February 2009

PIPERS’ and PIPE BAND SOCIETY of ONTARIO, OTTAWA BRANCH

**** www.ppbso-ottawa.org ****

President: Graeme Ogilvie (613) 830-9160 (email: graeme.ogilvie@sympatico.ca) Vice-President: Alan Clark (613) 445-1420 (email: alanclark@sympatico.ca) Vice-President: Ross Davison (613) 219-3369 (email: rossdavison@gmail.com) Treasurer: Jack Yourt (613) 774-3622 (email: jcyourt@gmail.com) Secretary: John Harper (613) 830-8962 (email: harper@magma.ca)

Knock-Out Finals SATURDAY 07 MARCH 2009 (see next page for details) Recital…. Air Command Pipes and Drums

*** Allan Quinn Memorial Contest Determines Finalists *** On Saturday 07 February 2009, the Allan Quinn Memorial Contest at the Walkley Armouries Officers’ Mess concluded our piping and drumming knock-out series and determined the competitors for the finals at our March competition. It was an extremely talented group of pipers playing off this year for the Allan Quinn Memorial, the Ottawa Branch open amateur contest, and Curtis Leblanc of the Air Command Pipes and Drums was a very deserving winner. Also competing on this night were the “B” Division pipers playing a strathspey/reel and the “B” Division drummers who played 2/4 marches. The results of the night’s three contests are noted below. The full list of piping/drumming finalists is available at our web-site at www.ppbso-ottawa.org. The judges for the February contests were Lionel Tupman (piping) and Rob MacLeod (drumming), and their support was very much appreciated. Following the night’s contest, the audience was treated to another extremely entertaining performance by the Glengarry Grade 2 Pipe Band under the direction of Pipe Major Ed Bush. As Ed noted, this was his last turn at the helm with the imminent return expected of Pipe Major (Warrant Officer) Colin Clansey from his rotation in Kanadar, Afghanistan. “A” Division Piping “B” Division Piping 1. Curtis Leblanc 1. MacGregor van de Ven 2. Ross Davison 2. Dan Cameron 3. Katie Buckland 4. Chris Dodson “B” Division Drumming 5. Amos van Die 1. Erica Pulling 6. Liam Melville 2. Bill Creber 3. Tomm MacKenzie

REMINDER: PPBSO OTTAWA BRANCH ELECTIONS AT THE MARCH KNOCK-OUT FINALS Elections will be held following the Ottawa Branch Knock-Out Finals the night of Saturday 07 March, before the recital.

For any information on position terms of reference, please contact Graeme Ogilvie at 613-830-9160 or graeme.ogilvie@sympatico.ca.

February 2009

MARCH KNOCK-OUT FINALS…. Saturday 07 March 2009 Start Time… 7:30 pm. Admission…. $5.00. Place… the Walkey Road Armouries, 2100 Walkley Road, between St. Laurent Blvd and Conroy Ave (the Armouries are on the south side of Walkley Ave, right beside the Walkley Bowling Centre parking lot). *** NOTE: do not park in the reserved parking spots, the Armouries are a 24/7 facility *** Tune Requirements: Piping “A” Division Piping “B” Division Piping “C” Division Drumming “B” Division Medley of competitor’s choice (minimum 2:45) Recital: Air Command Pipes and Drums **************************************************************************************************

Ottawa Branch Workshop with Ken Eller

Saturday 28 March 2009. Studio A, 9th floor, Tower A Loeb Building, Carleton Univ Registration starts at 12:00 pm. Sessions begin at 12:30 pm.

Admission: $20.00 Join us for an exciting afternoon of instruction from one of the world’s most well-known pipers, adjudicators and instructors. 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" has long been at the pinnacle of the pipe band world. Put it on your calendar now!! For complete details watch www.ppbso-ottawa.org .

Future Ottawa Branch Dates

28 March 2009 Ottawa Branch Piping Workshop with Ken Eller, Open Solo Piping Contest 25 April 2009 Smiths Falls In-Door Highland Games 09 May 2009 Ottawa Branch In-Door Highland Games (Kemptville) 23 May 2009 Celtfest Highland Games, Kingston (confirmed judges Andrew Berthoff, Michael Grey, Doug Stronach) 20 June 2009 Veterans Memorial Highland Games, Spencerville

February 2009 GLENGARRY PIPES AND DRUMS…. Saturday 07 February 2009

Upcoming Events 2009 National Tartan Day Celebration On Sunday 05 April 2009 the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band will host the National Tartan Day Celebration at 12 noon on Parliament Hill, Ottawa. All tartans are welcome. There will be speeches, highland and step dancing demonstrations and a massed band with an invitation to all area pipers and drummers. There will be an after-party at D'arcy McGee's Irish Pub. All information on the event is available on the Sons of Scotland band site at www.sospb.com. Past Events Mark the Rustic Haggis Fed…… Robbie Burns Day - Kandahar Not sure if “rustic” describes the Haggis Fed or the local environment, but below are some candid photos that have surfaced of an impromptu Robbie Burns BBQ held on the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robbie Burns (Sunday 25 January 2009) at "W Ramp, 408 Squadron" ... appropriately called “Whiskey Ramp”. Cpl Craig McCormick, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, a Door-Gunner on Griffon helicopters, was seconded as the “duty piper”. Two guest Americans were enlisted as stretcher bearers to carry the “chieftan o’ the puddin’ race” to its special place in the ceremony. The hastily arranged and not-so-eloquent delivery of an Address to a Haggis was provided by LCol Bud Walsh (bottom right), as ably instructed by Pipe Major (Warrant Officer) Colin Clansey. As will be noted in the photo to bottom right, the Regiment spared no expense and were able to acquire a can of the finest haggis for the event (proudly held by LCol Walsh). So in front of a tactical helicopter squadron and a group of civilian support staff on the edge of a runway in the middle of Kandahar, Robbie Burns was feted as well as at any of the other celebrations held world-wide in his honour!!. Great fun from what we’re led to believe.

February 2009 Announcements GOVERNOR GENERAL BECOMES PATRON OF LOCAL PIPE BAND The Sons of Scotland are pleased to announce that the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, has agreed to accept the invitation extended by the band to become its Patron. Her Excellency recognizes the success and dedication of the Sons of Scotland and, as Canada's oldest civilian Pipe Band, the members are very pleased and proud to issue this wonderful announcement Ottawa, 2009. Congratulations to all our fine members!!

In honour of the 250th anniversary of the birthday of Robert Burns, and in support of the Home Coming Scotland 2009 initiative, the Sons of Scotland asked for and received Vice Regal Patronage from Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean. The band has enjoyed the great honour of playing for Her Majesty The Queen and Princess Beatrice at Balmoral Castle (left), and this new patronage is one the band is very proud of. The Sons first performed in Ottawa for Burns night in 1896, and their relationship with their Benevolent Association has continued since then with the same mandate which is to teach and perform in the community,

and they are also proud to do so along with so many other great musicians and friends in Ottawa region who do the same. Bethany Bisaillion Pipe Major The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band www.sospb.comOttawa Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Photograph : Sgt Eric Jolin (2006)

Brown Bagpipe Supply Kingston, ON Pipe Band Supplies, Tuition and Professional Performance Services (613) 542­3777 www.brownbagpipesupply.cominfo@brownbagpipesupply.com 

February 2009 ACPD 60th Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday 09 May 2009 at 7pm, the Air Command Pipes and Drums will be commemorating its 60th anniversary with a celebration to be held at the Junior Ranks Mess located at 4 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Ottawa ON. The current members of the ACPD would like to extend an invitation to all present and past members of the band, as well as its many supporters over the years, to come and revel in the rich history and good times had by anyone associated with this excellent organization. The Air Command Pipes & Drums has seen Leadership change within the institution over its many years of existence. It has had the privilege of having a number of very exclusive leadership from both Pipe Majors of the Canadian Forces and Drum Instructors as well. The first Drum Instructor posted to the Air Command Pipes & Drums (ACPD) was John Blair Kerr. In 1952 John was recruited into the Canadian Forces as a plumber. Within three years of enrolment, he transferred to the music trade, to become the first Drum Instructor of the Air Command Pipes & Drums. It should also be noted that Canadian Forces School of Music had a detachment in Ottawa. The Pipe Major and Drum Instructor of the Air Command Pipes & Drums were in addition, teaching aspiring Pipe Majors and Drum Instructors of the Canadian Forces. Upon the retirement of Master Warrant Officer John Kerr in 1981, Norm Jackson was posted in from 1981 to 1983. For approximately one year the Air Command Pipes & Drums operated without a Drum Instructor. John Shaw then completed his posting in Germany to return to Ottawa as the Drum Instructor from March 1984 to 1994. In 1994 the School of Music Detachment moved to Canadian Forces Base Borden under the direction of Mike Steele (now Chief Warrant Officer). From 1994 to 2000 Warrant Officer Dave Yeo ran the Drum Corps at the ACPD and from 2000 to 2008 Warrant Officer Steve Lanning headed the Drum Corps. In August 2008 the Air Command Pipes & Drums received Master Warrant Officer Doug Craft as the new Drum Instructor and in October 2008 the official changes in leadership within the Air Command Pipes & Drums took place. Pipe Major Katherine Buckland became the first Regular Force Female Pipe Major within the Music trade and Pipe Major of the Air Command Pipes & Drums, while the leadership changed from Captain Ian Ferguson to Master Warrant Officer Doug Craft. The 60th Anniversary celebration will be a catered event offering finger foods as well as various libations of the alcoholic persuasion. There will be a musical performance by the Air Command Pipes and Drums, followed by live entertainment from The Windy Kilts. In addition, there will be a separate area in which anyone who is so inclined can entertain the audience with some solo piping and drumming. So, come out and reconnect with your old band mates for a great night of fun. If you wish to inquire about more information, or indicate your intention to attend the event, you may do so via one of the three contacts indicated below. Correspondence can be mailed to: Master Warrant Officer Doug Craft Air Command Pipes and Drums, Uplands Base, Building 16, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa ON K1A 0K2 Contact phone: 613-949-2642 or 613-443-1153 Contact e-mail: acpd60th@gmail.com

February 2009 And then there were 27… Some listeners consider the bagpipes to be nothing more than the cries of a cat suffering a crack withdrawal. Yet, for Lieutenant-Colonel Scott Attridge, the Canadian Forces Supervisor of Music, the sweet sound of the pipe is on the front lines of military music. And he’s got a plan to place Canadian military piping on surer footing in the future. In a move to increase the profile of the military pipe band tradition, Attridge has added six pipers and three snare drummer positions to the Air Command Band based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “What I’ve done with the commander of 1 CAD (Canadian Air Division) is converted several positions with the Winnipeg band to develop a Regular Force piping and drumming cadre. We’ve already held auditions and the quality of those pipers and drummers is truly world-class.” Captain Ian Ferguson, the Director of Canadian Forces Bagpipe Music and Canada’s only commissioned bagpiper agrees. “There’s absolutely no question that we’ve just recruited the top tier directly from the Canadian competitive community. And the interest these new positions have generated in the piping community is overwhelming. And most importantly, we believe the interest and expertise we hope to recruit will continue with the next round of auditions in the spring.” said Ferguson. The statistics are revealing. Over 50 musicians auditioned for eight positions. One of the winners, Matt MacIsaac of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a Scottish Silver Medalist and former tour musician with fiddling great Nathalie McMaster. “This is an incredible show of support from the military band community” trumpets Chief Warrant Officer Mike Steele, the senior drummer in the Canadian Forces. “When Fergie (Ian Ferguson) and I joined the army 35 years ago, we enlisted as soldiers in the infantry.” Steele said adding that “After several years in the ranks, we were selected for musical training and were eventually accepted into the Music Branch as pipe and drum instructors for base volunteer bands. Now that there are positions opening directly to reservists and civilians, a career path in military music is open to those wishing to pursue their art form on a full-time basis.” Lieutenant-Colonel Attridge notes that the Canadian bagpipe movement is a phenomenon that has largely been overlooked in the Music Branch. “There’s a huge history of piping in this country” says Attridge. “Yet in the regular force, we have not embraced these traditions. That’s changing now.” But these relatively small increases are only the beginning. Under the Colonel’s watchful eye, he has ensured that a full-time piper has been posted to the Royal Canadian Artillery Band in Edmonton, the Air Command Band in Winnipeg, and two pipers and a drummer to the Central Band of the Canadian Forces in Ottawa. In essence, the Colonel has increased the pipes and drums establishment in the regular force from 16 to 27 positions. And these changes are only a harbinger of things to come. One day, it is hoped that a bagpiper or a pipe band drummer will one day rise to one of the eleven commissioned ranks of the Music Branch to become a director of music – the penultimate in any military musician’s career.

For now, the small cadre of a full-time Air Force Pipe Band will be based in Winnipeg and the first musicians will be reporting for duty in February. They will be led into the ranks of the band by Captain Ferguson who will take over as the Air Command Band’s commanding officer on March 13th. The Air Force Pipe Band’s first official engagement will be later this fall at the Winnipeg Military Tattoo although they maybe making earlier appearances at the Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo, the Canadian National Exhibition and the Canadian Forces Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Parliament Hill.

Contributed by Captain Fraser Clark

February 2009 CF Music Branch Auditions The Music Branch provides support to all elements of the Canadian Forces (CF) and as such, our musicians can be seen in Navy, Army or Air Force dress. In keeping with the rich heritage of Canadian military music, we provide services from both the brass/reed as well as the pipes & drums disciplines. Services are provided by six full-time regular force bands, 52 part-time reserve force bands and seventeen volunteer support bands. The Music Branch performs a wide array of domestic and international engagements including government and military parades and ceremonies, public concerts, shows and festivals, public events, school concerts, military and state dinners, award ceremonies and community events. Groups and soloists may perform to add ambiance at a social function, embellish the significance of a ceremony, or may be headliners to a captive audience at an international concert event. CF music performances are often broadcast on radio and television, and bands from the branch regularly release recordings. Given the diversity of audiences and engagements involved towards attaining its mandate, the Music Branch deploys numerous ensemble configurations drawn from both brass/reed and pipes & drums cadres that perform a wide variety of music styles. Ensembles range from parade and concert bands through stage and show bands to jazz combos, rock bands, and chamber groups. Though military music is a mainstay, the various groups also perform a vast array of other music styles including traditional and folk music, pop, rock, jazz, classical and wind ensemble repertoire. The Canadian Forces Music Branch Announces auditions for the following Regular Force musician positions: Oboe Euphonium Clarinet Tuba Saxophone Piano/Keyboard French Horn Guitar Trumpet Electric Bass Tenor Trombone Vocalist Percussion (Drum Set Specialty) Piper Pipe Band Drummer * Recordings for preliminary round due 15 May 2009 * Final live auditions to be held 14-25 September 2009 * Secondary instrumental skills would be considered an asset The Canadian Forces will assume travel, meal and accommodation costs for candidates invited to the final auditions

Starting salary of $52,000 to $59,800 Full benefits including paid vacation, extensive health and dental

coverage, exceptional pension plan, group insurance, family support services and parental leave

For more information or to apply please contact us: 1-866-991-0422 DHHMusic@forces.gc.ca www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/musi/index-eng.asp

February 2009

Ottawa Branch In-Door Games Saturday 09 May 2009

St Michaels Catholic High School, Kemptville, Ontario

2755 Highway 43 (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 9:00 am Pipe Band (Grade 5, Grade 4, Grade 3, Grade 2) Competitions start 1:30 pm

Pipe Bands: Grade 2 (Medley), Grade 3 (Medley), Grade 4 (Medley), Grade 5 (March Medley) Entries to be made by email to harper@magma.ca by 01 May 2009. No band entry fee.

Solo Piping Event 1. Practice Chanter one 2-parted March, any time signature Event 2. Grade 5 one 2-parted March, any time signature Event 3. Grade 4 one 4-parted March, 2/4 time signature Event 4a. Grade 3 March one 4-parted March, 2/4 time signature Event 4b. Grade 3 Strathspey / Reel one 4-parted Strathspey, one 4-parted Reel Event 5a. Grade 2 March submit two, 4-parted Marches, 2/4 time signature Event 5b. Grade 2 Strathspey / Reel one 4-parted Strathspey, one 4-parted Reel Event 5c. Grade 2 Jig one 4-parted Jig Event 6a. Grade 1 March submit two, 4-parted Marches, 2/4 time signature Event 6b. Grade 1 Strathspey / Reel submit two 4-parted Strathspeys, two 4-parted Reels Event 6c. Grade 1 Jig submit two 4-parted Jigs Event 7a. Novice Piobaireachd one Piobaireachd, ground and next two passages Event 7b. Junior Piobaireachd one Piobaireachd Event 7c. Intermediate Piobaireachd submit two Piobaireachds Event 7d. Senior Piobaireachd submit three Piobaireachds Event 8. Age 40 Plus one 4-parted March, 2/4 time signature Solo Drumming Event 9. Novice Practice Pad one 2-parted March, any time signature Event 10. Grade 5 Snare one 2-parted March, any time signature Event 11. Grade 4 Snare one 4-parted March, 2/4 time signature Event 12. Grade 3 Snare March / Strathspey / Reel, each tune 4 parts minimum Event 13. Open Amateur Snare March / Strathspey / Reel, each tune 4 parts minimum Event 14. Open Amateur Bass one 4-parted March, 2/4 time signature Event 15. Open Amateur Flourishing Tenor one 4-parted March, 2/4 time signature Solo Entries may be made by email to harper@magma.ca by 03 May 2009 or by mail as per the entry form below. No entry fee for advance entries. Entry on the day of the competition will be allowed, however, those competitors will be required to pay a $5.00 admin fee (regardless of number of events) in addition to the $5.00 admission fee.

WINCHESTER 2009 SOLO ENTRY FORM Name: __________________________________________________ Mail Entries to: Telephone Number: _______________________________________ John Harper 1493 Kamuoraska Circle Event Numbers: __________________________________________ Orleans, ON, K1C 3J1

February 2009

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!!

Timetable (tentative): Registration 8:00 a.m. Solo Piping & Drumming Commences 8:30 a.m. Pipe Band Contests 1:00 pm Closing Ceremony 5:00 p.m. Directions: Exit 401 at Highway 15, Follow Highway 15 north 1 mile to Cunningham Road, Turn left onto Cunningham Road. Inquiries: Scott Bell at swb1@queensu.ca ; 613-542-7287 or Rob Roy Pipe Band at www.robroypipeband.com Judges – Andrew Berthoff, Michael Grey, Doug Stronach

O.P.G. Kingston Celtfest 2009 Band Entry Form Event # 1 Grade 5 Pipe Band March Medley 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $100 Event # 2 Grade 4 Pipe Band Medley 1st $300 2nd $200 Event # 3 Grade 3 Pipe Band Medley 1st $400 2nd $300 Event # 4 Grade 2 Pipe Band Set and Medley 1s t $500 2nd $400 Entry Fee - $50.00/event, if paid in advance, $75.00/event, if paid on the day, Cheques Payable to the Rob Roy Pipe Band Name: __________________________________________ Band Address: _______________________________________________ Pipe Major: _____________________________________ Drum Sergeant: _______________________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________ Phone Number: ______________ Events Entered: ____________ Fee Enclosed: ______ Please mail completed entries to: Scott Bell, 26 Metcalfe Ave, Kingston, ON, K7M 2W6

O.P.G. Kingston Celtfest 2009 Solo Entry Form Event # 5 Practice Pad Event # 11 Practice Chanter Event #16 Open Amateur Piping (MSR) Event # 6 Grade 5 Snare Event # 12 Grade 5 Piping Event #17 Open Amateur Piping (Jig) Event # 7 Grade 4 Snare Event #13 Grade 4 Piping Event # 8 Grade 3 Snare Event #14 Grade 3 Piping (March) Event #18 Novice Piobaireachd Event # 9 Open Amateur Snare (MSR) Event #15 Grade 3 Piping (S/R) Event #19 Junior Piobaireachd Event #10 Open Amateur Snare (H/J) Event #20 Intermediate Piobaireachd Entry Fee - $5.00/event if paid in advance, $10.00/event if paid on the day, Cheques Payable to the Rob Roy Pipe Band. Name: __________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ E-mail address: _____________________ Phone Number: ______________ Events Entered: ______________ Fee Enclosed: _____ Please mail completed entries to: Scott Bell, 26 Metcalfe Ave, Kingston, ON, K7M 2W6

February 2009

Veterans Memorial Highland Games Saturday 20 June 2009

Spencerville Fairgrounds, Spencerville, Ontario *** www.veteransmemorialhg.com ***

Solo Piping/Drumming Competitions start 8:30 am

First Massed Band: 1:00 pm Pipe Band (Grade 2-5) Competitions start 1:30 pm

Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, Drum Major Competitions start 5:15 pm Final Massed Band: 5:45 pm

BAND EVENTS

Grade 2 (Set & Medley), Grade 3 (Medley), Grade 4 (Medley), Grade 5 (March Medley)

SOLO EVENTS Piping Drumming Event 1. Grade 5 March Event 15. Grade 5 March Event 2. Grade 4 March Event 16. Grade 4 March Event 3. Grade 3 March Event 17. Grade 3 March/Strathspey/Reel Event 4. Grade 3 Strathspey/Reel Event 18. Grade 2 March/Strathspey/Reel Event 5. Grade 2 March Event 19. Grade 2 Hornpipe/Jig Event 6. Grade 2 Strathspey/Reel Event 20. Grade 1 March/Strathspey/Reel Event 7. Grade 2 Jig Event 21. Grade 1 Hornpipe/Jig Event 8. Grade 1 March Event 9. Grade 1 Strathspey/Reel Event 22. Novice Flourishing Tenor Event 10. Grade 1 Jig Event 23. Amateur Flourishing Tenor Event 11. Novice Piobaireachd Event 24. Novice Bass Event 12. Junior Piobaireachd Event 25. Amateur Bass Event 13. Intermediate Piobaireachd Event 26. Amateur Drum Major Event 14. Senior Piobaireachd

Entry Fees… Solo: $5.00 per Event. Band: $25.00. Entries must be postmarked no later than 01 June 2009.

**** Make cheques payable to: VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHLAND GAMES **** VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHLAND GAMES 2009 SOLO ENTRY FORM Name: ______________________________________ Mail Entries to:

Band Affiliate: ______________________________ Graeme Ogilvie

Email Address: _____________________________ 1730 Bonaventure Terrace

Event Numbers: _____________________________ Orleans, Ontario K1C 1W4

VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHLAND GAMES 2009 BAND ENTRY FORM

Band Name: _________________________________ Mail Entries to:

Grade: ______________________________________ Graeme Ogilvie

Band Contact/Email Address: ________________ 1730 Bonaventure Terrace

______________________________________________ Orleans, Ontario K1C 1W4