April 2009
PIPERS’ and PIPE BAND SOCIETY
of ONTARIO, OTTAWA BRANCH
**** www.ppbso-ottawa.org ****
President: Vacant
(email: tbd)
Vice-President: Alan Clark (613) 445-1420
(email: )
Vice-President: Ross Davison (613) 219-3369
(email: )
Treasurer: Jack Yourt (613) 774-3622
(email: )
Secretary: John Harper (613) 830-8962
(email: )
Ottawa Branch Newsletter Mailed Version to Cease Effective Next Newsletter
(see page 3 for details)
***** 2009 Ottawa Branch Open Solo Piping Contest *****
The annual Ottawa Branch Open Solo Piping Contest took place the night of Saturday 28 March 2009 at the Army Officers’ Mess downtown Ottawa and was another huge success. The 2009 contest featured ten top area pipers who provided an excellent evening’s entertainment. The adjudicator for the contest was Ken Eller (top left). This year’s winner, for a record fifth time, was Andrew Hayes of the Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band, playing The Abercairney Highlanders, Dora MacLeod and the Cockerel in the Creel. Second place went to P/M Katie Buckland of the Air Command Pipes and Drums; in third place was P/M Alan Clark of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa; and P/Sgt Curtis Leblanc of the Air Command Pipes and Drums took home fourth place.
A very special thanks goes out to our main sponsor again this year, the Clan MacIsaac, represented by Bernie and Anne MacIsaac, who presented Andrew Hayes with the Glengarry Trophy and first place prize money of $500 (top right). Second place of $300 was sponsored by Graeme Ogilvie, third place of $200 by the Glengarry Pipe Band and fourth place of $100 by Brown Bagpipe Supply. This year we were again especially fortunate to have a number of local Scottish/Irish pubs (see Page 2) provide generous gift certificates for the remainder of the top ten competitors. Many thanks to all our sponsors for enabling this outstanding evening of piping.
SPONSORS OF 2009 OPEN CONTEST
***** Ken Eller Workshop Saturday 28 March 2009 *****
On Saturday 28 March 2009 a full house turned out at Studio A of the Loeb Building at Carleton University to take part in an outstanding afternoon of instruction from the “Captain”, Ken Eller.
Pipe Major of the eight-time North American champion Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band, a partner with the St Catherines' bagpipe maker Jack Dunbar, and seven-time North American champion with the 78th Fraser Highlanders, the "Captain" worked his way through two subjects for the afternoon, “Basic Technique for Light Music and Piobaireachd”, and “What Makes a Good Performance Better”. He stressed the importance of scales and arpeggios, and the importance of G gracenotes and accenting. He also spent time explaining the world of PPTT – Pulsing, Phrasing, Tempo, and Timing.
Ken used a wonderful variety of many personal anecdotes to illustrate his points and the entire afternoon was an exceptional learning experience for all those in attendance. The four hours of instruction went by far too quickly. And now……. it’s just the small matter of putting all those lessons into practice for the coming summer!!!
Future Ottawa Branch Dates
09 May 2009 Ottawa Branch In-Door Highland Games – Kemptville, Ontario
09 May 2009 Air Command Pipes and Drums 60th Anniversary Reunion
23 May 2009 OPG Kingston Celtfest www.robroypipeband.com
20 June 2009 Veterans Memorial Highland Game www.veteransmemorialhg.com
31 July - 01 August Glengarry Highland Games www.glengarryhighlandgames.com
02 August 2009 Montreal Highland Games www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca
22 August 2009 North Lanark (Almonte) Highland Games www.almontehighlandgames.com
OTTAWA BRANCH NEWSLETTERS
Hard copy distribution of the Ottawa Branch newsletter to the general Branch membership will cease following this April 2009 newsletter. The print company used for the newsletter has changed ownership and prices have subsequently increased. A quick survey of other potential options does not show any cheaper alternatives. Since this was already the largest annual expense for the Ottawa Branch, given our limited budget it now makes the printing and mailing of the newsletter cost prohibitive. With consideration that most people today have internet access, starting in June 2009 (the next issue) the newsletter will become available primarily from the web-site at www.ppbso-ottawa.org. It will typically be posted the Wednesday ten days prior to the first Saturday of a month (except May and July when there is no newsletter published). Recognizing that there are some people who still do not have internet access, continued hard copy distribution of the newsletter will be considered by individual request only. Please provide your request for hard copy newsletters in writing to the Ottawa Branch Secretary, John Harper, at 1493 Kamuoraska Circle, Orlean, ON K1C-3J1. For those who wish to be notified by email to confirm when the newsletter is available for downloading, please advise by email to .
Ottawa Branch Farewell to Graeme Ogilvie
Following the Open Contest at the Army Officers’ Mess on the night of 28 March 2009, the Ottawa Branch Executive bade farewell to Graeme Ogilvie after thirteen years on the executive, the past eleven as President. Graeme was presented with a special sgian dubh from the Sgian Dubh company of Ayrshire, Scotland on behalf of the Branch and to honour the occasion the following tune was composed, and presented by Pipe Major Alan Clark of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (and one of the two Vice-Presidents on the executive for 2009/2010). The Branch had a very successful run under Graeme’s leadership and we wish him well in all his current and future pipe band related activities.
Ottawa Branch In-Door Games
Saturday 09 May 2009
St Michaels Catholic High School, Kemptville, Ontario
2755 Highway 43 (2 km west of Hwy 416)
*** Admission: $5.00 per person, whether competitor or spectator ***
Registration starts 8:00 am
Solo Piping Competitions start 8:30 am
Solo Drumming Competitions start 10:00 am
Pipe Band (Grade 5, Grade 4, Grade 3, Grade 2) Competitions start 1:30 pm
Note: As an encouragement to enter in advance, advance entries will continue to be accepted at no cost, HOWEVER… entries on the day will now be charged a $5.00 admin fee (regardless of number of events entered). Advance entries can be made by mail or by email, but must be received by Sun 03 May 2008.
O.P.G. Kingston Celtfest Saturday 23 May 2009
Rideau Acres, Kingston, Ontario
We are pleased to announce that we will be running the 5th annual Kingston Celtfest on 23 May 2009 at a new larger venue Rideau Acres Campground. Please join us this year in our continued efforts to improve and expand the contest. Support your branch event and earn Eastern Ontario Champion Supreme points!!
Ø Prize Money has been increased this year.
Ø Bands will participate in a brief closing ceremony, which will include playing several tunes at the halt.
Ø Celtfest will again be featuring a beer tent and fish fry.
Ø No admission will be charged to the event.
Timetable (tentative):
Solo Events Commence 8:30 a.m.
Pipe Band Contests 1:00 pm (Gr5), 2:00 pm (Gr4), 3:00 pm (Gr3), 4:00 pm (Gr2)
Closing Ceremony 5:00 p.m.
Judges:
Andrew Berthoff, Michael Grey, Doug Stronach.
Directions:
Exit 401 at Highway 15, Follow Highway 15 north 1 mile to Cunningham Road, Turn left onto Cunningham Road.
Inquiries:
Scott Bell at ; 613-542-7287 or Rob Roy Pipe Band at www.robroypipeband.com
Entry forms also available at www.ppbso-ottawa.org .
O.P.G. Kingston Celtfest Raffle To help with the cost of running these games the band will be holding a raffle. The prize being offered this year is a custom blackwood Kron Medalist solo chanter with a silver band. This chanter is valued at $450 and is not sold through any of Kron’s distributors. Tickets are $5.00 each or three for $10.00. The draw will take place at the Celtfest closing ceremonies on May 23rd 2009. To purchase your ticket/tickets contact Scott Bell at (613) 542-7287 or Ross Brown at (613) 542-3777. Tickets may also be purchased through the band web-site at www.robroypipeband.com
Announcements
RCMP PIPES AND DRUMS….
LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
The RCMP Pipes and Drums, unique in their red serge tunics, are proud to represent the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the country of Canada. The RCMP has over 130 years of tradition and service, and the seven RCMP pipe bands across Canada now share a part of that tradition and provide a quality partnership with the Force and its communities. The RCMP pipe band in Ottawa is now into its ninth year and currently looking for new members who are up to the challenge and would like to share in multi-faceted experiences available both here in Ottawa and in composite band events across the country. Participation in the RCMP band demands a very high standard of dress and deportment, and requires an initial police background check. Nevertheless, the opportunities for exciting and rewarding events in which to travel and participate are boundless. If interested in inquiring further, please contact Pipe Major Graeme Ogilvie at 613-830-9160 or by email at , or Drum Sergeant Bruce Hewat at 613-837-7845 or by email at .
Air Command Pipes and Drums 60th Anniversary Celebration
You are cordially invited to attend the Air Command Pipes and Drums 60th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday 09 May 2009. The event will take place at the Jr Ranks Mess located at 4 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Ottawa ON from 1900 hrs to 0100 hrs.
The cost of this event is $20 per person, paid at the door. There will be door prizes as well as a 50/50 draw. Hot and cold food items will be served buffet-style over the course of the evening. Minimum dress for this event is Business Casual; no jeans, no shorts, no flip flops. Highland Dress is encouraged. This will be an adult event (19 yrs and older). As there will be alcohol served, everyone should plan ahead for a safe ride home. The Mess will have phone numbers for numerous taxi services upon request. In addition, the Mess is near regular OC Transpo bus routes.
The evening's entertainment will feature:
A performance by the Air Command Pipes and Drums; followed by massed pipes and drums consisting of any and all interested pipers and drummers, playing Scotland the Brave and the RCAF March Past. Finally, live entertainment will be provided by "The Windy Kilts" for the remainder of the evening. In addition, the second level of the Mess will be available as a "tinkering room", allowing pipers and drummers to perform at their leisure for their friends and peers throughout the evening.
We ask that you please reply to and indicate whether or not you will be attending this event, as well as if you intend to bring any guests. We’d appreciate your timely response as we need to know the number of attendees for planning purposes.
We look forward to seeing you in the evening of the 9th of May and don't forget to bring your pipes and drums.
Smiths Falls Spring Fling – Saturday 25 April 2009…. Results
BANDS
Gr 3 Mini-Band
1st Arnprior-McNab
2nd Rob Roy
Gr 4 Mini-Band
1st Sons of Scotland
2nd Royal Military College
Gr 5 Mini-Band
1st Queens University
2nd Highland Mist
3rd Sons of Scotland
Open Trio Hornpipe/Jig
1st Liam Melville/Bobby Smith/Nick Trottier
2nd Steve Brooke/Mark Straby/Troy Hamstra
3rd Jennifer Putinski/David Campbell/Dave Nuttal
PIPING
Open MSR 1st MacGregor van de Ven 2nd Kevin MacLeod 3rd Chris Dodson
Gr 3 March 1st Liam Melville 2nd Graeme Burns 3rd Lochie Bisaillion
Gr 3 Strathspey/Reel 1st Graeme Burns 2nd Lochie Bisaillion 3rd Liam Melville
Gr 4 March 1st Andrea Armstrong 2nd Neil Bell 3rd Eric Noden
Gr 5 March 1st Chas Lavier 2nd Kyle Francis 3rd John Steele
Practice Chanter 1st Madeleine Thompson 2nd Kyle Nuttal 3rd Norman Williamson
Interm Piobaireachd 1st David Campbell 2nd MacGregor van de Ven 3rd Kevin MacLeod
Junior Piobaireachd 1st Eric Noden 2nd Liam Melville 3rd Graeme Burns
Novice Piobaireachd 1st Lochie Bisaillion 2nd John Steele 3rd Neil Bell
DRUMMING
Open MSR 1st Iain Bell
Gr 3 MSR 1st Erica Pulling 2nd Matthew Larabie 3rd Cailin Robertson
Gr 4 March 1st Keegan Melville 2nd Alexandre Wickham 3rd Bill Creber
Gr 5 March 1st Brandon Nadeau 2nd Shawn Melnyk 3rd Sheila Cornelisse
Practice Pad 1st Allie Hickman
Drum Salute 1st Megan Towsley 2nd Tomm MacKenzie
Articles for Sale
McCallum AB4 Deluxe bagpipes with engraved nickel and imitation ivory mounts, celtic pattern. Comes with matching McCallum blackwood chanter, L&M Scotian bag with zipper, black bag cover with silver trim, silver silk drone cords. Matching spare blowpipe. Soft carry case from Brittish Shop. Asking $1,500. Photo available upon request.
Contact via e-mail at .
Circa 1965 Hardie Bagpipes. African blackwood, synthetic mounts. Excellent condition, no cracks or warping. L&M hide bag included but not attached. 3 Ezee Drone Reeds, Hardie Pipe chanter with ivory sole. Piper's Choice soft case.
Asking $2,600 obo. Contact Colin Campbell, (613) 432-9047 evenings.
Set of Dunbar bagpipes (with hard carrying case) and a lesson book/practice chanter for sale for $1, 000. The pipes are like new and hardly used. Purchased recently but haven't been played very much so they've sat undisturbed in their case in storage. They are in mint, like-new condition. This package is a good find. More detailed photos available if requested. Please feel free to email any interest, response, or questions you may have. Contact Markus Lloyd at .
Robertson bagpipes circa early 1950's. African blackwood with nickle ferrules. Asking $1,500. Good condition.
Threaded reed seats (drones and chanter). Pipes complete with chanter, Henderson drone reeds, and cords, bag cover, practice chanter and carrying case. Please conact Pam at .
FOR SALE: BLACKWOOD CHANTERSSet of 12 Gibson Blackwood chanters
for $1,500 ($125 each) / FOR SALE: SNARE DRUMS
Set of six HTS700 Premier Pipe Band snare drums for $2400 ($400.00 each). Forest Green wood grain shells with black hardware.
Two more matching HTS700s available asking $200 each (the shells are slightly rippled around the bottom edge from rain).
****Buy all 8 snare drums and we will include 8 Premier snare carriers for FREE.
FOR SALE: DRUM CARRIERS
13 Premier snare
carriers available
for $50 each.
FOR SALE: BASS DRUM
Red Premier Bass drum – best offer.
15 years old and needs some work on
the surface – still sounds great - used in
competition every year up to now.
CONTACT: 613-542-7287 or
For sale: One set of Avriel Ghillie Brogues, heavy sole with clickers size 7 mens' (9 ladies').