On piping at the Battle of Waterloo

Two hundred years ago the Napoleonic Wars were fought. On June 18th, 1815, south of Brussels in Belgium with combatants: British, Germans, Belgians, Dutch and Prussians met against the French Grande Army with the leadership of the Duke of Wellington, Marshal Blucher and the Prince of Orange against the Emperor Napoleon. This was to be the decisive battle Napoleon’s comeback and drive to control Europe. Volumes have been written about the battle. At the reenactment of the battle I Belgium this year there was a photo of pipers as part of the Anglo reenactment. It peaked my curiosity as to stories about the pipers and their contributions to the battles.

At the Battle of Quatre Bras, fought between the Duke of Wellington's English-Dutch army and the left wing of the French Armée du Nord under Marshal Michel Ne It was fought on 16 June 1815, two days before the Battle of Waterloo and was fought near the strategic crossroads of Quatre Bras. From The Story of the Bagpipe by William Flood, published in 1901:

    “At Quatre Bras the role of piper-hero fell to the lot of Kenneth MacKay,
    the piper of the 79th Cameron Highlanders. At an important crisis he
    stepped out of the ranks and blew up “Cogadh na Sith” (War and Peace),
    an ancient pibroch, with startling effect, in the very teeth of the French
    cavalry.”

At the Battle of Waterloo pipers were attached to the 42nd, 78th, 79th and 93rd regiments, the pipers performed valiantly.

    “When the din of the battle of Waterloo raged most fiercely the bagpipes
    were heard in no certain fashion. The piobroch at the word of command,
    “Prepare to charge,” roused the troops, and it is said that one brave piper,
    when wounded in the leg, threw down his pipes and entered the fighting
    ranks, dealing havoc all round till he was killed. (Flood, 1901)”

During the battle, the 79th (Cameron Highlanders) formed into a defensive square to face the charge of the French cavalry. Piper Kenneth MacKay left the safety of the square to march before his comrades while he played the Pibroch, War or Peace, indifferent to the dangers he faced. Their meritorious actions the 79th earned the rare honor of being praised by Wellington in his Waterloo dispatch. Sometime after the battle, King George III was told about the incident and presented MacKay with a set of silver mounted bagpipes. The story goes on to say that MacKay was also asked later to play the piobaireachd for the Tzar of Russia, Alexander I (reigning 1801 – 1825).

Information about the 200th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo can be found at:
https://www.waterloo2015.org/en

These stories speak of real lives who stood in battle to be counted worthy of the sacrifice in serving their country. Men such as MacKay still inspire those of us who are inspired to play the music they did in hope of inspiring others, not just in entertainment but in life.

On Bagpiping for Honor Flights

Honor Flights mission: “Transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.” Begun in 2005 when twelve World War II Veterans were flown to visit the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., local chapters such as Honor Flight Bay Area Foundation: http://www.honorflightbayarea.org  have been added across the U.S. The organization that puts the flights together is non-profit based, volunteer run and supported completely by public contributions. The veterans that participate pay for nothing but souvenirs. It is an amazing group of volunteers dedicated to honoring veterans of all armed force services. Our pipes and drums band has been honored to play for several homeward bound flights of which one, flying into SFO last Saturday, was one.

Our band arrived at the United Airlines counter at SFO and met an Honor Flight volunteer from the USO. She coordinated ‘boarding passes’ for us to enter the TSA secured terminal. The seven pipers (no drummers that evening) and my wife acting as camera person were given VIP treatment and given access to a non-passenger screening line. Of course, a group of bagpipers in uniform draws attention in an environment where travelers do not expect to see a bagpipe band. Many mobile phones took pictures of us along the way. Being in uniform and carrying pipes normally draws attention, but this was taken to a whole new level with the public. The TSA security treated us like any passenger and were asked to take off shoes, spats, glens, belts and everything containing metal and all, including bagpipes, were sent through the X-ray machine. Individually we stepped through the security scanner then proceeded to re-dress. One of our female pipers was subjected to a pat down for some inexplicable reason. She was not happy about it, but took it pretty much in stride. We were met on the other side of TSA security by a SFO manager coordinating the airport’s involvement with the Honor Flights. He escorted us to a room where we could warm up and tune. As always warming up is a cacophony of sounds and music. Tuning always takes a good deal of time, but everyone does there part having tuned with the band ‘a hundred’ times. The room we were in had a wall of glass open to the terminal so many travelers stopped, looked and listened. We even had a number of bold airline flight attendants step in to our room as we played tunes to get drones and chanters in tune. More camera phones came out.

The flight was approximately 40 minutes late, but we left our tuning room early to wander to the lower level gate. We met other Honor Flight welcome home volunteers that included a color guard, police, fire fighters, security teams from SFO and some family members who got permission (like us) to greet the flight. There were also Honor Flight volunteer staff handling the 20+ wheel chairs for the veterans returning from their trip. When the flight arrived, the civilian travelers disembarked first, walking cautiously through the gauntlet of flags and well-wishers. The Honor Flight staff then jumped into action bringing the wheel chairs down the retractable ramp to the plane where they helped the veterans disembark and prepare to be greeted. When the first veteran show at the gate door, we struck in with Scotland the Brave – Rowan Tree – Scotland the Brave, then followed with Green Hills of Tyrol and Battles O’er. As the gate was on a lower level the Vets needed to be transported up a level and once there were serenaded by a young woman who sang The Star Spangled Banner. Many of the veterans saluted or covered their hearts with their hands. She then sang, and we all joined in singing, God Bless America.

As soon as her singing had concluded and applause died down, we formed columns of two, struck in and led the color party and vets out of the terminal playing Crags of Tumbledown Mountain. Once exited, we halted and completed playing our set. We dismissed as a band, then greeted and thanked the veterans for their service. I met a veteran from the attack on Pearl Harbor, a tail gunner in the Pacific theatre who had been shot down twice by enemy fire and an Army Ranger who fought on D-Day. I would have loved to have heard some of their stories. What an honor it was to play for the elderly gentlemen. It is times like these that I love playing the pipes, and look forward to playing again, and again, for these American heroes.

On Pipe Band Management

Our band played last weekend for a Memorial Day Ceremony at Skylawn Memorial Park near Half Moon Bay. Eight pipers, four drummers and our Drum Major along with various camp followers. The day before the band played at the Half Moon Bay Pentecost Festival parade memorializing the fifty days following Easter. A week before the band played in Pescadero for a Portuguese festival and parade. Each had a different cast of characters playing in the band. To make each event happened is a crew of dedicated musicians who love to serve the band in many capacities.

Those jobs are for the most part, unsung hard working volunteers that want to see the band succeed and prosper. Think about what it takes to get to one event. First, there are weeks, if not months, of practice, almost every Tuesday evening. The band managers have to coordinate with our host church, St. Andrews Episcopal, Saratoga, CA to find us time in their sanctuary or gym. Our band President and Drum Major will send out detailed email reminders, and our Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant will run the practices. If there are issues with uniforms or drums, our band managers will coordinate obtaining gear from ‘the shed’. If something needs purchasing, then our band Treasurer will coordinate and money exchanges. If a related topic needs to be discussed by the Board of Directors, then the Secretary will keep notes. If reeds are going bad and new ones needed, then they need to be issued. If changes in music scores are needed, another volunteer updates the music and gets it posted on the band’s web site: http://www.stewarttartan.com/ Another volunteer coordinates with the parade organizers regarding any pertinent details regarding the event. That gets passed along to band management and entered on to the web site and TeamSnap website. And that’s before the day of an event! If the volunteers did their part, and practices went well, then the event will go smoothly. The members attending will come prepared and once at the event will for the most part, act as professionals, listening and obeys the Pipe Major, Drum Major and Drum Sergeant.

At a performance such as for Memorial Day, the band will arrive and dress in their uniforms. Each member looks out for the other to see that we look our best. After the pipers warm up and tune roughly, Pipe Major will complete the fine art of tuning. The drummers will work with the Drum Sergeant to insure that they are prepared and drums tuned. The Drum Major will keep a keen eye on everyone’s deportment to ensure that the ensemble of pipes and drums works together. The event’s performances then work with almost never a problem. The Drum Major and Pipe Major will work seamlessly together in accomplishing the goals of the team at the event. The old adage of “Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.” is true in a band as in every part of life.

Everyone doing their part, focused on our mutual goal of playing music to the best of our abilities leads to becoming a great band. Thanks cannot be offered often enough to our staff for tirelessly volunteering to move our band forward. My hat’s off to each. Thank you for all you do.

On piping for a wedding at the beach

When a young couple in love thinks of an outdoor wedding and chooses the beach, they have an amazing backdrop of sand, surf, sun and sky. The informality of the beach can be juxtaposed with the beauty of a bride with bridal party, either formal or casual. Music for a beach wedding can be equally fascinating. Some couples choose canned sound system with recorded music. Safe bet as even a small breeze can muffle the sound of live musicians. Violin and cello are beautiful with lilting strains of classical music. Guitar work well when amplified. But rarely does the sound equal that of the bagpipes.

The bagpipes at a beach seems to me to match the beauty of the surroundings. Waves rolling in, clouds rolling by and the stirring sound of the highland bagpipes as the bride accompanied by her Father walks down between rows of family and friends to an outdoor alter of sorts. And should the couple have ties to a Celtic background then the scene will be complete when the piper strikes in.

Almost any tune that is upbeat and grand will work for either stately processional or joyous recessional. Highland Cathedral, or Green Hills, Mairi’s Wedding, Simple Gifts / “Lord of the Dance”, Highland Laddie or a hymn such as “Be Thou my Vision” played at a tempo of the bride’s choice works.

The challenge for a piper is with the potential for temperature swings which can cause the bagpipes to go out of tune. Special care needs to be taken to keep the pipes stable. Warm and cold swings as clouds move through, as beautiful as the picture is, may cause the pipes to go out. The other consideration is that too much wind may stop a drone from playing lessening the full sound of the pipes. Playing facing into the wind (if the wind is blustery) is best, but the venue will dictate your position.

The piper is there for the bride and groom. Anything I can do to make their special day just that much better, I will do. I always suggest meeting the bride ahead of time to discuss. Even have a “Bagpipe Tasting” for the couple. Just as one might taste cake options at a bakery for the wedding cake, I like to think that a couple wants to get a sense (or taste) of what I bring to the wedding ceremony. So setting aside time to play for them gives a connection with them.

Weddings are THE most fun to play for and be a part of. Whether for the ceremony or for the reception, I love being a part of such a special day. Beaches aren’t just for picnics and splashing in the waves, but are a lovely venue for nuptials; Bagpipes optional!

On Piping Practice

Playing alto saxophone in 4th grade I was faced with the challenge of practicing. My Mom would gently remind me; my band instructor would remind me; listening to my playing would remind me of the need to practice. It’s not that practice makes perfect, but that practice can lead to proficiency. My technique will improve and I will be able to play more challenging music. There is an added component to practice in that it is physically preparing us to play outside of practice. Practicing the sax increased my strength of diaphragm, embouchure, and arms for holding the sax as well as gave my fingers a workout for controlling the instrument. So it is with the bagpipes.

At band practice most any evening we spend time with selected music for focus. We will play on chanters as a pipe corp. Passages will be explored; technique fixed; and unison of play emphasized. At times we will play chanters and pads. We will work with music, then without just watching the PM’s fingers and foot. We will work with metronome, then without. At times we will then play a passage solo with for all to hear. If anything gets me to practice it is knowing I will be playing in front of my peers and the PM. I guess I’m a sucker for peer pressure, even where pressure does not exist. I want to be as good as the top pipers in the band. So practice is part of that needed trajectory.

When we get to playing the pipes, we should expect that the practice translates in any tune. And we see that proficiency is enhanced by this method when we play in the circle. Remembering back to my earliest chanter lessons, my tutor put me through my paces until my lips were sputtering. With each subsequent week I improved and lips strengthened. Today if I set the pipes down for any extended length of time, my lips / chops / embouchure and gut / diaphragm / lungs will be shot and I will once again be left sputtering by the end of practice. But if I keep my pipes going, my time practicing will be fruitful. I will be able to focus on my chanter practice and my pipe practice hopefully increasing my skill.

Every practice do not need to be focused on exercises and memorization. Sometimes the best practice is just to play at a favorite locale, and play for the sheer joy of playing. That too will point out that more practice is needed ;-)



The lesson learned is: practice, Practice, PRACTICE!

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!