Quick March

I just want to thank all of you of the St. Andrew’s Legion and the staff at State Fair of Virginia who made this years Highland Games & Celtic Festival a great success! We had 99% attendance of the band and I appreciate everyone’s team effort to show the public and attendees the best performances and show of professionalism our pipe band can deliver. This particular festival is always so anticipated with enthusiasm, but at the same time saddening in a way, for it marks the end of the Highland Games/Festival season each year, but we still have a bunch of other events until December.

We even have picked up a few new recruits that will start flowing in to practice over the next several weeks, we have our work cut out for us to bring them into the fold. Congratulations to our own Don Raybould who took 2nd place in the Drum Major’s Competition, and to our shared members who also play with Great Richmond Pipes & Drums that took 1st place in Grade 3 and 3rd in Grade 5.

Thank you to our officers who were always attentive to the needs of our members and to the staff of the Festival. Thanks, also goes out to our sponsors such as MacLaren Jewelers and Capstone Insurance, along with the families and support folks who do so much to help us behind the scenes. Without you, this band wouldn’t exist. I think Chris Fox should receive an award for dedication! Any guy who will drive all the way from upstate New York to play with us, deserves special mention.

It was a pleasure to have Albemarle Pipes & Drums with us on Saturday to merge in playing with us on circle ups. The combined group looked and sounded like a powerhouse out there. The crowds that immediately gathered upon the first strike ins, were impressive. Mark Chapman is doing a fine job and we look forward to working and playing with APD again in the future. You just never know what sort of impact your art will have on people. I remember playing my pipes years ago for the Charlottesville Fire Department and I met a young female firefighter who was just entranced with the Pipes. This weekend she was one of the APD folks playing right beside you. So always know this, you may be just doing what you normally do, but you are always planting seeds in the minds and hearts of those you come in contact with.

Last, I want to thank Mr. Roberts and Miss Ross of the State Fair of Virginia, who along with the rest of their staff, who do such an outstanding job of running, managing, and putting one of the top largest Celtic Festivals on the entire Eastern United States and largest in Virginia.

To everyone- Great Job!!

Aye, Tim Batten MacLeod, President of St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes & Drums

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One of the joys/privileges/honors of being a bagpiper is that you are often asked to be a part of the most intimate part of people’s lives. Be it playing at a wedding where the mood is upbeat and joyful or playing for a funeral where things are more solemn and mournful, pipers are often the soundtrack to that event and more often than not one of the things people tend to remember about the event. There are other events such as church services, memorials, birthday parties and such but weddings and funerals seem to be the biggies.

There have been instances where the entire band has played both weddings and funerals others where a single piper has been requested. In either case as members of SALPD we try to provide the proper look and tone from the band members in attendance. It has been said by certain crusty old Pipe Majors (and even crustier Drum Majors) that the pipes do two things remarkable well mourn the dead and rouse to battle. (That said I’ll let you draw your own references as to their place at weddings) As stated before it really is a privilege and honor to perform at these events and we want you and your guests to remember the piper/s for the right reasons not the wrong ones.

Pipe Major MacLeod recently piped at a funeral and the band was sent this email:

Tim…

Pat Robson
Ed’s big brother

Our condolences go out to Pat and the entire Robson family. No matter what the event or when it is please feel free to contact us for all your piping needs. You can book the band with the previous link. Thanks for all your support and we’ll see you all soon.

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OK so it was like a million degrees today and what a better thing to do than march and play bagpipes. Today St. Andrew’s Legion led the Firetruck parade into the Farmers Market and helped support our local firefighters. Today was the second annual Burning Up the Bottom Firefighter Festival. There was food, music, beverages, games and good times. Sean Gregory from Halligan’s started this last year to raise money for local charities and honor the area fire and EMS. It’s a really great event that was bigger than last year.

I know from my family’s perspective it was a great time. My kids had a ball, wife was there to support not only my self but her brother’s band Crashing Reality. Not to mention that when we got there we found another face we knew up on stage performing in Scott Harris. I did my part to help out and signed up for a raffle ticket to win a Harley. I know I’ll disappoint some members of the band as I don’t remember what kind it was and won’t know what to do with it if I win it, but it was to help a local area firefighters family deal with his loss. Not to mention one of the best bowls of shrimp and grits I’ve ever had from Bistro 41.

After marching the three/three and a half blocks in and playing while all the fire apparatus and the Red Knights rolled in and set up we were done. Quick easy and to the point. Once the trucks were set up people could come up and look and them. The guys and gals in the fire department are always so friendly and entertaining with the kids, and over sized kids who come up to look at the trucks. There were many kind words about our performance and support for what we do. After a quick tour around Justin and I ducked in to Rosie’s for a pint in the cool air. Then it was back out to catch up with the family and cheer Eddie on as kept the beat for Crashing Reality.

Go ahead now and pencil next years Burning Up the Bottom in as I’m sure it will only get bigger and better. Not to mention is a great time for a great cause. If you couldn’t make it this year next time you see any fire or EMS folks make sure to thank them for the job they do. I’m going to start working on cooler weather for the next one and who knows maybe I’ll get to drive up on my new Harley. I wonder if you can carry bagpipes on one of those things.

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St. Andrew’s Legion is proud to have been asked to participate in the Inauguration Day Parade for Governor Elect Bob McDonnell. We have had various members of our group participate in Governor McDonnell’s election campaign and as you can imagine are thrilled that we are participating in this event. We’ll have more information as things are firmed up. The parade starts at 12:45 PM right after he is sworn in. For more information please visit http://mcdonnellinaugural.com Even though we are now an Scots/Italian Pipe Band since we are led by the Dons (Drum Majors Don Milligan and Don Raybould) I think it safe to say there will be no wink/nod in the Governor’s direction.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wanted to take a quick second and wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll be playing at Capital Ale House in both Innsbrook and Midloathian. Time could vary but we are scheduled for 6, 8 and 10. In case you missed it some of the folks from the band were on Virginia This Morning yesterday promoting the event and they interviewed Tim as well. Here’s the link if you’d like to check it out Virginia This Morning (You may have to scroll down some to see it.)

After tonight it’s on to one of everyone’s favorite events the Irish Festival . This is always a fun event. After that our next big event is Celtic Cans. I’ll explain more on this in a later post but it’s a food drive in the parking lot of Rare Olde Times that will involve Celtic groups, musicians, and dancers from all over central VA to help the Central Virginia Food Bank so stay tuned. Please check the St. Andrew’s Legion web site for more upcoming events. Thank you all for your support and we hope to see you out and about “Raising your Irish”

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SALPD and Friends

The Polar Plunge was a blast this past weekend. Not only did we play well but we were highly in demand for photos. Individuals and groups asked us to pose with them from the Star Wars enthusiasts to the Navy to local radio stations. It’s really great to do what we love to do in playing and at the same time help a good cause. Even in these hard times the Special Olympics were able to raise over $800,000. For more photos see the web site at here.

Don’t forget the Ettrick Historical Society’s Burns’ Supper to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Robert Burns’ Birth which will be Saturday, February 28. The cost is $20 per person; seating is limited; first come, first serve. Traditional Scottish Fare – including the celebrated haggis. Directions to Ruritan Club (Chesterfield) available upon request. Here is the link to the society www.ettrichhistoricalsociety.com

We now turn or attention to the Celtic Evening. We have a practice this weekend to help get ready. Tickets are still available here. The Scottish Country Dancers of Richmond are the newest addition to the show. I really enjoyed them at the Scottish Society meeting. They will add so much to the performance. That brings the total to eight groups that will be helping perform on the 21st. In these times $10 for eight groups is a great value.

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A Celtic Evening with St. Andrew’s Legions Pipes and Drums and Friends

When: February 21st, 2009 7:00 PM

Where: Amelia County High School Auditorium (directions)

Who:
St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums
The Washington DC St. Andrew’s Colour Guard
Nelson Academy Irish Dancers
Amelia County High School Airforce Cadets
Mary Smith- Celtic singer
Sue Tarr- Celtic Fiddler
Pipe Majors Chance Bell & Brian Erbe
MC – Ralph Neilsen
(other performers to be announced)

Cost: $10.00

Join St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes and Drums for a very special evening of Celtic Entertainment. Let the band and its guests take you to the Highlands of Scotland or to the Emerald Isle itself. Whether its pipes, fiddle, song or dance you’ll see it here. There will be representatives from all participating groups as well as members of the Irish American Society and The Scottish Society of Richmond on hand to meet, greet, and answer questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you at this special event sponsored by the Amelia County High School Athletic Boosters.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.salpd.com/store.php You can also purchase tickets at any Legion event or practice. Tickets will also be available from the Irish American Society at their functions and The Scottish Society of Richmond functions. For more information please contact Doug Elder at secretary@salpd.com or Tim Batten at pipemajor@salpd.com

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First, a bit of history. Andrew Burton, the gentleman who asked us to play for the Kick Out Cancer charity event yesterday evening, is a former coworker and a friend of mine. You may recall that he asked us to perform at the same event around this time last year, but, due to scheduling conflicts, it was not to be.

Andrew’s sister-in-law, Natalie Osborne-Burton, was lost to cancer this past January.

The Kick Out Cancer event lives on, benefitting Connor’s Heroes, a non-profit organization focused on challenging childhood cancer.

After the event last night, I spent a little time walking around the SCOR complex, waiting to meet with Andrew and say thanks for having us out. While there, it was incredible the number of people who approached me to thank us for playing. I was told several times that we were “awesome” and “amazing”. When I finally met with Andrew, he invited me out to Penny Lane Pub to a private party for a pint. While there, I met Andrew’s brothers, and their mum & dad. They were so thankful that we were able to come out and perform in honor of Natalie and in benefit of Connor’s Heroes. It was obviously a very emotional experience for them all, and they told me they were brought to tears when we played.

Given the emotional and visceral impact we have the potential to offer, we should all strive to be the best that we can be in our contributions to the band.

Thank you all again for coming out. We were, in a word, awesome.

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Here is a quick FYI to keep everyone up to date on some new events that have been added to our schedule. We have been asked to lead the daily Parade at the State Fair this coming Monday the 29th of September. It’s kind of cool that we’ll get to do this as this is the last year for both the State Fair and the Richmond Highland Games at this location. This should be a quick and fun parade. We’ll get to play and help promote the Richmond Games next month. Additionally we have been asked by the Scottish Society of Richmond to perform for them at their monthly meeting on October 20th. This is their kick off to the Richmond Games and looks to be a fun evening as well. Hope to see you at the Fair. www.statefair.com

Did you see who one of the bands is that is playing at the Richmond Games? None other Seven Nations!! Yep Kurt, Scott, Struby, Victor and Crisco will all be at the games doing what they do best. It will be good to see them again so soon after the 17th and in a bigger venue. Check out the games website here. The opening video is pretty cool. Make sure you click on the link for the brochure as there is a very familiar, if not ugly, mug on it. Our very own Mad Dog is prominently featured on it. Although I thought the idea of a brochure was to get people to come not scare them away. (Sorry Don couldn’t resist)

If you like to keep up with the band please subscribe to our newsletter By The Center here Thanks for listening and supporting us. We appreciate all our supporters.

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Whew!! Where to start? First what an honor to play at the 9/11 service at First Baptist Church, I’ve never played at such an emotionally charged event before. When grown men and women are sobbing remembering the events of that day and when police officers stand and salute as you play Amazing Grace… I have no words for it. The only words I know for that situation are thank you to all the fire, police, EMS and volunteers for the job they did on that day. To the families who lost loved ones… we will never forget.

Moving on to lighter fare Scott Long the piper for Seven Nations was unable to make their show this past Thursday for Dublin’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day event. Seven Nations still played with Victor picking up some of the slack on violin. Kirk asked none other than our dear old Pipie to step up and play some with them. Not too shabby for a long haired pipe major. I’d say he shouldn’t let it go to his head but he’s a pipe major it’s too late. By the way Seven Nations rocked as usual even if Scott wasn’t with them. Quick side note, how cool is it Dennis is playing seconds on a lot of tunes? We keep growing, evolving and sounding better and better. That is due to hard work by everyone involved and the help of our leaders as well as the help of Chance. Never hurts to have a grade one piper helping.

Congratulations to George Hobbes and Katie Spragg for their first performances with the band. George was on pipes at the 9/11 service and Katie stepped up on the tenor drum at 7N. Not to mention my brother, Scott, is actually wearing the band kilt now instead of his MacKintosh one. (not that there is anything wrong with that kilt) There are a couple more folks who are almost ready to step up and should be doing so in the coming weeks. Lord knows we’ll have enough opportunities for them to do so coming up. It is really awesome to see us grow and watch people come up and step in. I know in talking to Katie in particular this is something she has really wanted for a while now and at the Richmond games she will do something in playing in massed bands that she has dreamed of doing for a while. There really is something about your first massed bands.

If you aren’t already a member of either the Irish American Society or the Scottish Society of Richmond I highly encourage you to join. They are two great groups of people dedicated to learning and preserving Celtic culture. Last night was a joint meeting of both groups where Margaret Duckworth gave a great lecture about the Celtic Saints. Not only was the lecture informative but Mrs. Duckworth is a great speaker. She definitely keeps you entertained. (map drawing skills aside) My only regret is that I wasn’t around for her lecture on the Book of Kells. Hopefully there will be a big event with all the Celtic groups involved coming up in April. It is shaping up to be a very good event and cause. More on that to come later.

Last but not least keep your eye on the web site store as this weekend. I’ll be putting the extra challenge coins we have on the site. (see photos below) They will be available for $7 a coin. ($3 shipping) We have a very limited quantity left so if you would like one don’t delay. Also don’t forget to check us out on myspace. That site is a work in progress and will be updated soon with songs and photos. Enjoy and til next time.

front of coin

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