Quick March

Great job on this past Monday practice folks. I appreciate all of you interacting with the journalist and answering her questions about piping and the Scottish culture. She’s actually writing about us as her final to receive her degree, and we hope Deena well.

To you new piping students, Scott, Trisha, Mr.Bagby, Kevin, Sal and the others. We’re glad you chose SALPD to be the place you learn. We’re looking at now breaking classes for chanter practice into what was three levels, into four. That means one thing for sure, we’re doing great and we’re growing. In the weeks to come, we’ll be nailing down a second night for beginning students.  I’m already working a second night for the firefighters.  I’m starting to feel like a teacher on the first day of school with all new students, but its great knowing there’s just as much new blood pumping into the body, as the blood thats already there!.  Pipe-o-rama is still being held on  every other Thursday. There’s a lot of good things headed our way and the officers are working behind the scenes everyday, to further the bands mission. Don’t hesitate to call or email any of the officers if you have needs or questions.

Pipers- Focus on the tune selections I told you of this past Monday and concentrate on the tempo, attacks and phrasing. We have just one more practice before the 4TH. There is a 50% chance I may have to be up in DC again on Monday, so I’ll let the senior folks know, when I know.

I have located a source that still has Ross reeds. When that runs out, we will switch to one of two reed brands Robin and I are researching at present.

Summer time heat and sweat! ————–Pipers- Check your Hide Bags and Hybrid Bags to make sure they’re good and seasoned. Also check the outside of the bag right under your outside tenor drone and also behind the bass drone stock. Salt from prespiration tends to gather and concentrate in those areas and a warm gentle wash cloth scrubbing on that area can save you some serious money in the future. If you have salt building up, you will know it. The bag will be very dry and stiff in the affected area, while the rest of the bag is soft and supple.

Once again, many Thanks to Chance Bell for coming onboard to help on the advance things and critique us all. Also, same Thanks go to Tom and Chaz and Robin for their help too in the instruction process.

Keep  Alex in your prayers. Alex is facing drastic surgery due to the diverticulitis and it’s got the ol’ boy pretty bummed out.

Dave Irvin is due to go back to the Doc on the 8th of July to see if he can start therapy and throw away the crutches. Meanwhile, he and I will continue to swap country boy tales and gardening tips until he gets back to wailing the drum. 

.. on the bonnie, bonnie banks of loch lommond

Pipie

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[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=q0udqXWdpms&feature=related]

Here’s a wee sample of The Mighty Nach!! Make sure you check out their site here Enjoy and we’ll see you the 4th. Aye!

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OK Folks! Here’s the big bang you all have been patiently waiting for me to go public with. Some of you have heard rumors and guess what, it’s true! After several days of working with Celtic Force Enterprises and Mr. Clyde Childress on behalf of the Families of the Wounded Fund, one more big surprise has been added to the list of entertainment and attractions for the big July 4th Event:

When: July 4th 1:00pm
Where: at Vista del Lago 1960 Old Tavern Road Powhatan, Virginia
What: A symphony orchestra and choir will perform a two hour patriotic concert plus the St. Andrews Legion of Pipes and Drums and just added Albannach!!!

Among the selections are America the Beautiful, God Bless America, Stars and Stripes Forever, the 1812 Overture, Selections for all the US Armed Forces and many more as you have never heard them before.

This event will run from 1-5 pm. It is picnic style so bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Food concessions are available. We are expecting a large crowd so come early to find a good spot on the lawn. Formal flag raising, static displays, a 5k run/walk will take place at 9:00 am. Runners can register online at www.RRRC.org. For more information on the run call Kevin O’Conner at (804) 378-6268. A military flyover will begin the concert at 1:30 pm. Following the concert there will be an aerial demonstration by a World War II P-51 Mustang then a stirring performance by the St. Andrews Legion of Bagpipes and Drums and Albannach.

Along with the United States Marine Corps color guard, military fly overs, the Symphony Orchestra and Choir, and the St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes & Drums will be wailing awa’ and performing along with the most popular, fastest celtic tribal tidal wave to hit American shores… ALBANNACH!!! and author/ historian Sir David Robertson Ross

St. Andrew’s Legion will provide the more modern regimental style of Piping and Drumming, while Albannach brings forth, that celtic heartbeat that pounds so deep in our ancient past. Sir David Robertson Ross will captivate you with his brilliant mind and accounts of not only how Scotland struggled for her own freedom throughout 700 years, but inspired our American for-fathers, many of them of Scots blood themselves, to fight and win our own Independence. From the Declaration of Arbroath , to our own Declaration of Independence and beyond, Liberty is something that never can be taken for granted, nor can we afford ever not to celebrate it.

This event is a celebration of our Freedom, and what better way to celebrate our freedom, than to honor those who have served this great nation and paid heavy prices on the battlefield, in the air, and on the sea. We all are deeply moved when our brave men and women have placed themselves on the front lines, but often, we forget that when the brave people return home, there are families waiting for them. Families, who despite the governments efforts to provide health benefits and offset expenses, just can’t cover everything. Often these families sacrifice their own jobs and finances to take care of their wounded heroes. All money raised at this event goes to the FAMILIES OF THE WOUNDED FUND. The event will be a family oriented mass picnic event for all to enjoy the sights and sound of the entertainers coming. Please come, and spread the word. This event is free of admission and alcohol free.

For more information, please go to the following links:

Families of the Wounded Fund
Albannach Music
David R. Ross
St. Andrew’s Legion

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Once again, St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes & Drums notched another parade down and did a fabulous job. Over the years, you feel like you begin to lose track after so many, but you do remember everyone in some form or fashion. Tonight, we kicked off and led the start of the Tappahannock Firemans Parade which opens Rivah Fest.  The parade went great as expected and as usual. The people greatly appreciated our return. Nothing makes you want to play your heart out more, than seeing the young children and the grown ups dancing for joy at your approach. So intrigued and feeding off each others energy, the band repeated a long set three times without a pause. We just couldn’t bring ourselves to pause for even ten steps. As the Pipe Major, I’m very proud of all the members. Where just six months ago, some where still locked into the practice table for over two years, they now march as true Pipers. Playing the tunes, no faking, no premature filling the ranks as a body, but truly playing his/her own instrument as it should be. In the end, it’s a much greater reward.  As I have learned that valuable lessons from my friends over at Greater Richmond Pipes & Drums, so shall I pass this on to anyone who desires to be in pipe band properly or ever lead one.  A special thanks goes to the Tappahannock  FD along and my close friend, Corey Beasley for their undying support for the Legion and the new Emerald PDs.

Now for the twisted feat that amazed us all…………

Ye’ ever hear of the Pied Piper, Laddie? You know, the guy in fairy tales that played the pipes so splendidly that he could mesmerize the animals and children. Well, he is a member of St. Andrew’s Legion, our own Dennis “Bugs” Saidat!! The band and people stopped and stared in awe as Dennis was warming up, a cottontail rabbit appeared out of nowhere and ran straight to Dennis. Despite Odin barking orders at the rabbit to cease and desist, the bunny would only briefly hop away and then repeat his advance towards Dennis. At onetime, the rabbit came up and placed his front feet on the toes of Dennis’ shoe and just stared right up at him.  I imagine folks who saw this spectacle will be talking about it for sometime. 

The “Beginnings” of the parade were especailly memorable. Once I and PSgt Tom Shuff finished tuning the Pipers, I immediately called the Pipers to order in formation and began ripping and tearing into PSgt Shuff for his lack of attention and detail for his own equipment. Momentarily, he realized we were yanking his chain when he was presented with his own Pipe Banner. It’s just not proper to have a dedicated mild mannered Pipe Sergeant without a Pipe Banner, and he has surely earned it. Tom, like so many of the rest have stepped up to the plate, and his heart is surely “squared away“.  “Presenttttttttttttttttttt Arms!”

Pipe Major T Batten

PS. Standby for one heck of a press release on our blog, news & press release concerning St. Andrew’s Legion in an upcoming event.

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Wanted to throw out a quick update of the goings on in SALPD land. First due to the power outage at the church on Monday we didn’t get to work with Chance. Hopefully we’ll meet and work with this coming Monday. What did I learn Monday… it’s REALLY hot in the church w/ the AC off. (Also that it was way way cooler outside) Hope everyone is ready for the Rivah Fest on Friday. We’ll leave from the park and ride across from Dublin’s in two shifts. One at 5:30 the other at 6:00. Step off is at 7:00. Pipie has some possible surprises in store for the 4th but I can’t comment until things have been confirmed and I’m not about to steal his thunder, so stay tuned for that one. (it’s a good one) I’m really excited about that event just hope it’s not as hot as it normally is in Scotsville. Also if you haven’t read the comment that was posted on Father’s Day entry make sure you check it out. A compliment doesn’t get much higher than a Scot (who is a former Argyll) saying he thought the band sounded like they just stepped off the boat here is a link to the comments.

I also wanted to take the time for some well wishes to Dave Irvin and David Ramsey. Dave recently fell and broke his femur. He’s resting at home and doing better he’ll be out for 6-8 weeks. I know in talking to him that many of you have called and wished him well. He’s doing as well as can be expected. Hope your back on your feet and swinging the mallets soon Dave. David Ramsey recently had surgery on his wrist and will go back in on the 25th for surgery on his shoulder. He’s currently in a cast from the elbow down. David has been taking great photos of the band and at the Irish festival tripped over a hump in the sidewalk and fell injuring his wrist and shoulder to the point where they needed surgery. (YET he still took photos on Saturday!!) I know exactly where the hump in the sidewalk is right in front of the Patrick Henry Pub as I my self tripped over it although I didn’t have the dire consequences that David had.

That’s it for now hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week. Stay tuned for some news from Pipie about the 4th and a recap of Rivah fest.

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Hello to all you Legionaires! For those of you who went with me Saturday, Thank you!!! It sure does pay when you dress for success, despite the fact moother nature gave us some Scottish weather-LOL. I only wished we could have taken the entire group up there, but if we do the June 30th gig, I’m pretty sure they will want the entire band.  Make sure you guys ask Dave Taylor to show the pic of three of us at the “family reunion” tonight.

Tonight, I’m leaving the corps pipers to work with Chance, and I shall assist Robin downstairs with the firefighters. I hope everyone gets there by no later than 6:30, so there will be no delay in getting a proper lesson. Remember to keep freshing up on the patriotic tunes I gave you last week, but focus your attention to Chances’ directives.

Also, if any of you are wearing a size 46 kilt, may I borrow it for this weekend?? I’m playing a wedding up in Northern Va and the groom has asked to wear one of our kilts. He’s my cousin and his last name is…….. shhhh, shhhhhh  CAMPBELL. 

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After finishing my breakfast that my lovely daughters help make and heading off to Home Depot, to get a new grill (whoo hoo!!!) , I thought I’d take a quick second to wish all fathers a happy Father’s day. From where my father is no longer with us my thoughts always seem to turn to a grander scale and I think about not only my father but his father who I never met and those before him. I wonder what they were like and if they are proud of the things I’m doing. I then remember that they are always with us no matter what. It is a great comfort to know that we are never alone. So how do pipes relate to all of this? I think it’s the connection/honor thing. If my ancestors at some point played the pipes or at a minimum they probably liked the pipes, hopefully my playing honors them in some small way. It’s one of those connections I think the pipes somehow inherently have. Maybe that’s why my pull to them was so strong but enough of my ramblings and and thoughts. Again I hope everyone has a great Father’s Day and I’ll see everyone tomorrow night.

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After finishing my breakfast that my lovely daughters help make and heading off to Home Depot, to get a new grill (whoo hoo!!!) , I thought I’d take a quick second to wish all fathers a happy Father’s day. From where my father is no longer with us my thoughts always seem to turn to a grander scale and I think about not only my father but his father who I never met and those before him. I wonder what they were like and if they are proud of the things I’m doing. I then remember that they are always with us no matter what. It is a great comfort to know that we are never alone. So how do pipes relate to all of this? I think it’s the connection/honor thing. If my ancestors at some point played the pipes or at a minimum they probably liked the pipes, hopefully my playing honors them in some small way. It’s one of those connections I think the pipes somehow inherently have. Maybe that’s why my pull to them was so strong but enough of my ramblings and and thoughts. Again I hope everyone has a great Father’s Day and I’ll see everyone tomorrow night.

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For those who couldn’t attend the Virginia Fallen Firefighters event and who missed the trophy presentation on Monday evening. Here are some photos of the trophy and images of the coins that all members who participated received. I have been thoroughly impress with the coins. (oooo shiny bright) After discussing them with on of the Emerald society pipers I found out they are called challenge coins and have a military origin. A few of our members that are former military still carry their coins with them for reasons I’ll save for a newsletter article. Now with out any further ado here are the photos:

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As many of you know Brian Erbe and Mary Wallace have been stopping by from time to time to help us lean and become better pipers/band. With Mary trying to make the Fraisers and Brian busy w/ GRPD they suggested Chance would be an excellent teacher. I’d heard of Chance before and knew he had a reputation as an excellent piper and after talking to him on the phone and reading his quick bio I’m even more impressed. I know we are all looking forward to meeting and working with Chance and the oppertunity to become better pipers and a better band. So without any further ado I’ll let Chance introduce himself….

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