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Practice session June 2018 Highland Cathedral and others
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PPRP #010 Pipes are best from afar.
On this episode I share some of my thoughts and experiences regarding what could be the most idea environment/location/or situation for making your pipes ring, and also when they maybe shouldn’t be fired up. I’ve begun to connect some dots from recent experiences and some utterly fascinating literature I’ve been reading. I close the episode with what I might make a regular occurs, “Chris’ Piping Poem of the episode”!
Bagpipes not suited for all locations.’ Not pleasant chamber music. Turning off people not otherwise accustom to the bagpipe sound Evolved outside in the Highlands for celebration, memorial, or combat. “The hills themselves are its appropriate concert room, and among them it pervades the whole atmosphere, and becomes pat of the air until on can hardly tell whence it comes. It makes rhythm with the breeze and chimes in with the rush of the torrent, and becomes pat of the world in which it is produced. It suits the bare heath, the solitary cairn, the dark pass, the silent glen, and the mountain shrouded in mist as no music ever did or can do, and it is at its best floating across the silent loch or over the mountain stream. What’s a cairn? Google says, “a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline” Large number of YouTube videos of pipers playing out doors in dramatic settings. Playing in doors, close to others should be avoided “As to the man who practices the ordinary pipes in an ordinary city apartment, … he isthe worst enemy of his craft and worthy of all execration”.
Playing on the beach at the wedding -
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This episode contains a recording of a recent practice session. It is presented in all its crudeness and will hopefully stand as a comparison for which to mark progress against. The band, City of Mt. Dora Pipe Band, has always got me looking forward to and taking on new tunes. At this point we are moving from St. Patties Day into the patriotic holidays. Consequently, the songs of highest priority are the 5 U.S. military tunes, as well as the other classic patriotic tunes. I’m also continuously attempting to keep the previously learned songs somewhat fresh.
I’m still attempting to find an effective method of recording the pipes. This time I tried two mics, one towards the drones, and another facing the chanter. Upon review, seems to be way too much drones in the recording. Good lesson.
Thanks for listening. I’d love any feedback
thepodtasticpiper.com
Instagram: thepodtasticpiper
THANKS!
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01:42 Gerry Owen
02:50 Let Erin Remember/Dawning of the Day
04:40 Scotland the Brave
05:50 Caissons Go Rolling Along
06:50 Anchors Away
07:45 Marines’ Hymn
08:45 Into the Wild Blue Yonder
10:00 Semper Paratus
10:50 Scotland the Brave… again/Minstrel Boy/Blue Bells of Scotland
13:20 We Honor Our Fallen
14:40 Highroad to Gairloch/Terribus
16:18 Highland Cathedral
18:21 The Gael… sort of
19:45 Oh Danny Boy… please make it stop
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In this episode we think on the question of whether Amazing Grace should be played in any random situation. It is my feeling that perhaps the most famous of bagpipe tunes, Amazing Grace, has such power to command emotion that it should not be trifled with or taken lightly. I give a description of a recent event where I was asked to play AG and didn’t feel it was the best tune for the circumstance. I also encounter some other challenges which I handled rather poorly and hopefully learned from. This episode features a funky rendition of AG by the band Tartanic.
Thepodtasticpiper.com
Instagram: thepodtasticpiper
CHECK OUT TARTANIC AT: TARTANIC.NET
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Podcast music upgrade, Tartanic!
Since beginning my more intense study and emersion into the world of bagpiping I have become acquainted with several new and interesting people, places, and things. One of those things/people is the band Tartanic. I first heard the group’s music when it came up on a bagpipe related Pandora channel and was immediately interested. I grabbed my phone to see the name of what was playing and then created a Tartanic specific channel. Most things primitive, art, music, eating, appeal to me, so upon hearing the driving drum rhythms and intense bagpipe melodies that are the signature style of Tartanic I became a fan. This is the type of music perfectly suited for a late-night bonfire celebration of great feats or in preparation for an monumental challenge.
The bagpipes posses the ability to arouse intense feeling and emotion. The feeling predominately associated with bagpipes, a least in the culture of the United States, is probably that of grief, as funerals are where we are most often exposed to the pipes. But they are no less effective at creating an air of jubilation or inciting men to a violent fever. Tartanic certainly brings to life these two later emotions and goes perfectly with physical training. There is a wonderful contrast created by the simple, steady, pounding of the drums, then layered on top with a masterfully played and complex bagpiping. The drums draw your mind in and along as the pipes weave an ever-changing kaleidoscopic tapestry of sound. The effect can be utterly trance inducing.
The predominate bagpipe activity, customs, conduct, dress and style of play, is based on and originates from formal military procedure. While that possesses many outstanding attributes, Tartanic and other bands of a similar style execute what appears to me to be a freer form, jazz like style of play. I don’t know if there is name for this particular branch of music, but I have come to refer it as primitive pipe and drum. Its raw power and energy.
You might have rightly gotten the impression that I’m a fan. That being the case I thought to myself how awesome it would be if I could feature Tartanic music within my podcast for my own and the enjoyment of others. So I went to the bands website, http://www.tartanic.net/, and sent a quick email asking for their permission to use their music in the podcast. Someone responded in less than a day and very graciously agreed to allow me the use of their music, only asking I give appropriate credit.
With that, I am stoked to proclaim Tartanic the official, unofficial, butt kickin band of The Podtastic Piper Radio Program. I hope that anyone who might hear their stirring sounds will be as excited about it as I am! Check em out!
Have fun!
http://www.tartanic.net/
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iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podtastic-piper-radio-program/id1355540251?mt=2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodtasticpiper/?hl=en
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This episode I take a quick look at the origins of two of the most popular patriotic songs of Scotland and well-known bagpipe tunes, Scotland the Brave and Flower of Scotland. I talk about their surprisingly recent creation and how they have become synonymous with Scotland. I feature the music of Tartanic with their song Velocity off the Uncharted album.
Thepodtasticpiper.com
Instagram: thepodtasticpiper
Check out TARTANIC at: tartanic.net
Scotland the Brave
Tune said to have originated in the late 1800 Words written in 1951 by Cliff Hanley for a theater musical production Wildly popular at football (soccer) matches No official Scottish anthem Took second place in a vote for national anthem behind The Flower of Scotlandhttp://cornemusique.free.fr/ukscotlandthebrave.php
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=19422
http://www.scottish-at-heart.com/scotland-the-brave.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_the_Brave
Flower of Scotland
Music credited to Peter Dobbs McCormick late 1800s Lyrics credited to Roy Williamson around 1960 Refers to a victory of Robert The Bruce over the English and Edward the II at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314God Save the King is the anthem of the United Kingdom.
Scotland may not care for the song due to this verse: a little known verse, added sometime around 1745 as a prayer in support of Field Marshal George Wade’s British army…? Lord grant that Marshal Wade May by thy mighty aid Victory bring. May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush. God save the King!o http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/O-Flower-of-Scotland/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower_of_Scotland
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=19870
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PPRP #005 What do you do if you forget your instrument?
On this episode I offer advise on how to confront the terrible situation of being detained for an extended amount of time away from your instrument, unable to practice. I describe my experience in hearing a song, which I didn’t know how to play, many times over in a short period of time. That made me very familiar with the how it sounded, so that when I sat down with the sheet music, I was able to learn the song in remarkably short amount of time. That experience leads me to belief that half the work of learning a new tune on the bagpipes is simply becoming familiar with how “it goes.” So, my tip for making progress on your pipes even when you can’t play is to find the tune your working with on YouTube, and listen to it over and over, till you hear it in your head and you can’t stand it anymore. Once you can recall the melody on command, learning to finger the notes will be much similar.
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PPRP #004 Practice under the pavilion
This episode features some audio from an impromptu practice session. There is a nice little coffee shop in Longwood, FL, named Zanzibar. Behind this coffee house, and the adjacent businesses, is a covered area that the businesses use for some storage and to hold outdoor floral classes. There are some toddler toys left out there for kids at the classes so I’ll usually grab a cup of regular and hangout as Micah enjoys playing with the toys. I’ve wondered for a while how the pipes would sound under pavilion, so I took the opportunity this day to brake out my ZoomH5 and tripod and play through some older and some newer tunes I’m trying to improve. I received permission from the business owners before brought out the pipes and disturbed the peace. Everyone gave there enthusiastic ok.
This was recorded with the XY microphone the come with the Zoom H5 and a windscreen. I didn’t have any headphones, so no monitoring, and I was really just hoping it was picking up an decent sound.
You can learn a lot from listening to your playing recorded. All the wrong notes and poor tuning stands way out. What has sounded to be respectable to me while I’m playing it live, has, later upon review, been a little cringe worthy. Even recordings of the band performances illicit a bit of an eeeewwwwww. You can learn a lot from listening to your playing recorded. But hopefully its all on the road to improvement and betterment of skills.
So here the tunes I played through for better or worse:
00:00:25 Scotland the Brave
00:01:15 Highroad to Gairloch/Terribus
00:03:00 We Honor Our Fallen
00:04:50 Green Hills of Tyrol/When the Battles Ore
00:06:50 Highland Cathedral
00:08:37 Farewell to Camraw/begging of Rowen Tree
00:09:47 Kelly the Boy from Killane/Minstrel Boy
I welcome and feedback, hopefully constructive:
thepodtasticpiper.com
Instagram: thepodtasticpiper
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PPRP #003 Do you need a teacher?
On this episode I address the idea that in order to learn an instrument you must have a teacher. While teachers are good, in the internet age a musician just starting out can make a lot of progress with written and video instruction that is readily available through outlets like YouTube. There are many advantages to beginning on your own, such as going at your own pace, no tuition payments, not letting the risk of failure or looking silly prevent you from starting. A motivated person can make great progress on the simple basics of the bagpipes before any formal instruction is required.
I make the case that a community of peers and mentors, other enthusiast who share your passion, is far more advantageous than someone who is payed to meet with you periodically. Sharing in the fun and excitement within your community will be inspiring and encouraging.
The main takeaway is, definitely to wait to start because you’re not sure who will teach you. Get after it on your own. Talk about it to anyone who will listen and you’ll find a community.
Let me know your thoughts. Did you have a teacher? Do you think it was a huge advantage?
Thank you so much for listening! Have fun!
Thepodtasticpiper.com
Instagram: thepodtasticpiper
Most people for most instruments require an instructor Chief asked “Who is teaching you?” Internet can substitute for a live teacher Get a practice chanter Read the instructional booklets Only basic music knowledge Good to be on your own Move at your own pace Don’t have to pay an instructor Wont let risk of failure to prevent starting Instructor is good But a community of mentors is better Mentor is slightly head No responsibility to instructor Relationship is based on passion and enthusiasm Definitely get started on your own Don’t wait A lot of skill can be gained before the need for further instruction -
PPRP Episode 2 First step in learning the bagpipes. Practice Chanter
On this episode I discuss, after you have decided your going to learn to play the Great Highland Bagpipes, what is the first step you should take to, physically begin learning, acquire a practice chanter. I address what is a practice chanter, the different makes and models, and how much you should pay for one. Additionally I explained what are the different features available and what to look for when purchasing reeds for the chanter.
Purchasing a practice chanter is a big first step on the long and glorious road to learning the bagpipes as you are committing a small though not insignificant amount of money. That investment will pay off greatly through the years that follow, opening the doors to all the fun and comradery that comes with your progression as a piper. So soak it in and enjoy.
Thanks for listening! I’d love any feedback if you would be so kind as to share your thoughts and experiences. Thinks about piping? Was this helpful? Been piping for years? Let me know what I got wrong.
Thanks again! Chris
Get a practice chanter Double reed instrument Wood vs ploy Different brands Gibson Gorden tuck MacCallum And others Don’t buy a cheap wood chanter They don’t play Around $100 for a chanter Different sizes Child Regular Long Demonstration of what it sounds like Flush holes vs double sunk Sole Reeds Double reed Fits in chamber $5-$20 Hard vs easy reeds Instruction books 9 notes Learn the scales Learn 5 tunes before you think about buy a full set of pipes Electric practice chanter $600 -
On this first episode of The Podtastic Piper Radio Program I think about why a person might want to learn to play the Great Highland Bagpipes. Beyond the obvious, that the bagpipes are awesome, some other reasons might involve a parent played, your ancestors are Scottish, or maybe you just want to have a interesting skill to impress your friends with at parties.
For me, it was at a police officer's memorial week parade in Washington DC that I decided I want to play. Ten years later I began
Aggressively pursue learning to play. My involvement in public safety, police, fire, and EMS, continues to provide me motivation and opportunities any utilize my developing skill.
Perhaps the best reason to play, and one I couldn’t have anticipated, is the group of wonderful guys and gals I’ve met and continue to interact with. Pipers tend to be outstanding folks and it is a privilege to be a part of the piping community.
What ever your reason, it’s a good reason.
Let me know, I’d love to hear what your reason for wanting to play are.
Thepodtasticpiper.com
Instagram: thepodtasticpiper
