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ASPD Newsletter Spring/Summer 2009 Issue
AGM 2009 Red Deer
Our AGM was held in Red Deer on 19 April 2009 with delegates attending from pipe & drum bands, highland games committees, and solo pipers and drummers from Grande Prairie, Red Deer, Innisfail, Cochrane, Canmore, High River, Edmonton, and Calgary area. The meeting began with regular routine business items, and next moved to Reports from the 2008 Executive and 2009 elections.
Summaries of Executive Committee Reports:
John Reid reviewed ASPD activities through the past two years, and advised of his concerns with many recreational and cultural activities in Alberta experiencing a general waning of interest level in volunteer participation, which also affects the future of Piping and Drumming across the province, as well as other cultural and performing arts. John completed his full term as our President, and announced he would not be standing for re-election. John has been very active for many years in the P&D community as a piper, drum major, and adjudicator. After passing on the baton, he plans to have time to get back to recreational piping and occasional parades, however, with his well-earned reputation for excellence in standards, and keen eye for details, he will certainly be “first call’ to adjudicate, as well as continue to advise ASPD as our Past President.
VP Mike Giles outlined challenges for the ASPD, given distribution of the P&D community over a large geographical area, then summarised the successful Spring Forum held in March, which provided extended discussion and consensus for evolving the forward direction of the ASPD. Topics discussed at our Spring Forum were reported in considerable detail in our Spring 2009 Newsletter issue, posted in our archives for perusal and review at your convenience. In summary, ASPD will expand our role, increasing opportunities and activities for participation by both non-competing, and competing, members of the P&D community. These will include social, non-competitive “Pipe & Drum Club” events similar to Jam Sessions popular in many musical genres; typically started off by a host band, with opportunities for others to join in and enjoy music and fellowship. Piping & Drumming Workshops will be organised with sessions focussing on particular skills and topics. Both of these are planned to begin in the fall of this year.
Brian Mastel regretfully resigned from the position of Treasurer, due to a job promotion with his company, which required a transfer to Burlington, Ontario. Brian’s thoroughness and professionalism on behalf of the ASPD through the past year have been much appreciated. We continued to operate in a modest net income position through the past year, plus we have a positive position in accumulated operating funds. In addition, our assets include specified-purpose funds in the Calgary Scottish, and Gordon McLeod, endowments.
Our membership status early in the 2009 season was 132 individuals plus 16 P&D Bands and 5 Highland Games, with further registrations still coming in. Across the province we started this year with 23 P&D listed For Hire, and 13 Registered Instructors. Total combined membership at the close of 2008 was 191. Mary Mack advised she was stepping down after long-devoted faithful service from her position as Registrar. Mary was one of the key original founders of ASPD, and her presence, wry humour, and passion for Scottish culture will be sorely missed.
Music, Grading, & Judging advised there are no changes currently pending, and no grievance or review requests received to-date for 2009. Due to heavily increasing demands on his time, Sean Somers has requested assistance or replacement at his position as Director. This will certainly be a challenging task, as there are very few individuals who share Sean’s combination of professional knowledge, experience, and passion for piping.
With regard to Communications, as discussed in detail at our Spring Forum, the new MemberClix website service has features which suit many of our general needs. Functions for advanced online member services have good potential for expanded utilisation in the future. The Newsletter section capabilities, however, seem insufficient, comparing unfavourably with newsletter formats presently used by other P&D associations. In summary, the present newsletter section structure appears designed merely for posting short plain-text “Post-It” style notes or bulletins. Materials submitted from members via conventional word-processing software must be re-entered, as formats and text details can be lost in transfer. Most standard format conventions are not provided, and insufficient space is available to use current-technology photographic or graphic images. The developer has no priority for enhancing the Newsletter section in the foreseeable future. The Communications Director’s report requested approval from Delegates and Executive to explore alternative software options for the Newsletter. Due to a spate of spam attacks, our Web Master has removed the Bulletin Board from the main screen. MemberClix future capabilities include online registration and extensive interactive reporting, as well as a Members-Only area, features which we could migrate toward to help reduce workload for volunteer administrators. Other MemberClix functions include Group Site and other options, which can be expanded as our requirements grow.
2009 Elections
Elections are for our Executive Board are for a two-year term, although a few positions are presently held by persons who have now served for one year. Elected for the ASPD Executive positions are:
President: Mike Giles
Vice President: Jim Douglas
Past President: John Reid
Secretary: Val Shaw
Treasurer: Kristin Morton
Communications: Dave Botkin
Registrar: Kathleen Thompson
Highland Games: Sandy McLeod
Music & Grading: Sean Somers
Assist. Music &Grading: Jim Douglas
Piper’s Club Calgary: Vacant
Piper’s Club Edmonton: John Reid
Championship Recital: Kathleen Krepakevich
Highland Games
The schedule and website links for Highland Games in Alberta are listed in the Events section of our Website. In addition to Piping and Drumming events, games also host Highland Dance, Scottish Heavy Athletic Events, other competitions, Scottish cultural and social happenings, Celtic entertainment, and trade fairs. Please refer to respective websites for further details of each. The Highland Games Results tab of our website lists results from completed games.
The Red Deer Highland Games, as usual, opened our outdoor competition season on Saturday 27 June, with solo Piping and Drumming competitions beginning in the morning, proceeding through all grades. Dance competitions, and Heavy Events, with strong attendance (pun intended) took place throughout the day. Pipe & Drum Band events began after lunch, with awards and closing ceremonies held at 1630hrs. Also featured this year at Red Deer were Sheep Dog Trials, and a Shortbread Baking competition. This was the 62nd Annual Red Deer Highland Games.
A shortage of volunteers has meant the Ellerslie Highland Games was unable to hold their regular solo and band Pipe & Drum competitions for this year. Instead, on Sunday 22 June, they hosted a Pipe Band Festival, with eight bands invited to participate. The combined Massed Band opened and closed the day, plus, each band performed two separate sets with tunes of their own choosing. Highland Dance competition and Heavy Events had sufficient volunteers, and their competitions were held in the normal format.
As of the time of writing, the following Highland Games were upcoming.
Fort Edmonton Highland Games will be held Saturday, 11 July, with competitions available for all grades of solo piping and drumming, as well as quartets, and pipe bands.
High River Highland Games will be held Saturday 29 August. The venue location at the Highwood High School grounds is very well suited for a Highland Games with generous space for Pipe & Drum solo and band competition events as well as Dance competitions and Heavy Events. The Foothills setting with a clear view of the mountains is a beautiful place to spend a late-summer day. High River is also open to welcome additional volunteers for this season, and longer-term participation.
The city’s Tourism Calgary committee is adding their resources to help promote the Calgary Highland Games. This year the Canadian Masters Scottish Heavy Events finals will be held in conjunction with the Calgary Highland Games, who are also in the bidding to host the World Scottish Heavy Events championships in 2012. The new venue for the Calgary Games is Foothills Athletic Park, adjacent to McMahon Stadium, a much larger and higher profile location, which features direct access via LRT as well as significantly increased parking. Stadium seating is available for featured events, and facilities for all competition and performance events are significantly increased. Calgary has one of the larger Highland Dance competitions in the region, with dancers from Saskatchewan and B.C. as well as Alberta, participating. Sheep Dog Trials will be in an expanded format as well.
Canmore Highland Games will be held Sunday, 06 September. Construction will still be taking place at the school grounds, and logistics for the Games will adjust accordingly. The Canmore Games closes out the main Highland Games season in Alberta, and is often the last major event in the region and is very popular with a substantial number of competitors and fans from our neighbouring provinces to travel here as well.
SUMMER TRAVELS
We welcome information from bands and groups across Alberta including plans to travel outside the province. This year several Alberta Pipe & Drum bands will be travelling for special attractions, including the 2009 Scotland Homecoming. The Ogden Legion Pipe Band will again travel, first to Saskatchewan’s spring Highland Games, then on to Scotland, to compete and perform at several venues including Glasgow. Several of Alberta’s top competitive pipers and drummers are members of the defending Grade I World Champion Simon Fraser Pipe Band and will be in intense preparation before heading off with SFU to Glasgow for the mid-summer World’s. We wish them well.
In addition to summer parade performances and Highland Game competitions, many Alberta bands as well as individual pipers and drummers are planning to attend summer Pipe & Drum School Camps in neighbouring Western Canada provinces and Pacific Northwest states. These include “Sound Advice” in Regina, SK, “Piping Hot” in Vernon, BC, “Celtfest” in Nanaimo BC, as well as the Coeur D’Alene Summer School of Piping and Drumming in nearby Coeur D’Alene Idaho. Attending these camps provides a unique opportunity to spend a week (or in some cases two weeks) focussed on our chosen instrument, with personal guidance from some of the region and world’s top professional instructors. Several Alberta master pipe and drum instructors teach at these camps, in company with their colleagues from across Canada and Scotland. Experience from attending P&D Camps can add enthusiasm as well as technique, plus enhance our appreciation for those who have truly mastered the instruments.
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ASPD Newsletter Spring 2009 Issue
BURNS NIGHTS
Many pipe bands and Scottish societies across the province hosted Burn’s Night 250 Celebrations with good attendance and high quality entertainment. There were several comments from different areas noting that attendance and interest in Burns and Burns celebrations seems also to be increasing among those with non-Scottish heritage.
St. Andrews-Caledonia Society of Calgary was favourably recognized by the Calgary Herald in again hosting and serving a free Burns Eve Dinner at the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre, complete with traditional neeps, taddies, and Haggis. Columnist Paula Arab of the Herald, attending her first Burns dinner, quoted Caledonia Society Robert Henderson, “Burns was, after all, a ‘common man’ who ate Haggis,… and who encouraged everyone through his words and actions, to appreciate every individual for who they are, regardless of where they are in life, what they own, and where they live.” The Drop-In Centre’s Louise Gallagher summarized, “The meal was wonderful, and staff and clients were thrilled. The sense of joy that a group like that brings was awesome!” Ode to Haggis was given a spirited delivery by noted author and columnist Nigel Hannaford.
ASPD PRE-SEASON CONFERENCE
Despite lingering suspicions to the contrary, snow is finally leaving the ground, - and the season for outdoor playing, performing, parades, and competitions, will again soon be with us.
On Sunday 17 March ASPD hosted a one-day conference seminar in Red Deer, with invitations to participate extended to both competing and recreational bands. Featured topic on the agenda was a round-table on “Building a Stronger Piping & Drumming Community in Alberta”. There was a substantial level of interest with more than thirty delegates registered, however, one of Alberta’s famous major March snowstorms arrived through the Saturday night and continued into Sunday morning. In the Edmonton area in particular, it was considered imprudent to go for a jug of milk at the local convenience store, much less head out on the highway. The intrepid pair who did make the trip south, Jack Gallagher and Karsten Loewen, commented they lost count of the number of vehicles in the median and ditches around Leduc. With attendees present from Red Deer, Innisfail, Calgary, and High River, the conference, with reduced numbers, went ahead as scheduled.
Mike Giles, Vice-President. ASPD, led discussions as Facilitator. It was pointed out that membership in both the ASPD as well as member bands, has been gradually decreasing in recent years, despite an overall population growth in the province. Statistics from the government Alberta Sports, Recreation, and Parks Department (ASRPD) umbrella group also indicates a broadly-based decline in volunteer participation through the past decade, attributed in part to high demands from workplaces reducing the average citizen’s available time for volunteer activities. People are seen to be increasingly selective in the activities they participate in, and volunteer for. Performing Arts and Culture organizations, including our own, need to actively engage our respective communities to remain viable.
ASPD as the governing body has a mandate to work toward integrating and maintaining standards for highland music pipe and drum education and performance, which are consistent with other provinces across the country, as well as world standards. ASPD has been sometimes viewed as merely the licensing agency for competitions in the province; - indeed, some seem to have an opinion there is no point in membership unless you compete. It should be kept in mind however, that there are significant numbers of Alberta pipers and drummers who focus on the learning, recreation, and social aspects of playing highland music, with limited interest for competition participation. Those individuals and groups can still have important interests in development and enhancement of the art.
The discussion continued to whether ASPD should be adopting an active and positive direction to add non-competitive functions to our activities, viewing this as part of our role in building a stronger P&D community in the province. The general response from those attending was quite favourable that we should proceed with an initial discussion of ideas among the group there gathered, with further discussion to be brought forward for the agenda of the upcoming ASPD Annual General Meeting.
It was noted that some other provincial and regional P&D associations are widely-oriented toward enhancing and sharing interests in highland music. Appreciation and enjoyment of the arts can be fostered by a variety of events, including recreational; educational; and social functions; as well as both competitive and non-competitive performances.
Discussion indicated that youth can become particularly passionate about identifying their heritage in general, and pipe & drum music in particular. Their love to play can be encouraged and enhanced through positive experiences of performing and sharing. As with any group participatory activity, youth bands require a genuine level of parental work and sacrifice of both time and money, similar to organized sports, yet there seems little shortage of parents willing to make such sacrifices for the benefit of their kids; - what’s required is availability and opportunity.
Key factors in a developing lifetime interest in piping and drumming include getting to know more about piping & drumming communities at large. This can be especially important for young players as late-teens “graduate” from youth bands, often leaving home communities for further education or work.
Of course, only a few have the resources or interest to dedicate themselves to play with a world-level competition band. In his excellent recent book “This Is Your Brain On Music” author Daniel Levitin summarizes the common factor found through extensive studies on people who have achieved world virtuoso standards in music, sports, and similarly-complex endeavours is the investment of approximately 10,000 hours of focussed study and practice; which equates to an average of twenty hours per week through more than ten years. Those who achieve world-class standards certainly earn our admiration; however, for the vast majority of us, music is a part of our life, not necessarily the whole thing.
For the general growth and development of our art, it is essential that adult bands of all levels welcome and provide encouragement to new members. For example, a talented young player embarking on a new demanding university program may realistically decide, that to carry on piping at all, available time for the next several years may be more suited to a casual band. We need to appreciate what such people can contribute, not regard as a threat to status quo.
There is consensus that, at the present time, people in pipe & drum bands really don’t know each other. Despite many obviously shared interests, we tend to work in isolation. This is a limitation which ASPD may be situated to address, and expand the values which ASPD membership could provide.
One approach discussed to improving sharing and awareness among the P&D community would be to organize some non-competitive events; perhaps on a province-wide basis, possibly more regionally considering travel time & costs, or perhaps combinations of both. These might be titled “Ceilidhs”, Piper & Drummer Clubs”, “Highland Happenings” etc., but the point would be to gather a variety of pipers, drummers, and supporters, exchange experiences and information on topics of interest ranging from equipment, training & practice methods, touring & travel opportunities and tips, hold clinics on technique or musical styles, provide opportunities for non-competitive performances, and sometimes invite a feature artist to give a solo performance.
A given band or small group of bands in an area could agree to serve as the host for each such event, with venues and hosting changing through the season. Dates could be arranged as practical to avoid or minimize conflicts. Fair-weather outdoor events may be the ideal; however most communities have suitable halls or locations which would serve as the primary venue for off-season events, or the “Plan B” for inclement conditions. The affinity of Canadian Legion branches in many communities for highland music would be natural to explore in this regard. Modest attendee fees could be appropriate to conserve costs for the hosts.
We understand that some social-club-type events had been tried many years in the past, however the viewpoint perspective soon reverted to “since this is an ASPD event, it must be judged”, at which point interest and participation rapidly declined. Consensus this time is to avoid creation of “Mini-Highland-Games” focussing on what can be achieved in a non-competitive atmosphere.
These events could help the P&D community in Alberta get acquainted with each other, enhance knowledge, stimulate interest among existing P&D’s, and perhaps through increased awareness, recruit new people to the fold.
These “Pipers & Drummers Club” (or whatever title the hosts choose to use) events would be in addition to, not replacements of, our regular scheduled Highland Games. HG’s will continue to be an important and integral part of the P&D schedule, providing competitors and their instructors the valued opportunities to perform for adjudication and evaluate their progress.
Further discussion of this topic is planned for the ASPD Annual General Meeting to be held 19 April 2009 in Red Deer. Please attend to share your views.
ASPD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our AGM will be held 19 April 2009 at the Holiday Inn, 67th Street, Red Deer. Delegate registration starts at 1030hrs, with the meeting beginning 1100hrs.
Several positions on ASPD Executive are open for election this coming year, including:
Vice-President
Registrar
Piper’s Club Co-ordinator
Annual Recital Co-ordinator
Music, Grading, and Judging Director (qualifications required)
Workshop Co-ordinator
As outlined in our summary from the Pre-Season Conference, we expect lively participation and discussion on what may be the future direction of the ASPD. Discussion is also expected on possible formats for future Workshops, in particular how to better accommodate participation given increasing costs of travel within the province, and whether ASPD should move toward a more regionalized approach, or provide assistance to bands or regional band groupings in putting on their own Workshops.
Also mentioned for discussion are some possible HG rules changes; including adding or modifying categories in the “Adult” classification, and consideration of moving toward the MAP approach (similar to RSPB) for tunes & judging.
Additional topics suggested for discussion regarding HG’s were to deploy improved PA systems and have an experienced Master of Ceremonies to inform and enhance interest among the attending public, along the lines of what now is done at some Heavy Events. Suggestions (which could require Rule Changes) to encourage crowd participation, included permitting the public closer access to band circles and to view from three sides, and to have event winners march off triumphantly carrying their trophies, an opportunity to demonstrate pride in accomplishment for the winners, and (perhaps even more importantly) their supporters.
Further comments were made to the effect that MSR events lack appeal to both crowds and performers; in some cases bands go through considerable preparation and travel etc. expense to play one event for an entire HG. One suggestion is to provide the opportunity for bands to compete in both MSR and Medley the same day to make their preparation and travel worthwhile. Such change would involve some logistic as well as rule changes, and may need the support of HG committees across the province.
If you have positions regarding any or all the above topics, attending the AGM is your best and most effective way to have your opinions heard.
HIGHLAND GAMES
General:
Dates for Highland Games in the province are listed in the “Events List” section of our website. Some HG’s have their schedules and registration forms already posted for download, others are being updated.
There are considerable concerns regarding continuing viability for some HG’s. As mentioned in our Fall 2008 Newsletter, extremely inclement weather very adversely affected attendance and participation at both Ellerslie and Canmore last year, which resulted in fiscal shortfall for the organizers. Physical changes at some locations are also posing challenges. While periodic or occasional adverse weather or construction situations may be inevitable from time, perhaps of greater long-term concern is a general shortage of volunteers. Most of the time with some last-minute scrambling we seem to be able to assemble sufficient “boots on the ground troops” for the essential if unglamorous positions in logistics, security, stewards, data entry, and the like, however, it seems to be more difficult of late to find experienced volunteers willing and able to step up to more senior positions. Possibly the two concerns are inter-linked. If very few “Troops” are willing to commit early in the season when the plans are being made, it can become ever more difficult to find Planners to take on senior-level responsibilities.
Notes re Specific Highland Games:
Ellerslie:
The Edmonton Scottish Society, organizer of the Ellerslie HG, has requested posting of the following notice:
“Due to lack of volunteer support the Ellerslie games (28 June 2009) will not hold individual piping, drumming, and pipe band competitions this year. Instead, a festival style of invited pipe band presentations will be offered.” The highland dancing competition is not affected by this adverse situation.
High River:
There were concerns that insufficient volunteer availability could result in cancellation of the High River HG for this year, fortunately, key volunteers were recruited in time and High River will carry on. This is a moderate sized and very pleasant HG to attend; - with the Mountains in view at a respectful distance, what setting could be more perfect for a Highland Games?
Calgary:
Now for some Good News!
Tourism Calgary approached the Calgary Highland Games Committee with a proposal for creating a joint approach in establishing this year’s Calgary HG as a significant “Drive-to-Calgary” tourism event. Developing a higher profile for the HG is part of Tourism Calgary’s work toward hosting the World Scottish Heavy Events Competition in 2012.
The venue is moved to McMahon Stadium and area, a far more accessible and higher profile venue than Shouldice Park. The plans include expansion of the current Heavy Events, addition of a Sheep Dog Competition, as well as adding/changing marching band performances to be more accessible and crowd-friendly in the main stadium. The Calgary HG Committee are hard at work preparing for this opportunity and challenge, and we’ll be hearing lots more through coming months.
BAND PROFILE
Ogden Legion Pipe Band, Calgary
2008 was a significant year of success, community involvement, and travel for the Ogden Legion Pipe Band (OLPB). They placed very well in each of the highland games in Alberta and were awarded the 2008 Provincial Grade IV Pipe Band Aggregate; participated in parades for the communities of Langdon and Airdrie; performing at a half-time show for the Calgary Stampeders; and at Olympic Plaza to promote the 2008 Calgary Highland Games; as well as travelling to Scotland in August.
In Scotland, under direction of Pipe Major Willie Shaw, Pipe Sergeant Tyler Lydiatt, and Drum Sergeant Elizabeth Shaw, OLPB placed a proud fourth at North Berwick in the Novice Juvenile Division, despite the downpour of rain and abundance of mud. The following day, with strong competition from 27 other bands, OLPB placed fourth in Grade IV in the Perth Highland Games. Plenty of practice and some opportunities to travel followed over the next five days. The band then set forward to compete at Glasgow Green at the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, August 16. OLPB provided a remarkable performance, and tied for sixth place. Despite the tie, judges chose to honour only the local Scottish band with the opportunity to advance to the final round of competition in the afternoon. Band members were understandably devastated at this outcome; however, they were also very proud of their performance and accomplishments.
The following day in Crieff, as the Honour Duty Band, OLPB competed against 28 other bands in Grade IV and proudly accepted a second place finish. The Crieff Highland Games was an excellent finish to the band’s adventure. Crieff is a small, beautiful, and friendly little town who treated all visitors to a small breakfast at the local church, and bussed the OLPB children to the town square for a public performance. The band then led a procession from the town square, down the picturesque main road, to the location of the Highland Games. OLPB was honoured with a full-page write-up and photo in the games program.
Our new season meant saying good-bye to many of our band members, including Willie, Tyler, and Elizabeth. Although we are now smaller in number at this time, our band consists of strong and talented individuals. Piping leaders are Ashley Muchka and Ben Newman. Our other competing band pipers include Duncan McEwen, Megan Pryor, Robin Robertson, Lachlan Sinclair, and Branden Wren. Drumming leaders are Jake Kennedy and Luke Newman. Additional competing band drummers include Tim Donihee, Fraser Hunter, Greg Muchka, and Celina Sinclair. Our bass drummer is Elliot Campbell, and our tenor drummer is Marina McEwen. Stay tuned for our new talent; we have several up-and-coming band members who will soon join the group in competing.
OLPB hosted our second annual competition and Ceilidh day on March 21, 2009. With the help of organizer Diane Muchka, the band has received unimaginable donations for fund raising purposes. Support that local businesses, groups, and organizations have shown for this group of talented children has been incredible. For the second year in as many years, Ceilidh tickets sold out almost immediately. A limited number of tickets were sold at the door following the meal for a fun evening of prizes, draws, and silent auction packages. Live entertainment included a full Band performance, dance music by popular Celtic party band Fraid Knot, plus, a special surprise performance by a band quartet consisting of bass drummer Eliot Campbell, with pipers Ben Newman, Ashley Muchka and Brandon Wren, playing the very challenging tune, “Hellbound Train”. An exceptional achievement for any quartet!
The band is also looking forward to the annual fundraiser, Mother’s Day Pipes and Roses. Booked for a modest fee, groups of band members will perform for mothers, also providing a rose and chocolates.
OLPB is in the process of planning their trip to this summer’s Moose Jaw and Regina Highland Games, travelling by coach to Saskatchewan, participate in the games, swim and waterslide, and have a weekend full of fun and friendship.
The focus of OLPB for the next year will be on recruitment. The OLPB is currently recruiting members for all instruments at all levels of experience (or inexperience). It is preferred that new members are between the ages of 10 years and 18 years, although younger ages may be approved, depending upon circumstances. Please contact the recruitment organizer, Lori Newman, at lori@newmans.ca, or refer to our website.
For more information, please refer to our website at www.olpb.ab.ca.
Submitted by Heather Fancourt, OLPB President.
OTHER NEWS:
Calgary:
The Calgary St. Andrews Caledonia Society hosted their annual Recital, Competition and Workshop weekend at Rundle Academy school in Calgary on Friday 27 March, through Sunday 29 March. This was the second year at this location, and attendance for the Recital evening was up from the previous year. Attendees were treated to world-class performances by Bruce Gandy and his son Alex Gandy from the east coast, with the west coast represented by Scott Robertson from Vancouver and René Cusson from Vancouver Island. Compared to last year, competitions on Saturday showed a marked increase of adult competitors in all classes, but a reduction in youth competitors, perhaps due in part to the OLPB event the week before. These competitions are not ASPD sanctioned and do not count toward provincial aggregate rankings.
Attendance at the Workshop sessions was, however, thoroughly disappointing. There was another March snowstorm with 15cm (at least) recorded Saturday overnight, which understandably discouraged highway travel; however, city road crews had the in-town main routes quite passable by 0730hrs, and by 0900hrs virtually all streets were clear. Actually, there was one Workshop attendee from Edmonton and another from the Okanagan. Sitting in sessions of three or four, led by highly-renowned professionals like the Gandys and René, was an embarrassing representation of the Calgary P&D community. These are people who we usually must spend significant time and expense to travel cross-country to see, and yet are ignored when brought to our front door. Thoroughly disappointing.
Saskatchewan: The annual “SOUND ADVICE” piping & drumming summer camp will again be hosted in Regina by our SPBA neighbours. This year the location is changed to the University of Regina campus for a refreshing change in facilities and atmosphere. Sound Advice 2009 dates are Sunday 12 July through Friday 17 July, or immediately at the end of Stampede Week.
With attendees from the U.S. and Alaska as well as the prairie provinces, this school has always featured an outstanding roster of instructors, and 2009 is no exception. Side Drum masters include Doug Stronach and Graham Brown, both justly renowned for many individual and band accomplishments and publications; currently Doug is Drum Sergeant/Lead Tip with the Toronto Police Pipe Band while Graham holds the same post with the equally well-regarded Peel Regional Police Pipe Band. Mid and Bass drum sessions will be led by Tyler Fry, an exceptionally musical and flamboyant style innovator who needs no introduction throughout the PB world. Piping instructors include James P. Troy, a top-ranked professional with both pipes and side drum who has frequently led workshops and adjudicated in Alberta; Doug MacRae, originally from London, ON with many accomplishments in Canada and Scotland who currently resides in Houston TX as a full-time professional pipe band director; Ryan MacDonald originally raised in Cape Breton now residing in Victoria; and Garth Neel, now residing in Sask; both the latter have extensive Grade 1 band experience in addition to their solo accomplishments. The “Sound Advice” school is headed by Ian MacDonald, PM and Band Director of the City of Regina Pipe Band, author of a new book, a most gifted and passionate piper and PB professional, well-known and highly-respected among the Alberta PB community.
“Sound Advice” is affordable and readily accessible for Albertans. Check out details at their website: www.saskpipebands.org/html/school.html
Canada/Scotland: “Piping Today” magazine a few months back announced the appointment to Glasgow’s National Piping Centre BA-degree program instructional staff of a Canadian, Glenn Brown, younger brother of Graham Brown, also son of Gail Brown, the first female piper to compete (and win) at the World level Grade 1 Championships when she was invited to join Shotts and Dykehead. Glenn was previously PM of the Peel Regional Police PB, a rank he achieved before the age of 25, and is a truly outstanding piper and instructor and proud Canadian. Congratulations Glenn!
World:
While interest in highland piping and drumming is usually expected to predominate among Scots and Scots-descendents, it can be recognized that most second-or-beyond generation overseas-Scots-descendents are hybrids with other nationalities, and, appreciation for highland arts can extend well beyond those with direct lineage. Pipe and drum manufacturers in Scotland now report, while their largest markets are still in the U.K, North America, and Commonwealth nations, they have had significant recent sales increases in Asia and South America. “Piping Today” magazine reports dramatic interest in small-pipe playing throughout central and southern Europe.
From the Editor:
We plan to include information of general interest for the Pipe & Drum Band and Recreational Highland Music performing and appreciation community throughout Alberta. We also provide details from further afield for added interest. If you have information to share, we welcome your suggestions and submissions. Articles sent for publication are the responsibility of the sender for accuracy, and may be subject to editing for format, clarity, and available space.
Dave Botkin.
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ASPD Newsletter Fall 2008 Issue:
From The President:
Some reflections on the 2008 competition season that has now come to a close: – of course the first thought is one of gratitude to the dozens of volunteers who make the games possible and again we are so much indebted to their efforts.
Only in Alberta- Saturday we were lathering on sunscreen in Red Deer, and the next day at Ellerslie was one of the most miserable days of rain and cold wind I’ve experienced in decades. Later, Calgary was a pleasant day but Canmore did suffer a prelude to winter. It is worth noting, however, that the judges at Canmore were very impressed with the staying power of the competitors as very few let the snow discourage them from playing.
As we head into the fall months, the ASPD has again begun to tackle the issues that hopefully will improve all aspects of the 2009 competition season – high on our list of priorities is the debate of a common entry form to make registering for any Alberta competition easier for the players – however, not as easily done as said. All the entry forms have already developed a commonality with the use of the same event numbering system, but we were quickly halted on the debate of common entry fees and prize money. The ASPD executive have, for now and some time to come, taken the position that given the broad and different financial base that each individual highland games committee is faced with, it must remain in their jurisdiction to set the entry fees and prize money as they can best accomplish.
The issuing of entry forms will also remain with the individual games committees, however, our Webmaster Mike Giles is currently working furiously on placing the entry forms on our website so that competitors may register online.
An ASPD committee is presently trying to organize a three-day workshop for the spring to cover not only the usual areas of piping and drumming, but also of judging to broaden the base of local qualified people. It is also our hope to add Drum Major instruction to the workshop.
Our executive is pleased to have Dave Botkin come on board to act as our Communications Director. Our hope is to make this Website as interesting and newsy as possible so that pipers and drummers will regularly drop in to see what’s going on. If you would like your band profiled or have any other items of interest, I know Dave will be happy to hear from you.
John Reid
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2008 Annual Aggregate Awards night:
Our 2008 Alberta Highland Games season closed with the ASPD Provincial Champions Awards Recital evening held at the Chapelhow Branch, Royal Canadian Legion, in Calgary. The facilities well served our purpose, a large ballroom with high ceiling plus four raised skylights allowing the sound of pipes & drums to “circulate”, and the Legion staff were attentive and accommodating. Master of Ceremonies was Val Shaw, with Brian Mastel serving as Steward to schedule the evening’s entertainers. Audience attendance was somewhat below expectations for this year, although other piping events were also taking place in Calgary that evening. The audience was treated to excellent performances, including a few “family affairs” with winning sibling pipers and drummers accompanying each other.
Award winners performing for the evening included Liam Newman (chanter) Lachlan Sinclair (piping gr. IV) Ben Newman (piping gr. III) Cameron Drummond ((piping gr. II) Kenny Rogers (Adult) Andrew Smith (pro piping & pro piobaireachd) Gregory Muchka (side gr. IV) Luke Newman (side gr. III) Elizabeth Shaw (side gr. I). We also enjoyed group performances by Scottish Tradition School (junior piping quartet) and Rocky Mountain Pipe Band (pipe band Gr. III). This was the first public performance gig for Rocky Mountain PB under their new Pipe Major, Sean Somers, and they sounded very good indeed. More details on Rocky Mountain PB are included in a following section of this issue.
The complete competition standings for 2008 are posted on our ASPD website under the “2008 Games Results & Promotions” tab, with subtab listings for “2008 Aggregate Winners” and full details under “2008 Provincial Championship Results”.
(Photo)
ALBERTA SOCIETY OF PIPERS AND DRUMMERS
ANNUAL AGGREGATE AWARD
The Executive Committee would like to thank the following sponsors for their support:
Grade IV Piping Fort McMurray Legion Pipes and Drums
Grade III Piping Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band
Grade II Piping Grande Prairie & District Pipe & Drum
Grade I Piping The McLetchie Family, Innisfail
Professional Piping The Coventry Family, Fort McMurray
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BAND PROFILE: Clan MacNaughton
The clan MacNaughton Pipe Band was formed in Edmonton in 1972, one of the oldest continuously existing bands in the city. The name and tartan are from the clan affiliation of its first pipe Major, Jim Porter. The Band has been self-supporting since its inception.
By 1973, the Band boasted more than twenty pipers and drummers. Through the years, that number fluctuated significantly, going to just four active members in the mid-1980's to a current twenty-nine members. Initially, most of the Band’s playing members were young people. However, in the mid-1980's the Band’s Board of Directors decided to shift efforts away from being a youth fundamentals teaching band, toward being a marching band for adults who already possessed those skills.
The Band has performed on many occasions in Edmonton, taking part in several Klondike Days parades, and entertaining people in seniors’ residences as well as in the Glenrose Hospital. For several years the band has taken part in the St. Andrew’s Day celebrations at the St. Andrew’s Senior Home in the city. Past major events included being part of the massed pipe bands performing in the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in 1978, and, the Universiade Games in 1983. We were also part of the massed pipe bands playing at the very rainy celebrations during Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the province’s centennial celebrations in 2005.
The Band has also played in other communities through the province; from Pincher Creek in the south to Grande Prairie in the north, plus, many smaller communities closer to Edmonton. Until recently, the Band performed at the Remembrance Day ceremonies held by Branch 39 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Vegreville virtually every year since the Band was formed. In 1976, the band traveled to Scotland for a month-long excursion, where it performed in Strathaven, East Kilbride, competed at the Highland Games in Hawick, and took in the world famous Edinburgh Tattoo.
During its thirty-six year existence, seven individuals have led the Band as pipe major, including the current incumbent, Patricia Gregoire. In that same period, but beginning only in 1990. The Band has had three drum majors, and has been well served by just four quartermasters, including Ricky McKee from 1976 to 2007, and the latest, Bonnie Ewasyshyn.
For many years, Stewart Russell, one the Band’s past pipe majors, organized and ran the Ellerslie Highland Games on behalf of the Edmonton Scottish Society, as well as the Fort Edmonton Highland Games, in conjunction with the Alberta Caledonian Pipe Band. Throughout that time, members of the Band have served as stewards or in administrative capacities at these games.
(Photo)
Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band as at January, 2008
Front Row, left to right: Taryn Hedstrom, Brendan McKay, Drum Major Derek McKay, Gordon Hoffmann, Ann Ingram, Lori Hunt.
Second Row, Pipe Major Patricia Gregoire, Andy Smith, Bob Ingram, Doug Lawson, Warren Finlay, Lloyd McArthur, Tom Dunn, Rick, McKay.
Third Row, Bonnie Ewasyshyn, Ken McDonald, Stewart Russell, Real Gagne, Al McKay, Shelley Borduzak, Ruby Coulson.
Missing from Photo, Graham Evans, Colin Norris.
BAND PROFILE: Rocky Mountain Pipe Band
The Rocky Mountain Pipe Band (RMPB), recently celebrating its 10th birthday, has come a long way in a relatively short time. From its humble start as a “Legion band” performing for special events and functions just over a decade ago, the RMPB has risen up the ranks to become a successful and competitive force on the Alberta pipe band scene. With new members, new music and new leadership, the future looks bright for the RMPB.
The RMPB has recently undergone a bit of a facelift. Sean Somers has taken on the top spot as Pipe Major, Ian Baxter will remain with the band as Pipe Sergeant, and Ryan Sullivan will continue to lead an already solid and successful drum corps. The RMPB’s trademark “purple kilts” will remain the same, but addition of some new members has changed the shape of the band - literally - with a much bigger circle!
“We’re really excited about the upcoming season,” said Pipe Major Sean Somers. “The RMPB has done exceptionally well over the last several years, and we’re excited about improving on an already solid foundation.” And they should be.
The RMPB was recently crowned Provincial Champions in Grade 3 for the third consecutive year. Those results, combined with a change in leadership and the addition of some new players, the RMPB is working hard to field Alberta’s only competitive Grade 2 band.
“When I first took over the band, Ryan Sullivan and I talked at length about moving the band to Grade 2,” explained Somers. “It’s something both we and the band wanted, so this is the year we’re going to make it happen.”
“The band roster has been bolstered over the last few months, and if the people that are ‘on paper’ now are any indication, it should be an exciting year. The current band roster includes individuals that have won Provincial, Canadian, North American and even World Championships. With the addition of these strong new members and the experience they bring to the group, we’re excited about taking on the Grade 2 challenge head-on.” said Somers.
The band is working on a new medley, two MSR’s, along with some other “fun stuff” for possible recordings or concerts.
The band recognizes that it may need to travel a bit further to compete against other Grade 2 bands, and decisions about where they’ll go this season is currently being discussed.
Founded in 1998, the RMPB is dedicated to furthering Scottish music and culture through quality education, performance and competition. Proudly wearing the Isle of Skye Tartan, and sponsored by the Chapelhow Legion - Branch 284, the band routinely competes and performs for civic, private and corporate events throughout Western Canada and the United States.
For more information, or if you’d like to play with the band, contact P/M Sean Somers.
Check out our new website!
About Sean Somers:
Sean Somers, of Calgary has emerged as one of the top professional pipers from the Canadian Prairies, gaining recognition at the highest levels as a soloist, bandsman and composer. Sean is an active competitor and consistent prize-winner in professional piping contests throughout North America. He is currently the Pipe Major of the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band; and prior to that served as Pipe Sergeant of the grade one Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band. Sean was a former key member of the grade one 78th Highlanders (Halifax) Pipe Band when they won both the Canadian and North American Championships.
Sean is the former Principal Piping Instructor at the College of Piping (PEI), and has since continued to teach at workshops and at summer schools. More recently, he has enjoyed opportunities to lecture and give recitals in addition to teaching in both Canada and the United States. An avid composer, Sean has many tunes published in several contemporary collections of music and has had his music played and recorded by some of the world's best pipe bands.
Sean is currently Chair of the Music and Judging Committee for the Alberta Society of Pipers and Drummers, Past President of the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association, and member of the Music Initiatives Advisory Committee with the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations.
An accredited member of the Alberta Society of Pipers & Drummers adjudication panel, Sean has judged solo and band competitions throughout North America, including Atlantic and Western Canada, as well as the Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Eastern Seaboard of the United States.
Sean has also assisted in the development of a bagpipe-making business, Somers Bagpipes, which manufactures highland bagpipes, practice chanters, smallpipes, and accessories. He is a graduate from the University of Regina and works in Communications with the City of Calgary.
About Ryan Sullivan:
Ryan Sullivan started his drumming career with the White Hackle Pipe Band in Moose Jaw, and spent his formative years studying under such notable drummers as D/M John B. (Jock) Kerr, Jimmie Agnew, Roland Reid and John Fisher. Through their tutelage, Ryan progressed quickly to become the winningest solo drummer in the Prairie provinces from 1987 to 1998. He also spent most of these years playing kit drums, giggling and recording with local jazz, blues and rock bands.
At the age of 13, Ryan began a long association with the Grade 1 Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band under L/D Tim Boan. When the band marched into the contest circle in Glasgow, Scotland that August, Ryan became one of the youngest ever members of a grade one pipe band to play on the grand stage. Ryan played with Alberta Caledonia for seven more seasons before leaving for a three year stint as Lead Drummer of the City of Regina (Grade 2) Pipe Band. Under his leadership, the City of Regina band developed a strong drum corps that took many prizes at Games across the Prairies, BC, and, at the North American Championships in Maxville, Ontario. Ryan then went on to several more successful seasons with Alberta Caledonia, the most notable being 2001 when the band won the morning qualifier and placed 7th in the World.
After taking time away from drumming to get married and start a family, Ryan played with the City of Regina on successive trips to Scotland in 2005 and 2006, while at the same time developing the drum corps of the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band in Calgary. Ryan is a member of the Alberta Society of Pipers & Drummers adjudication panel, and is always in high demand as an instructor and clinician. His drumming career has taken him to over 20 countries with gigs ranging from the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland to the World's Fair in Australia to gigs with major recording artists throughout North America!
Ryan is currently Lead Drummer of the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band and lives in Calgary with his wife and two sons.
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In Memoriam:
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Mike MacDonald, the former Bass Drummer and Drum Major of the Red Deer Legion Pipe Band. He will be greatly missed by all his friends and family.
On behalf of the ASPD membership and executive we extend our sincere condolences to the MacDonald Family.
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Piping and Drumming Jobs!
Are You Interested in Being a Piper or Drummer with the Ceremonial Guard?
These are just some of the duties the Pipers and Drummers of the
Ceremonial Guard perform:
• Daily Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill Ottawa
• Hourly Sentry postings at Rideau Hall and at the National War Memorial in Ottawa
• Ceremonies for State visits
Benefits:
•An opportunity to be employed from mid April until end August
•Instruments will be provided (McCallum AB2, HTS700),
•Transportation, uniforms, meals and accommodation are also provided.
•Rates of pay can be found on our website listed below.
Canadian Forces Reserve Soldiers are eligible for benefits, such as;
•Education reimbursement up to $2000 per year
•Full time summer employment / part time winter employment with a local Reserve Highland Regiment
Be Part of Our Team, go to:
http://www.army.dnd.ca/Cere_Guard/
For further details please contact Pipe Major (Master Warrant Officer) Alan B. Clark, CD CGBand@forces.gc.ca
Tel/tél: (613) 990-1545 Fax/télec:(613) 991-5744
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From the Editor:
We would like to provide more information about Highland Piping and Drumming, and activities in the Pipe & Drum Band community throughout Alberta. We may also provide details from further afield for added interest. If you have something to share, we welcome suggestions and submissions. Articles sent for publication are the responsibility of the sender for accuracy, and may be subject to editing for format, clarity, and available space.
Dave Botkin
