Friday, June 29, 2007

Donald MacLeod
This time of year always brings a wash of both sad and happy memories related to time I spent with Donald MacLeod. Donald died suddenly June 29, 1982. It seems hardly possible that so much time has passed since then, and it's still hard to believe at times that he is gone. Donald MacLeod is one of the most accomplished musicians of any generation: a supremely musical player, composer, arranger, innovator and teacher. He worked successfully within the established systems and norms of his time, and at the same time developed his own way of doing things, and his own personal style. All of this is well documented in a variety of places, and by various people.

My experience with Donald MacLeod started at summer schools in Saskatchewan, in 1968. The photo here was taken from a shot at the Fort San summer school. He was an engaging teacher, and he knew how to grasp hold of the imagination, or of mine, anyway. All the tunes were connected to people, places and events, and it was all living and vital history to Donald. He presented the music in a broad cultural context, and he tailored it to engage students of various ages.

Years later, I had the chance to study with Donald in Scotland. Over two years, I got to know Donald from an adult perspective, and at a time in his life when he was moving out of active work at Grainger & Campbell Bagpipe Makers, and into retirement. I left Scotland for home in November 1981, and the last tune I had with Donald was "Lament for Macdonald's Tutor." I am still lamenting.

And, I am still grateful. I count myself extremely fortunate to have had some time with Donald MacLeod, and to have had the benefit of his wisdom in many things, not just piping.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Tom Foote, Mosaic Festival, and Making a Difference Off the Field

Recently, the band had the pleasure of hosting a workshop with Tom Foote, who was here from Rochester, NY for a few days. We had 18 or so enthusiastic drummers from several local bands, and Tom put on a great session. The next day, he worked with drummers at the CRPB practice. Great to have someone of his calibre here for the workshop, and we look ahead to the summer school, when Doug Stronach, Steven McWhirter, and Tyler Fry are coming!
Anyway, thanks Tom, and to all those who came out.

The CRPB had to cancel performances at the Mosaic Irish Pavilion because we just didn't have enough members around to make it go. Too bad. At the same time, we hear that the Scottish Pavilion was another session of back-stabbing skullduggery, with arguments about who gets what spots, what the policies are, who should be working...and even performers booing other performers. Just makes you all warm and fuzzy, knowing how much good will and good sense there is in that show. Or, it would if you weren't one of two pipe bands in Regina who have been systematically excluded from the "club" for years. Despite what was said at meetings, two of the city's pipe bands did NOT receive invitations to participate in any way. It's a problem really: should we be insulted, or thankful? : )

And lastly, a note about the band and some off-field efforts this year. Despite no sponsorship arrangements, the band has done quite well financially over the past years. In 2006, for example, we travelled to Scotland, purchased a new set of pipe chanters, a complete new set of drums, and updated some uniform stuff. Not bad. This year, we have turned our focus outside the band, and have sponsored the following initiatives:

Regina Highland Games - The CRPB was a Gold Sponsor for the 2007 games, the same level as the City of Regina itself! As the original organizing force behind the games in 1996, we believe strongly in the value of this event for Regina, and for piping and drumming in this region.

Conservatory Pipe Band Drums - The CRPB has financed the purchase/refit of new drums for the Conservatory Pipe Band. The new drums are the Stronach/Cameron "wee drums" as played by the Toronto Police Pipe Band. The drums sound great, and are also lighter and easier to manage, so they should be perfect for the expanding junior band. The purchase is part of the CRPB's ongoing commitment to developing opportunities for young players in the area.

Tom Foote Workshop - The band opened this up for FREE to any interested drummers, and they came.

SOUND ADVICE Scholarships - The CRPB has put up several scholarships for young pipers and drummers to attend the Sound Advice summer camp. The purchase is part of the CRPB's ongoing commitment to developing opportunities for young players in the area.

Desmond Worfolk Goes to Cowal - Desmond is a Regina area dancer who has often performed at band concerts, and whose recent competition success has drawn a lot of attention locally. A couple of years ago, Desmond was a runner up [was it 3rd or 4th?] at Cowal, the World Championships for Highland dancing. That was a great achievement, and Desmond is one of a very few Saskatchewan dancers to get a prize at the Worlds. He's dancing well, working hard, and in a tough financial spot, so the CRPB is stepping in with $1,000 to get him to the big show this year. We appreciate the value of working toward big goals, and we're happy to assist Desmond as he raises the bar for himself. Good luck Desmond!

At the end of the day, "Scottish community" is an empty term if it's defined by what shifts you work at Mosaic, what group you belong to, or where you take your lessons. It's about people sharing experiences and and interest in Scottish arts and culture. This year, we thought we'd share some of our experiences and good fortune.