Piping Live, Strathclyde Police PB

The Worlds and P Live were duly launched today sans the PT presence but no matter. We've a good list of events that will be in the official programme and these will be mentioned in the next PT too. One stick out event will be the Silver Cap solo competition at the CoP on Aug 13. Details are in the PT and can also be accessed via the official contest website at http://www.silvercap.co.uk/. I have been told that a Canadian website is saying this is not part of Piping Live. Can I say that all events being held at the College during the week, though not organised directly by the festival, are part of it and appear in the official programme. Minor point but one worth mentioning in view of the misleading info doing the rounds.

The festival are funding a series of workshops at the CoP and these will be on reedmaking and manipulation, bellows piping, tune composing and bagpipe manufacture. We'll have a free exhibition of pipe band photographs and memorabilia running all week and of course the CoP Summer School will be in full flow. On the Monday night we have 'Piping on the Clyde' run by Wallace Bagpipes in association with College Radio. This event is totally free and I can tell you some top bands have already been lined up to play. Amidst all of this we mustn't forget the SFU concert on the Wednesday. This isn't part of the festival but always draws the biggest crowd of the week. It is rapidly nearing a sell out so if you haven't got your briefs yet get a move on.

*

Our visit from Culture Minister Mike Russell went very well on Tues;

you can read more about it in the July PT. MSP Stuart McMillan was there too (pictured left with College director Dugald McIntyre). We had music from a quartet from Strathclyde Police. Unfortunately the lady at the centre of all the trouble couldn't take up my invitation to attend. No matter, the band played well and I think impressed the politicians. Stuart continues to wage war on the band's behalf through the Scottish Parliament and has lodged the following motion in the hope that with enough support from members he will get time for a debate on the issue:

'That the Parliament notes with concern that the future of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band has been put in jeopardy; notes that the pipe band, whose origins date back to 1883, was set up by public request and was endorsed by an Act of Parliament; acknowledges that the pipe band enhances the reputation and prestige of Strathclyde Police worldwide whilst also playing a significant role in community engagements at local level; further notes that the band has been a regular feature at the five major events of the pipe band calendar, the Scottish, British, European and World Championships, as well as the Cowal Highland Gathering, notes the lack of investment in Strathclyde Police Pipe Band and calls on those decision makers to ensure the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band continues and that 126 years of cultural heritage are not jeopardised.'

Good luck with that Stuart. I should have a petition poster ready soon and we'll be going to police HQ in Pitt Street to present it to the powers that be. I hope Stuart will be able to come along with me.

Homecoming Scotland

I'm told there is a launch this week for the Worlds and Piping Live! Despite being media partners for P Live! the PT has not received an invite! Homecoming Scotland have given me the following release which features a number of bands playing at various places in the run up to the Worlds:  'The Homecoming Scotland Road to the Worlds will see various pipe bands appearing at events ... The tour kicked off last weekend as tens of thousands of Rugby League supporters from the north of England descended upon Edinburgh to watch a full card of Super League fixtures at Murrayfield Magic.  The fans were welcomed to the capital by the Newtongrange Pipe Band who piped along the route from Haymarket into the Stadium while each rugby team was piped into the stadium by the Stockbridge Pipe Band. On May 30^th the Scottish Power Pipe Band will play to football supporters including a high percentage of ex pats flooding in the National Stadium at Hampden to watch their teams contest the Homecoming Scotland Cup Final.  On 7^th & 8^th August former world champions, 78^th Fraser Highlanders will be appearing in Stornoway to headline Tattoo Hebrides and the programme of activity will continue to roll out over the summer months at various high profile events and locations across Cardiff, Manchester and Belfast. The World Pipe Band Championships [has] around 250 bands and 8,000 pipers from Europe, Australia, Canada, USA, South America and New Zealand competing in front of audiences of more than 50,000 fans.  Says Ian Embelton the Chief Executive of the RSPBA: “Glasgow is at the very centre of global piping in August and thousands of pipers and fans make the pilgrimage to Scotland every year to take part.  This year with Homecoming Scotland Road To The Worlds we are taking the pipes to the fans and we hope to attract some new ones back to Glasgow along the way.” Bailie Liz Cameron, the Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: “Nothing can beat ... the unique spectacle of thousands of musicians playing in the city’s oldest common ground. If ever there was reason to return to Scotland at any time, then the attraction of Glasgow while it is at the epicentre of world piping, must in itself, be a huge draw.” Tickets for the World Pipe Band Championships are currently on sale at www.secextra.com  . Homecoming Scotland is a year-long celebration of over 300 events marking Scotland’s major contributions to the world stretching from Burns Night to St Andrews Day 2009. Homecoming Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland, the national events agency, in partnership with VisitScotland, the country's national tourism agency.  The initiative is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.  The full programme is downloadable and searchable www.homecomingscotland2009.com World Pipe Band Championships .... brings £12 million to the local economy each year. Homecoming Scotland is also working with Piping Live! Glasgow’s International Piping Festival on an initiative called ‘Music of the Clans’ celebrating the specific tunes and great piping traditions of some of the great Scottish clans  www.pipinglive.co.uk . Tattoo Hebrides 2009 is a celebration of the contribution Hebrideans have made in different parts of the World over the last two hundred years.Thousands of Hebrideans have emigrated to the New World and in particular the eastern Canada.  It is therefore most appropriate that the 78^th Fraser Highlanders, some of which are descendants of Hebridean emigrants, should return to Stornoway as the main attraction at Tattoo Hebrides.  www.stornowayamenitytrust.co.uk 

 

Speaker Martin

I want to add my tuppence worth to the resignation of the Speaker Mr Michael Martin. Michael is a long term student at the College and has been an ardent benefactor for many years. He has given unqualified support to us and helped us with fundraising (see pic above at the launch of our building appeal in 2002). I know he also helps many other charities in and around Glasgow. He was a student of P/M Angus MacDonald (who wrote a tune for him), Dugald MacNeill, and Joe Wilson. In full Speaker's regalia he performed the opening ceremonies at the new College building and the new Lecture Hall. Irrespective of what has happened or what people may think or say about him now, he will always have friends in Otago Street. After 30 years of public service he's well out of Westminster and now has time to work hard on the far more important task of getting his doublings and tachums sounding the way they should. 

**

I had mixed thoughts about the Scottish on Saturday and you can read a report in the next PT. As I said in an earlier blog, one of the benefits of the first major of the season is that you get to meet people you haven't seen over the winter. One of the first I bumped into was New Zealand's Fiona Manson fresh from her success at the Highlands and Islands. Fiona tells me she is looking forward to the season but wants to try to pace herself over the piece. Sensible approach. Fiona is a star pupil of Andrew Wright's and continues to do justice to his expert tuition. 

There was a good gang of kiwis around Levengrove Park. CPA Secretary, and another of our star lady pipers, Tracey Williams was there and I was pleased too to meet Stewart MacKenzie P/M of the ever impressive Manawatu band. They've just brought out a new CD which Stewart gave me a copy for CoP Radio. I know I'll enjoy it before I even put it on as Stewart has a great ability to get his troops to play with steadiness and expression. The P/M tells me there are 14 Manawatuans working and studying in the UK now so they will be getting together for the Worlds. I hope the judges give them a fairer listen than in the past.

Ronnie McShannon and Tommy Johnston from Pipe Dreams were there to listen to Grade 1 and to cheer on Tommy's son (and Ronnie's pupil) Finlay who now plays in Grade 2 with Stuart Liddell's Inveraray band. 

Another very pleasant chap I met - his name escapes me for the moment - told me that George Johnston, formerly of the Scots Guards,  had suffered a heart attack at last week's British Legion where he'd gone to support his son Alan. An ambulance was called and George got immediate expert treatment so here's hoping he is OK. Get well soon my man!

The only comment I will make about the actual contest was the amount of support the Irish bands bring over. Maybe that's why they do so well. When FMM or even the lower Grade 1 outfits like Ballycoan finish you can be sure there's a big roar. Time we Scots started showing the same vocal interest in our bands, especially as so many did so much to impress on the day. The Irish support even extends to trying to intimidate poor scribes like me. One guy bit my ear for about 40 minutes telling me how brilliant FMM were. He didn't offer any money to skew my report in their favour so I wasn't won over. Ripped them to bits I did and now you'll have to buy the next PT to read all about it.

Bands, Bands, Bands

I'm told tenor drummer Scott Currie has resigned from Strathclyde Police for a number of reasons not least of which is that he has not been paid for work done on the band's website. Not the band's fault but that of his superiors who now control the purse strings. For as you read here earlier they have no funds. Scott, a serving policeman for 17 years I understand, will be a major loss to the band given that he was behind many of the bass and tenor section innovations they employed to add interest to their selections.

Other news re the band reaching me is that they have now all been put on split shifts which means that it is unlikely band members will be in work together, therefore not off duty together and therefore not able to practice together. Not the way to run a successful world beating pipe band.

MSP Stuart MacMillan has received the following from Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson:

'Strathclyde Police Pipe Band'

'I refer to your letter dated 30 April, 2009, relative to the above. As you are aware the situation you refer to with the Pipe Band is currently subject to an internal grievance process and therefore it would be totally inappropriate to discuss the matter with you at this time. Unlike Mrs McGuire, I had responsibility for the Pipe Band for a number of years and supported them fully over this period. As a result I am well aware of the community issues surrounding the decision made around the operational deployment of Pipe Band members. Hopefully a resolution to their grievance will set out a clear Force position regarding the future deployment of the Pipe Band. I trust this information will be of assistance.

Yours sincerely, John Neilston, Chief Constable.'

I gather that the doughty MSP is not at all satisfied with this reply and is preparing to raise the matter in the Scottish Parliament in the near future. Good for him. One bright shaft in the disgraced UK body politic. Overseas readers should know that there is a major scandal ongoing here regarding expenses claims made by MPs. Claims for chandeliers, bogus second homes, gardening, toiletries, moat clearance - you know, the sort of thing every MP needs taken care of when he/she is busy looking after our moral welfare. Makes you sick to the core when you know how difficult it is to raise money for charities such as the College.

Anyway, enough of my girning. The prospects for tomorrow at Dumbarton do not look to great weather wise with a cold easterly blowing and rain showers forecast. A day for handwarmers and a sweater under the cape. I'll be there cheering on the bands suitable wrapped up. Incidentally I hear there was a very good strathspey 'Susan Macleod' from Field Marshal when they played at a contest in N Ireland last weekend. It's on YouTube I'm told so must have a listen.

The first major of the season is always a good opportunity to catch up with friends and acquaintances not seen over the winter and to hear how the bands are shaping up. It will be interesting to see how Stuart Liddell's Inveraray get on in Grade 2. All reports are that they are going great guns. One thing to be good in the band hall mind; quite another to produce the performance when it matters, especially in poor conditions. But these Argyllshire types are always pretty hardy so I am sure they will do well. I'll leave you with a good yarn I heard during the week. American to Argyllshire farmer: 'Nice little place you have here.... Back home at my ranch it takes me a whole day to go from one end to the other'

Farmer: 'Is that so? I know how you feel. I used to have a car like that.'

Police Reaction, Editorial Reaction

There's been a great reaction to my last posting with over 1,000 readers logging on to the Strath Pol update. Thanks to you all. The petition is now at 3,030 so I'll have something positive for Mr Russell when he visits on May 26. Here are a few of the latest comments on the petition:

1. The quicker ........ Stephen House returns to the Metropolitan Police the better. 
2. Long live the Glasgow Polis!
   
3. To not support a Scottish musical institution such as the SCPPB is a travesty to the musical and cultural roots of the Scottish heritage.This is a sinful action being taken by bottom line only administration.This band has done more for Glasgow then any tourism or marketing scheme could ever hope for. Commander Anne McGuire needs to be stopped.
   

If you can get along to Dumbarton on Saturday give 'the polis' a cheer when they appear - assuming of course that shift changes don't suddenly materialise from nowhere and they can't attend. I'll update you all as soon as I hear more re the band.

*

I've just finished CoP Radio for May. It features he last heat of the SPA KO comp. and makes enjoyable listening with both John Mulhearn and Gordon McCready in good form. There's also a piobaireachd, 'MacNeill is Lord There', from John Angus Smith recorded live at the CoP Lecture in March.

*

Donald MacKenzie has emailed about a Fred Morrison gig in Strathblane on June 6; early booking advised. Details: doors open 7pm; Edminston Hall; Tickets £10; call 0141 942 6143

*

David Murray has emailed re my last PT Editorial about the standard and style of the music our bands play today. Thanks for the message David and I hope you don't mind me sharing it:

'Heartfelt congratulations on the excellent and timely remarks contained in the editorial for May about the lack of style, colour, and 'bite' in so much of the playing we hear from the pipe sections nowadays. Together with the limited repertoire on offer the small music of the great pipe is but a shadow of what we used to hear. As one who has marched many a weary mile in this country and overseas to the music of a single piper, whatever those old pipers may have lacked in precision and technique, their playing still had a character and stamp 'that put magic in our feet', while their range of marches was extensive enough for them never to have to repeat a tune over the fifteen or so miles that we used to cover and think nothing of it. Yes, they were sometimes reduced to playing  'Clementine' and 'Daisy, Daisy' but in the middle of India, who cared?

Listening to the performances of regimental pipes and drums recorded at Tattoos and similar functions before World War 2 one realises that simple though the great majority of the tunes and beatings may sound, by the Great Horn Spoon they are 'alive'. As for the drum corps, it was a sad day for this country when that Top Secret Drum Corps first appeared at the Edinburgh  Military Tattoo. Great stuff, but not for our music!

Read the Editorial in the current PT.   

Guantanamo 'A'

Just when we thought things were getting better.......Strathclyde Police pipe band is near breaking point. Something needs to be done soon or, take it from me, it is all over. Here's the latest: Serving members of the band would normally be on plain clothes duty for Saturday's Old Firm football match (Rangers/Celtic). This would have enabled them to play at Gourock on Sunday where they are entered for, of course, Grade 1. They have learned this week that they have been switched to uniformed night shift on Saturday night and won't therefore be able to play in the contest. 

The band's cheque book has been taken from them and their budget and bank account absorbed into 'A' Division's overall funds. This includes £2,000 they earned for their acclaimed  concert at Celtic Connections in January. One source told me that up to £10,000 had been 'absorbed'.  ('A' Division under Commander Anne McGuire's stringent regime is now known within the force as Guantanamo 'A'. Laughable if it wasn't so serious.) 

The lack of funds is hitting the band sorely. They have had to pay for airfares for five members who live in Northern Ireland from their own pockets. Normally they would have had the fares covered from band funds. Why guests from Ulster? Suitable individuals with the correct background and talent are not always available locally. For example if you have a drink driving conviction you cannot play with Strathclyde Police PB. 

Furthermore the lack of cash means that band members will have to have a whip round to pay for the engraving of trophies won at last year's Scottish Championships from their own pockets. If the trophies are not engraved and returned on time then the band can be disqualified from the first major of the season. All the indications are pointing to the RSPBA being sympathetic to the band's case on this one. 

The band was scheduled to lead a parade through Shotts on June 6 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the town's Highland Games . They have no money to pay for a band bus nor other travelling expenses. With this and the uncertainty over shifts the band has regrettably had to cancel. Another opportunity for great PR for the force within Strathclyde Region has now been lost. 

Anyone who thought I was overstating the dire situation facing the band when we launched our petition a few months back should now be under no illusion as to the serious situation the band now finds itself. Morale is plummeting and I believe this could be the band's last season in the top flight until we have regime change. We cannot allow this world class outfit to go under. If you have not signed our petition please do so now. If you have then please leave a message of support at the end of this posting.

Mountains, Meetings and Tunes

I suppose you could say we had the inaugural meet of the College Climbing Club (CCC)

on Saturday when Himalayan veteran Willie Park led Stuart Cassells of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (above) and myself up Stob Ban in the Mamores. Willie disputes it was the inaugural claiming his trip to Everest base camp last year (for CoP funds) as the first outing. Either way it was a great day out during which we sorted out the problems of the piping and other worlds. Stuart was telling me he has some important gigs coming up with his band and that they are working on a new show. A big tour of Germany is in the offing and they are starring at the 'T in the Park' rock concert in the summer. The CCC is open to all CoP members, PT subscribers, CoP Students and staff. Check the Fast News for the next meet. Just turn up with the right gear. If you're interested stick your name at the end of this blog along with your email address or send an email to the CoP and we'll put you on the CCC list.

*

Willie was telling me that I've got something wrong in the PT (so what's new?). Apparently Andreas Hambsch will not be the first German to play in a Grade 1 band if he decides to take up the offer of joining Shotts. Willie says that honour belongs to Nils Michael who played with Clan Gregor. Well apologies Nils and let us know more about it if you are so minded.

*

Confirmation his week that Scotland's Culture Minister Mike Russell (left) will be visiting the CoP on May 26. It'll be the first ministerial visit we've had to the new premises and we are all looking forward to welcoming Mr Russell and explaining the work we do for the national music. We'll have some good piping on hand from Strathclyde Police, who have agreed to supply a mini band, and from some of our young students. Given the police's attendance I've also asked Commander Anne McGuire, the woman at the centre of the controversy surrounding the future of the band, to come along too. I hope she does. I've also invited MSP Stuart McMillan who has taken up the cudgels on behalf of the band. Stuart tells me he has had a very productive meeting with Ms McGuire and she confessed to knowing very little about piping or bands. I hope to present the 'Save Strathclyde Police Pipe Band' petition to Mr Russell. We are only 60 or so names short of the 3,000 target. 

*

Thanks to Len Durham for the comment posted re the Africa blog (see below). Len now lives in Jersey as far as I'm aware. Another springbok in the Channel Isles is Nicholas Taitz who I mentioned in an earlier posting.

*

Have spent some of the holiday weekend bulling up on the 'Cave of Gold' for the CD School. How can a tune with such a romantic name have such a routine melodic pattern? You need to really work to get anything out of it. Some would describe it as a piobaireachd player's tune. By that I mean it is a tune which is not immediately attractive, especially to the uninitiated. The setting in GF Ross's long out of print book (1929) has F gracenotes in the dithis singling but I think these are misprints. They are certainly not marked as semi-quaver gracenotes which would have us playing them a la 'His Father's Lament'. 

I don't know how much credence we can give to Ross's asseveration that the tune is a Donald Mor MacCrimmon composition of 1610. I find it hard to believe that the man responsible for the great Macleod/MacDonald trilogy is capable of such a straighforward peice. Still, it is an interesting, Gesto orientated, book. I remember getting my copy along with Ross's 'Some Piobaireachd Studies' (1926) in Jack Ironside's 'Scottish Shopper' when over in Seattle in 1980. Many things I could mention about that trip but, as ever, my lips are sealed.