn't "man" enough to try something new and different.

Last winter the McGregor Pipe Band came to our little town. It is a band made up mostly of young, beginning pipers. Most of the pipers and drummers were under 18. Most of them had less than 4 years of experience. They played beautifully. Each one puffing out their cheeks and concentrating like 15 brain surgeons. During the 1 1/2 concert I thought allot about the piper at the Arctic Winter Games, my pre-game hockey ritual, and especially about the piper in the woods. I am a firm believer that "When the student is ready, the master will appear". It occurred to me that my "master" had already appeared 3 times before when I was too busy or stupid to take note. Not this time. Within weeks of the concert I had begun lessons.

I may never get to be the greatest piper in the world. At 40, I wonder if I will even get to be listenable, but I now have one advantage I have never had before, I don't care. I don't care if I am ever listenable, or if I become great. I don't much care what the neighbors think when I wear my kilt. I try to have empathy for their sleeping hours, but that is it. I have found so far that all really good pipers possess this "hell-or-high-water" attitude. I am going to play badly until I don't, and if people whisper to each other "man that guy sucks" then good.....I can't hear them anyway.

JIGGLEY'S

2004-06-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

So if a medley is a series of tunes played in succession, wouldn't a series of jigs played in succession be called a "Jiggley"?

TODAY'S LESSON

2004-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

I had my bi-weekly lesson today in Seattle. It went very well with some good points and some bad points. I was able to my 5-minute Piobaireachd piece and continued on to play Mist Covered Mountains and my new jig. The good part of the lesson was my general stamina. The bad part was the crossing noises.

Crossing noises are common for beginners and lousy pipers in general. It is the sound made when a piper sloppily moves their fingers between 2 notes. One or more fingers on the bottom hand release their positions before the top hand comes down on the new note. The resulting miss-alignment makes an unintended and usually grating note where none is called for.

Jori marked all of the sequences in which I was making crossing noises and I intend to work on just these hand changes so that I can remover the bad habit I have gotten into. Only after I remove the crossing noises will I go back to playing the tunes. There is no sense in playing the tunes wrong.

DON'T LEARN ANYTHING WRONG. IT IS TEN TIMES HARDER TO UNLEARN A BAD HABIT THEN TO AVOID PICKING IT UP IN THE FIRST PLACE.

OH THE HUMANITY

2004-06-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING ABOUT JENNIFER LOPEZ JUST SCREAMS "BAGPIPES"

Taking place beneath a white tent, the ceremony kicked off around 6 p.m. and clocked in at under 30 minutes, Us reports. The whole affair had a tropical Latin theme, complete with exotic flowers, Latin music, Cuban food (courtesy of Madre's, Lopez's Pasadena, California, restaurant) and, um, Bagpipes. We couldn't make this stuff up.

The Astonished Piper

2004-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Speaking as a "friend of the piper," I just saw the Longest Day again, particularly the section where the piper, who has just been greeted with disbelief, newly greets in disbelief a local French marshal riding up on a bike in a brass helmet. This may be the most empathetic moment towards a piper ever filmed, including an incredibly rare Bagpiper Point of View (BPOV) shot. Rarely does cinema lets us inside the piper's head, which is a shame really, because there is no better noise to indicate astonishment than the sound of a bagpipe deflating mid-song, nor better person to mirror war than the man pegged to simulataneously inspire, soothe, grieve and intimidate.

It is difficult to think of any other instrument played normally in battle in the 20 century, except of course the 1962 Lockheed Mezzo-Soprano Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.

DID YOU KNOW?

2004-06-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Bill Nye "The Science Guy" from Seattle, once used bagpipes in an episode of his children's science program to depict how the lungs work. The tune played was "Scotland The Brave" and the piper was Bob Young, also from Seattle.

You can find a comprehensive list of bagpipes in movies and television at "Bagpipes Go to the Movies".

2/4 March Techniques

2004-06-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Jori penned a very good article about 2/4 March Techniques and a good follow-up to my own discussions about practicing in general. I especially like the part about not just playing a tune, and the same mistakes over and over. It is clear that to learn the bagpipe, you must identify and attack your weak points.

THE WORLD LOOSES A GOOD ONE

2004-06-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Pipe Major John Thomas MacKenzie, an acclaimed bagpiper and war veteran who performed for British royalty and for fallen soldiers, friends and strangers, died earlier this month in Ontario, Canada. The longtime winter resident of Port Charlotte was 83.

PRACTICING WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO

2004-06-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

I had a very good practice today. Everything sounded generally good, fewer mistakes than normal and my wind was good. I played my Piobaireachd piece and some jigs without stopping. Then I took a break, reviewed some notes and did a set of my older tunes. Everything fell into place. This is not typical. I think most pipers live for their magical practices and performances, few and far between though they are.

My practices vary widely from "really good" to "absolutely horrible". I have had practices when I was tempted to throw my whole kit into the trash and pick up a new instrument, like a tambourine or one of those egg shakers or something. Just when I think I shall always languish in mediocrity, I have another good practice that energizes me again. Here is my tip for the day:

Practice even when you don't want to. Sometimes it is when you are feeling your worst, that you will play your best.

THE BLACK BEAR HORNPIPE

2004-05-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

The Black Bear Hornpipe is one of my current favorite tunes and it is my goal to learn how to play it before my second year of piping is over. Most people have heard Black Bear. The best movie about the D-Day invasion "The Longest Day" features Black Bear. The piper in the movie plays it exclusively throughout the second half of the movie. I have heard Black Bear performed several times and I noticed that the audience yells something incomprehensible at the end of the first line of the first measure. I have recently found out that the audience is yelling "Hoy". I am told that it is likely audience members shouting "Hoy" are probably other pipers who have marched to this tune in the past. The last interesting fact about Black Bear is that the tune was originally allegedly entitled "Black Beard" and that a misspelling forever changed the title. One person suggested that perhaps the original cheer was "ahoy" given the original name of Black Beard.

A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT KILTS

2004-05-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

"Oh, this old thing? Why, I only wear it when I don't care how I look." --Violet in "It's a Wonderful Life"

About 3 months ago I decided I needed a kilt. There are several problems with buying a kilt. The first problem is the price of Tartan fabric. Since I don't belong to a band, and I am not ready for formal piping, buying a Tartan kilt seemed like a big waste of money. Also, since I will eventually join a band with its own Tartan color, any Tartan kilt I buy beforehand will be automatically obsolete. Second, I am a big, big guy and at 300 Lbs, would a kilt really work?

I finally decided to go half-way and buy a Utilikilt. I figured that I would go into the Utilikilt store in Seattle and have them measure me so that I would be guaranteed a perfect fit. I walked into the Utilikilt store in Seattle and immediately noticed that something was amiss. I couldn't put my finger on it but the store seemed strange. I selected a few types of kilts that looked like possibilities and prepared to try one of them on. That is when I discovered that the Utilikilt store does not believe in changing rooms. There are no rooms for changing. That is to say....No changing rooms! One changes without a room, that is, in the middle of the big room...Without a little room...A big room with other people. The idea is that (while in the big room) you put on the kilt and slip off your pants discretely from under the kilt. Needless to say, at 300 Lbs, I do nothing discretely.

I put the kilt on over my pants and then raised up the kilt to unbuckle my belt. Sweating with anxiousness like a newbie sky diver at 3000 feet, sitting at the open door of the plane, I took a deep breath, dropped my pants and I was suddenly kilted. I felt breezes where none breezed before. Putting my pants back on was even more of a struggle and it nearly caused me to say "screw it" and disrobe completely, forgoing the formality of the "Kilt/pants" dance. Under the circumstances, I selected and purchased a kilt quickly.

6 weeks later my new kilt arrived and I proudly wore it to work. Now, when one wears a kilt, the first thing that people (mostly women) ask is "what do you wear underneath". I used to respond that "when you are built like me, I think the ensemble really needs...Nay requires a pink G-string". This response only brought on stunned, awkward silence. I don't know if people really figured out that I was joking. Instead now, I explain that in order to reveal what Scotsmen wear under their kilts, I would need to ask another male what he was wearing under his. This I explained would never happen. So the mystery remains.

Well, my home town isn't really ready for kilts, but I haven't given up and I haven't been gay-bashed yet (though I do turn some heads). So it is onward and upward. Now for some nice, knee high socks and shoes with tassels. Loggers watch out!

Students practice bagpipe for competition

2004-05-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday afternoon, an unusual sounds emanates from room 141 of The Woodlands High School.

Shudderrrrr

2004-05-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Madonna's British husband, Guy Ritchie, gave especially high marks for Madonna's bagpipe rendition of "Get into the Groove."

PRACTICE TIPS

2004-05-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Jori Chisholm has taught me some valuable study tips. Here are a few:

1) Slow down. You can't play too slow, but you can definitely play too fast.

2) Tap your foot and use a metronome (except for Piobaireachd pieces).

3) Relax your hands. I tend to put a death-grip on my chanter.

4) Don't begin memorizing a piece until you know you are playing it 100% correctly.

5) keep all gracenotes, doublings and other embellishments completely clean. If they aren't clean, you are playing them too fast.

NEW YEAR'S EVE, 2004

2004-05-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Me on New Years, 2004

After playing Auld Lang Syne on the beach, we retired to the house for a wee dram of the water of life. This photo was taken after a few.

Cleaning gunked up Reeds

2004-05-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Well, my teacher Jori helped me set things right with my pipes. Because the reeds had fallen into the bag several times they were covered with a fine layer of fat. Because I am a newbie, I had not noticed that the color of the plastic on the reeds had become much darker. Jori helped me take the reeds apart and wash them in warm soapy water. You can do this safely with synthetic reeds. Mine are Kinnairds. Andrew Lenz has pics of an assortment of reeds including Kinnairds. Thanks Andrew. Jori mentioned that over time, you would want to wash your synthetic reeds, even if you don't immerse them in fat like I did. Here are the steps wee took:

CLEANING SYNTHETIC REEDS

1) Take the reeds out of the stocks. My reeds look like a plastic whistle with the blowhole at one end and a black cap at the other. On top of the whistle is the carbon fiber reed. The reed is held on by friction and is pushed under a rubber-mounting bracket. You can pull the reed off of the whistle because it is held on only by friction. The reed itself is very brittle it will break if bent. There is a rubber "O" ring around the reed that controls how much air passes across the reed.

2) Mark each reed with an indelible marker "X" on the reed itself. The reed can be assembled upside down and/or backwards. An "X" on the leading edge of the reed ensures that you will be able to put it back together correctly.

3) Work the reed out of it's mounting bracket and out from under the "O" ring, removing it from the whistle. Remove the cap from the end of the whistle. Now you should have the 3 separate parts, reed, whistle and end-cap. You can now wash everything in warm, slightly soapy water. You can then dry them off and let stand until completely dry.

4) Reassemble the reeds carefully making sure you replace the reed with the "X" mark where it was when you disassembled it.

5) You may wish to replace the hemp surrounding the Plug-end of the reed. Make sure the reed sets firmly in the stocks.

This is the firs step in restoring gunked up reeds to playability. They still need to be tuned and I will address this in a separate entry.

Lost Me Reeds I Did!

2004-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the seasoning of the bag went fine except it loosened up the reeds enough so that they were able to work their way loose from their seats in the stocks. I used to get pissed off when I dropped a guitar pick into the sound hole in my guitar. I would have to flip the guitar upside down and shake it violently, trying to work the guitar pick forward to the hole. This is very much like loosing a reed into the bagpipe bag, except NOW MY BAG IS FULL OF FAT!!! Strangely, each of the 3 drone reeds loosened up at about the same time. I would get one re-seated only to find that the next one had fallen in. That one would get re-seated, but the process of pulling all the drones out again would loosen another one. All in all I think each of my very nice Kennard reeds took at least 2 trips through the bag. When one falls into the bag, there is nothing for it but to find the reed by feel and try to squeeze it forward to one of the 5 holes in the bag. The reed comes out all nice and greased up which is preferable in a suppository but not so much in a drone reed. The reeds got all mucked up and now my bagpipes sound horrible. I have cleaned the reeds off pretty well but I am awaiting advice and redemption from my teacher tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Seasoning the Bag

2004-05-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago, I learned how to season my bagpipe bag. It is relatively new bag and this is the first time it has ever been seasoned. The process of seasoning a bag reminds me of when my family used to pine tar cross-country skis. I can still remember the smell of the pine tar and that sticky, hot, black liquid that seemed to get everywhere except on the skis. Seasoning isn't that hard but it is kind of gross and smelly. Modern seasoning comes in a 1 or 2 cup can. It is basically a can full of lard that has been treated with formaldehyde or other preservative. It smells like fat mixed with menthol and scientific cadaver aroma.

SEASONING THE BAG

What you will need:
Bag Seasoning
4 rubber corks
funnel
Lots of paper towels

1) To season the bag, you take about 3-4 tablespoons of the seasoning stuff and put it in a microwaveable container. You then microwave it until it melts and just before it boils.

2) Once the stuff is liquid, you disconnect the drones, chanter and reeds from the bag and stuff all but one of the open holes with the rubber corks.

3) Now, take a funnel and fill the bag up with the liquid fat. Close the final hole with paper towel or cork and massage the bag liberally, working the fat/seasoning into every nook and cranny of the bag. The idea is to plug each and every tiny stitch hole or leak with fat; kind of like the green slime you can put in bike tires to close leaks.

4) Lastly, you will find a loop of string at the end of the bag, where it comes out of the bag cover. Take the corks out of the drone stocks, chanter stock and mouth piece stock and use this loop to hang your bag up for a few hours. Over the sink is the best place to hang it because the excess fat will drain out. You can use a bucket or old towel to catch the seasoning if you can hang your bag over the sink.

My teacher Jori says he saw a guy drink an entire can of seasoning on a bet. He also told me a story about one of his friends who accidentally made gravy out of seasoning that was stored in Tupperware in the fridge (Mark your extra seasoning well).

Andrew Lenz has written a very good, in-depth article about bag seasoning. I recommends heating the entire can while my notes just suggest heating up a few tablespoons full.

Why No, I'm Not Scottish

2004-05-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

I am Welsh actually, although my family falls under a Welsh tartan. I do on occasion wear a kilt. I do drink Scotch, but I am still partial to Vodka. My favorite brands are Laphroaig and Talisker. I do like listening the bagpipes when played well, however, I am not a nut about them. My fanatic genes are overwhelmed by my devotion to D & D and Star Trek (joke).

A New Blog is Born

2004-05-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is a new Blog related to Bagpipes, Piping culture and Me. I am a 40-year-old, beginning piper who has been playing the Highland bagpipe for about 1 year. The bagpipes are very difficult, yet not impossible to play. The hardest part about bagpipes is the volume. Because they are so loud, everyone in the general neighborhood, and the folks in the next county hear your fuck-ups. I plan to update this blog frequiently to chart my bagpipe learning experience so that other new pipers can learn from my experiences. Ciao for now. Tuning out.