On piping at the movies

As a kid growing up in Manteca, CA, the movie theatre our family went to was the El Rey Theatre located downtown on Yosemite Ave. at Main St. The classic movies of the 1960’s played on our local Art Deco screen. Ben Hur, Bridge Over the River Kwai, Operation Petticoat, Camelot and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea were among the many we watched there. My folks would pay a little extra for loge seating while my sister, brother and I sat in the regular seats below. It was at the El Rey that my Dad took the family to see Disney’s The Three Lives of Thomasina, and is the first film I recall seeing bagpipes played in. That I was probably just a little younger than the character playing the pipes helped my fascination, but I thought his playing was very good (not knowing about movie magic of dubbing in music over a pretending player).

A great site for is called Bagpipes Go to the Movies: http://fraser.cc/pipes/movies.html Compiled by: Scott Williams & Alistair B. Fraser this site is a work of pretty amazing scope and an obvious errand of love of all things bagpipes. Well worth bookmarking, the site offers some interesting comments about a great range of movies. For example, I looked up “Thomasina” and they have the following description, ”1963 This Disney film has a little boy playing the pipes at a cat's funeral. Thomasina is the cat and the boy plays Macintosh's Lament (very only a few mistakes) and Loch Lomond. He's obviously not really playing and his hands are reversed on the chanter. At one point he drops the pipes but the bag remains fully inflated.” Looking for bagpipes at the movies? Here’s a few of my favorites:


The Quiet Man - with John Wayne.

Kidnapped – Bagpipe dual instead of swords

Wee Willie Winkie – with Shirley Temple

Brigadoon – with Gene Kelly

The Longest Day – star cast with Bill Millin portrayed

The Fugitive – with Harrison Ford

Joyous Noel – Christmas ceasefire in WWI

My Bunny Lies Over the Seas – Bugs Bunny cartoon classic

Over the years the list of bagpiping in movies, and television, has grown. Ask a piper and he may recall a film immediately, as I have. A more recent movie featuring bagpipes was Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes, A Games of Shadows, released in 2011. Bagpipes play for Dr. Watson’s wedding. Also, my wife and I just finished watching the online streaming of the British TV series Outlander with opening credits played to Skye Boat Song with a singer and bagpipes. The series also features highland pipes in a couple of episodes. And thanks to the ever expanding work on the internet, you may see a movie, hearing the pipes and wonder what tune you heard. First go to the site above, or do a Bing or Google search and you are likely to find your answer. Finding the music may be a little more challenging, but that’s just half the fun. Enjoy going to the movies. Or pop some popcorn, rent a movie and you may be surprised at the pipes you hear.

On piping St Patrick’s Day

Piping for St Patrick’s Day each year is just plain fun! This year has been no exception. Our band traditionally marches in the San Francisco St Patrick’s Day Parade. This year it was on Saturday the 14th. As with all band gigs, all pipers and drummers arrived early, warmed up, tuned and tried out the parade sets. Then it’s stand around and wait for the parade to move. Once on the street we fall into a natural rhythm of marching to cadence then play a parade set. The crowds are large, and give us an enthusiastic cheer whenever and whatever we play. We are blessed to also have with us members of the Piedmont Highlander Scottish Dancers who perform with us to a couple dance tunes if we are stopped long enough to allow for them to perform. They will also dance with us at the parade review stand as part of our parade performance set. Thanks to the dancers, our Drum Major Paul’s choreography for the band and our Pipe Major Dan’s leading the band came in 1st place in the parade.

Afterward we walked back toward our cars, but instead of leaving, the band played at an Irish pub called the Chieftain: http://thechieftain.com/. There the band played back and forth with a small Irish pub band. We received a raucous reception as we played our parade sets and more. At one point, we cleared enough space for the dancers to offer a dance set accompanied by the pipe band playing Orange and Blue.

On the Tuesday evening of St Patrick’s Day, I was asked to play the Westbrae Biergarten in north Berkeley: http://www.westbraebiergarten.com/ This fine family friendly outdoor beer garden proved to be a wonderful place to spend the evening playing for the patrons. Kids enjoying the fountain and kid friendly play area while Mom and Dad with friends enjoyed delicious food and drink. Families enjoying a meal at spotlessly clean picnic tables under awnings. Others gathered around a fire pit. Face painters created works of art on all children wishing a small adornment. I’d easily rate this establishment as a Bay Area gem and give it two thumbs up for hospitality, food, drink and warm atmosphere. A good time was had by all!

On piping for St Patrick’s Day

The Irish came up with a great PR idea in having a day to honor St Patrick. The parades with all manner of participant, bagpipe bands, the green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Irish step dancers, accordion music, Irish flags and parties honoring St Pat galore. Who would have thought that the celebration today is honoring the day a 5th century Christian died, March 17. Patrick desired most of all to reach the pagans of Ireland with the Bible and the truth of Jesus’ love, making disciples of all men.

Patrick was a 5th-century Roman-British Christian missionary and bishop to Ireland. Patrick is probably the best known of Christian missionaries of the island country. History records that at the age of 16, Patrick was taken from his home in Great Britain to live as a slave in Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After becoming a cleric studying in France, he returned to northern and western Ireland. In later life, he served as an ordained bishop, but little is known about the places where he worked. He reached out to the people of Ireland using examples from Irish heritage to explain the Gospel: the shamrock to show the triune God, etc.

The Stewart Tartan Pipes and Drums celebrated along with the best ‘em by marching in the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We had most of our pipers, drummers, color guard and banner carriers out in full regalia, marching in full uniform with full plaid and ostrich feathered bonnets. We were honored with Maribeth Allen joining us for her last gig on bass drum. Playing our standard parade sets, we honored all things Irish with ‘Wearing of the Green’ and ‘Minstrel Boy’ standards along with three other parade sets. We also had Scottish Dancers to march and dance with us. In front of the reviewing stand the band provided ‘extra’ pageantry by marching into formation to play ‘Orange and Blue’ for the dancers. Suffice it to say (and modestly I might add) our band took first place in the parade!

After the parade most of the band hung out together playing at a couple of pubs near the Civic Center. We all enjoyed the playing, as did the patrons, but there wasn’t enough space for us to hang out and have a cold one. Outside our second pub, a mom asked if we might play for her son who loves bagpipe music. No missing a beat, I started to play, some drummers joined in and I went down on one knee to play for the lad at his eye level. Maybe a third of the band headed out to find a pub and the group I was with headed back to where the cars were parked and ended up being welcomed at The Chieftain Irish Pub, playing everything in our repertoire, plus some. The owner welcomed us like long lost friends, offering food and drink as we played for the appreciative crowd. We hope to return next year, but with even more music. As mentioned earlier, our band had split, so when some of us were leaving, the rest of the band showed up and played for another hour for the revelers. A good time was had by all. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

On International Bagpipe Day - March 10, 2015

When my boss told me at work that today is International Bagpipe Day I thought he might be kidding, I know that there is such a day each year. Right along International Donut Day or Bring Your Kazoo to Work Day. So I thought I had better check it out. Yes Mrs. Kalabash, there is such I did a search on “the day” and found a host of links. Instead of expounding on bagpipes, I will just copy cool liks for readers to discover. The phot above is from a bagpipe competition in Southern Iran, leading up to the finals held today, March 10, 2015.

Glasgow - The National Piping Centre will be live streaming a concert online. Watch out for the video on their website.

London - There will be a bagpipe concert/session in London at 14 Bacon Street venue (Shoreditch), one of the best places around. Pipers who want to get involved and play a tune or two alone, email cassandre.balbar@gmail.com

SOAS Radio - Bagpipes Galore podcast on SOAS Radio will be publishing a special edition with recordings from around the world. Get involved and suggest recordings or send a recording of yourself playing the pipes! Email: internationalbagpipeorg@gmail.com

Chester - Chester pipers are organising an IBD session with many different pipes at the Cross Keys.

Berlin - Swedish piper Olle Gällmo is  playing for a Bal Folk at the Haus der Sinne in Berlin, Germany. The band Sunday Jam will also be playing with Matthias Branschke on the pipes.

Athens - The Greek pipers will gather for a picnic on Philopappou hill opposite the Acropolis. Their slogan is "in days like these, all we need is each other", so feel free to join them!

Santorini - La Ponta, the tsambouna centre in Santorini is celebrating International Bagpipe Day.

Budapest - Hungarian pipers are joining the festivities by celebrating IBD at their regular club event.

Iran - Iranian bagpiper Mohsen Sharifan has organised concerts and a bagpipe competition which ends on 10 March. Many photos can be found on their instragram page.

Thunder Bay - Canadian pipe band THE Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay have a whole day planned with fun piping events, including a radio appearance, a photo competition and an evening performance.

Texas - Texas Tech Uni will be carrying out a bagpipe programme during the day and Carlos Nuñez will be performing in the evening.

Chicago - Patrick Cannady will be playing the uilleann pipes at Johnny O'Hagan's. Why not join him for a tune and a drink?

Detroit - The Purcell Irish Pipers of Detroit will be celebrating in style with uillean pipes.

Minsk - Belarus is celebrating Spring and pipes on 11 March in Minsk with a big folk dance.

Leuven - Belgian pipers have got together and are organising a symposium focused on bagpipe education around Europe. Their event is online here.

Happy International Bagpipe Day!

On pipe band class warfare

If you have ever been part of an organization for any period of time you may notice that all that was seen as shiny, glowing and new when you first joined now has lost some lustre. Why? As one looks from the outside, you see the best that a group, club. school or church has to offer. So it can be within a pipe band. I recall attending the Pleasanton Games over the years, sitting in the bleachers watching the bands compete under the trees. I’d go home inspired to practice more, play more and dream about being in a competing band. Attending our band’s Christmas concert (before I was a member) three years ago and going home telling my wife that it would be fun to join. The next year, after the concert, I approached the Pipe Major, Catherine Young) and joined the band. Two and a half years later, I can compare my time inside this great organization. Which brings me to the delicate subject of pipe band class warfare.

First, what is class warfare? This would assume that there are classes of individuals and that there is tension between them existing in the socioeconomic structure surrounding them. So in a band you have individuals in the classes of pipe corp, and the drum corp, or vice versa to show I have no class prejudice / distinction ;-). Within each you may have different skill levels, or in the case of the drum corp you have different instruments and different skills. That being said, what class tensions could exist? We share a common love of pipe band music. We recognize and appreciate each other’s contribution to the music. So overall, from my perspective, we are a happy ensemble. Within each corp there may be tensions beneath the surface.

I’ve written before about skill levels and commitment to the band or even to the instruments. As this is a hobby, a band will attract many levels of skill and commitment. And based on commitment to the craft, our levels of skill and commitment goes up and down. A novice player may find him/herself feeling a little left out when the seasoned players play a complicated set. Or some musician dedicates himself to playing 10 – 20 hours per week whereas another only 5 – 7. Who may have the greater impact on their instrument? Probably the one dedicated to practicing more. At practices this may show when chanters are being practiced with. We will play a music passage solo and whoever practices that passage will probably play with confidence and sound better than the person does not practice. Skill and commitment levels can cause some friction and frustration, but really no ‘warfare’.

Our band also has members in at least three to four other bands, as well as solo performance commitments in the Bay area. In my mind that is a wonderful complement to our type of organization. That our band attracts members from other bands for various reasons. We are seeing our band grow. But commitments to multiple bands also has its challenges. When major holidays arrive, my bandmates will choose which band to play with and sometimes this leaves us a little thin in the ranks of players. This can cause some tension about where loyalties lie. But works for the most part.

Maybe the only class tension I see on occasion is between band members who wish to compete at highland games and those that do not. As mentioned before, we have members in more than one band. The Western United State Pipe Band Association in its wisdom does not allow band members to compete in more than one band at a single competition. We have one member of our band that plays for another competition band. For whatever the reason, their choice is not to compete with us. And this works. Our band plays approximately 23 – 25 performances, parades and concerts per year. The competition band does 3 – 4 competitions. Many of the performances and competitions bring in appearance money to the band budget. And yet to hear from some band members it is “us vs. them”, the ‘A’ team vs the ‘B’ team. There is a definite focus on the competition group when a competition is approaching no doubt. And a definite focus on the Christmas Concert or any parade when they approach. I just don’t see why the tension exists.

So how to combat class rivalries? Work to show respect for one another; seek common ground on differences, do our best to be inclusive on all members, foster an atmosphere of each helping one another grow in the band whether skill or commitment. So as to class warfare, our band has very little. A little grumbling and grousing over issues but not a whole lot. As in any organization of volunteers, people will sometimes vote with their feet and move on to other bands.

May it rarely happen with us.

On Developing a Piper

Through the years of playing the bagpipes I have watched, participated in and helped friends and competitors through the trials of preparing for a competition. Much of the time we, as pipers, attend band practice, or take a weekly lesson, then practice on our own. ‘Game day’ comes and unless you have been a part of the same games year after year, or have ice water in our blood, it may cause a good deal of stress. Preparing to compete, whether solo or as a band does not happen by accident. And the practice isn’t just in the form of playing the tune a hundred times in the band circle. If you are planning to compete effectively at the next level of play I’ve compiled a To-Do list to help.

First, realize that you have what it takes to play well. Does this mean I don’t have to practice? Absolutely not. But you are going to compete only with yourself even as you stand and march before an adjudicator. You possess personal characteristics, traits and values that have helped you drive musically to perform including discipline, focus, energy, habits, work ethic, goal oriented and commitment to your craft. These traits translate to whatever level of performance you play at.

Encourage positive attitude through positive affirmation, praise and properly discussed critique. Last evening our pipe corp. was working on a hornpipe. Playing together as a pipe corp. has its own challenges but masks a multitude of errors. The big picture could be heard as we played along with a metronome. We played in and out of tempo. The PM gave critique, critical yet positive. We each then played the 1st 8 bars of the tune solo. No one played it completely correct. How the PM can turn the younger players errors into positive encouragement if great to see. We all need affirmation yet we each need to be prodded to perform better. “Well done. You hit all the notes and stayed on tempo for the most part, yet need to work with you grips (grace notes, embellishment, etc.). Work bar three over and over with a metronome and you’ll see progress.” It’s a great trait to encourage in us all whether in leadership or not when helping other players.

Value skill level goals in all members of the band. My D-throw may be ‘lovely’ but my D-grip is ‘crushed’ and needs work. How involved we are in each other’s time at practice in preparing for a competition. Do our bandmates value our contribution to the band? Do the PM and top players take time to work with and encourage each other. I think, for the most part, our skill level and attitude are known among our peers. It is how we handle our attitude toward others in the band that is important.

I encourage the developing piper to have an identity beyond being just a piper. By all means focus on your instrument. The more proper practice the better. All my friends know of my hobby and the love I have for bagpipe music. Yet they also know me as a Dad, a fellow believer in Jesus Christ, a long distance runner, a part time high school teacher, and, as a backpacking and hiking. Each of us has interests beyond piping. Embrace them. They will help you keep a life that is balanced that will allow you to see more than the sheet music in front of you.

In my high school class I try to instill an attitude of going beyond your best. Some might say, “Do your best.” Nonsense. We need to develop to go beyond our “best” by pushing ourselves. If I run only several miles a week and expect a sub four hour marathon, I’m just fooling myself. Physical and mental development must be developed. Playing a tune over and over again doesn’t make me a great player. Pushing myself to master both old and new skills, exercising my arms, lungs, hands, marching etc. until I’m tired, then do it again tomorrow makes me stronger as I see myself progress in stamina, musical skill, etc.

One of my friends in band is a professional dietician. She is certainly aware and thankfully not overbearing when it comes to the diet she sees our fellow bandsmen (OK… me) have. If I ask, she will make suggestions. In preparing for long weekends away at a highland game, we need to prepare ourselves with a healthy diet and, of course, rest. It comes down to respecting our own bodies. What is the best thing for ourselves? Too much junk food or alcohol along with too little sleep could spell disaster in the competition circle. Get you rest and eat well. No one wants to let their team down by not being prepared. Preparation doesn’t just apply to the instrument and music we play, but how we treat our bodies which enables us to carry out our duties in the band or competition.

To get there may also take learning new self-governance / time management skills to fit piping in, as well as have time for friends, family and work. Taking responsibility for all aspects of self-development focusing of goals for practices, getting to lessons, travel to gigs, and taking pride in your uniformed appearance. These are traits of self-governance that when developed in the piper will happily spill over into all areas of life. As I have learned through the years, to say “no” to an upcoming gig that conflicts with another engagement is an OK thing.

Those of us who love the music of the highland bagpipes and drums, and play one or the other, realize that success doesn’t come from just practice alone. But rather enjoying a life, one with other interests, family, friends, and with thoughtful discipline. Piping for competition in a band or as a soloist should augment a life which enjoys the beauty of the world around us, embracing the talents we’ve been given and encourage those around us with affirming appreciation.

Happy piping.

On changing our pipe band uniform

Black Watch 1900

When our leadership team met to plan out the coming year one topic was the uniform. Who would have thought that considering what uniform the competition band might wear for the 2015 season might cause controversy. The board of directors considered the issue a year ago, but felt that the timing and cost should be postponed. A year of success in competition has brought the idea to the fore again. For the past number of years our band has performed in two uniforms: a formal uniform complete with Royal Stewart kilt, stocking tops with white spats, cross-belt, plaid, piper's horse hair sporran and feather hat and a street uniform of white spats, black shirt and glengarry with red and white hackle. Both uniforms look very sharp when marching in parades or performing for any occasion. The spats with cross-hatch stocking looks great for marching in unison in either uniform. The formal ‘big hat’ with plaid over the shoulders looks very impressive.

Looking at the competition at local highland games shows the Stewart Tartan Pipes & Drums to look like a parade band and not a competition band. Are we judged on our appearance? The consensus says ‘no …but maybe a little.” It was pointed out that at “The Worlds” none of the top placing bands wears such. What do they wear besides their kilts? Typically a long sleeve white, light blue or grey shirt under a vest with complimentary tie, day sporran, dark socks and gillies. For a hat they wear a glengarry with or without a hackle. So our team’s thought is to enter the mainstream of bands competing with an updated look, proposing such to the band’s board of directors.

First, emphasize that we will keep our current two uniforms for formal presentations such as our Christmas Concerts. If a piper or drummer is not competing, then these two uniforms would be the uniforms of choice. If you are part of the competition band, then you would be issued the pieces for such. There is the possibility that in a year or so, the full band may be issued the competition uniform. What might it look like? We would keep the two kilts, Royal Stewart for the pipers and Hunting Stewart for the drummers. Surprisingly this caused some discussion as looking at the competition bands at the Worlds shows all competing members in matching tartan. So this may get phased in, but initially I see us keeping both kilts. Next, loose the white spats and sock tops, replacing them with a black or dark gray ‘pop corn’ sock with red flashes. Add a black leather day sporran, gray long sleeve shirt under a black vest with black or regimental stripped tie and you have our idea for the competition band(s).

Controversy? There is the cost of changing 8 – 12 pipers and 6 – 8 drummers; 20 players. We discussed band members paying for their shirt, socks and shoes; the band paying for the vest, sporran, flashes and tie. As we don’t charge dues to play in the band, asking folk to pay some seems reasonable to leadership. Comments were made that maybe we outfit the grade 4 band this year and the grade 5 next year. The consensus was that this segregates the bands and may cause friction between the teams, something we try hard to avoid. There are also the choices of colors for hose and shirt. As this will identify us to the piping community for years to come. Dark gray vs black socks, and even white vs gray shirt seems minor, yet people have emotion charged opinions. I get it. People need to be heard. I hope we can show samples at our band membership meeting in January.

As I expressed, a picture is worth a thousand words. So a friend of mine sent out the URL of a blog that gave what the writer thought of as the top 5 best dressed bands at the Worlds http://www.viewsfromthecircle.co.uk/best-dressed-pipe-bands-grade-1/ Take a look for yourself. Nice blog as well. One thing I noticed was that the bands listed did not have hackles in their glengarries.

So we will just have to wait until 2015 to find out what the Stewart Tartans will be wearing.

Have a blessed Christmas, wonderful holiday season, play Aud Lang Syne New Year’s eve and start making plans to play your best for the new year!