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.