THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE TUNE UP Newsletter of the Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums

LUCAS HOTEL LATROBE CHOCOLATE WINTER FEST 2012 SEPTEMBER 2012

Welcome all back to the City of Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums SEPTEMBER newsletter “THE TUNE UP” Once again the input from band members and friends are essential for the success of our newsletter.

The Editor is looking for articles and pictures for future newsletters. Issue Date

This edition will look at the history of the Greater Bagpipe.

Also a look at playing for Highland dances the basic dances and tips.

More from By The Centre Quick JOKE funny pics and jokes.

Also don’t forget the Admin page.

Above is Ron Grant practicing his craft at the 12th Battalion Royal Evandale Market 23 Sept 2012 well Tasmanian Regiment band room in done Pipers. 1956. Quite a different look for Ron Grant being taught and not doing the teaching.

Pipers at Evandale Market 23 Sept 2012 THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012

Scotland’s national instrument, the Bagpipe or in Gaelic evidence exists to "piob-mhor" (the great pipe) is not, contrary to popular substantiate the belief, an instrument which has its origins in and has belief that pipes diffused from Scotland. The bagpipe is an instrument of may have been great antiquity, an instrument which has its origins in common the Middle East and traveled through and evolved in throughout the Europe alongside the diffusion of early civilization. remainder of Britain prior to their The "Oxford History of Music" makes mention of the emergence upon first documented bagpipe being found on a Hittite slab the Scottish at Eyuk. This sculptured bagpipe has been dated to landscape. 1,000 B.C. Biblical mention is made of the bagpipe in Genesis and in the third Chapter of Daniel where the Nevertheless, there "symphonia" in Nebuchadnezzar's band is believed to is no question that have been a bagpipe. These early pipes or "Pan" pipes, the Bagpipe was without the bag or reservoir, were probably the second very popular musical instrument to evolve. Musical history dictates Ancient Pipers at court… is throughout that pipers have to take a back seat to percussion England. Middle

instruments in this case. These early pipes used that Graeme ??? Ages Pre- materials with a natural bore (hollow reeds, corn stalks, Reformation churches reveal carvings of . bamboos, etc.) Chaucer refers to the Miller playing pipes in "The Miller's Tale", Documents from the Lord High Treasurer of The Roman bagpipes or "tibia utricularis" represented a Scotland (1498 and 1506) refers to payments to the major innovation, the addition of the reservoir. English piper. Shakespeare's "Henry IV" refers to the Historians have noted that Roman coins depict Nero "Drone of a Lincolnshire Bagpipe". The Irish are playing the bagpipe, not the believed to have played pipes for Edward I at Calais in . 1297 and at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. In fact, both The early "Dudel-Sack" Henry VII and Henry VIII are believed to have enjoyed gave rise to a number of pipers. European, Asian and African folk bagpipes, namely, the Volynka (U.S.S.R.), the Questions remain as to when and where the first, Bock (German), the Zukra second and third drones were added to the "piob-mhor" (North Africa), the Gaita along with the questions as to when and where the (Portugal and Spain), the bagpipe entered Scotland. However, the fact remains Zampogna (Italy), the that this is an instrument whose growth and movement Cornemuse (France), the parallel civilizations and early history. It is a musical Moshug (India), the instrument which not only reflects our early history, but Zumarah (Egypt), and also the evolution of culture through history. Flemish, Polish, Greek and

The French Musette Hungarian examples. An extensive and thoroughly The Greater Highland Bagpipes are only one of the documented collection of these instruments can be over thirty different kinds of bagpipes that have found in the Musical Instrument section of the appeared throughout the world. The Spanish, French, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In Italians, Germans, Hungarians, Czechoslovakians, addition, examples of early folk bagpipes can be found Tunisians, Indians, Greeks, and a myriad of other in the paintings of Breughel, Teniers, Jordaens and cultures have developed bagpipes of their own. These Durer. bagpipes have any number of drones, up to eight coming out the top, bottom, or side of the bag. Among the more famous bagpipes outside the British Isles are The French Musette can be seen as a logical explanation the Spanish Galicia which is like the Scottish bagpipe as for the evolution or refinement of the instrument into a far as the bag and air supply, but only have one drone. number of examples of chamber pipes (i.e. those that The French Musette which has keys on the chanter and operate via the use of bellows rather than the tradition a billow to keep the bag full. And the Zampongno from bags as a reservoir). Examples of different forms of Italy which has two chanters. such chamber pipes can be found throughout Ireland, France and England. The Northumbrian region of Soon after the first century we can find traditions of England has been a "hotbed" for bagpipe evolution. It bagpipes stretching all the way from India to Spain and has not only witnessed the emergence of its indigenous from France to Egypt. We can surmise bagpipes were shuttle pipes, but also its own small pipes, half longs present in England in the 14th century when Chaucer and great war-gathering pipes. Likewise, Ireland has wrote his Canterbury tales, for Chaucer's miller, "A experience the evolution of its own Uillean bagpipe well couth he blowe and sown." (chamber/bellows pipe) and war pipe (Brian Boru). The

THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & 3 DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012

However, if the dancer displaces the sword, s/he is disqualified. Tips and ideas for Lovers of Bagpipes The Chanter Another part of being a Piper is playing for dancers either traditional highland or even traditional Irish. Blue Bonnets

Many of the tunes played on the bagpipe have origins in Blue Bonnets is a balletic dance, which is thought to highland dances that have been performed over many depict a graceful lady trying to attract the attention of generations so have a long history that we as a Pipe the passing ‘Bluebonnets’--the name given to soldiers Band have a duty to continue. who wore a broad blue woolen cap with a plume, and who were often the first to face the English. The Highland

The most commonly recounted history of the ‘Fling’ is The dance is performed to the tune of the same name. that it is a dance of celebration, performed after victory Words were set to the tune by Scotland’s Sir Walter in battle. Clansmen performed the dance on a small Scott (1771-1832), Scottish historic novelist, poet, and round targe, a circular shield of wood with the front writer. covered in tough hide, and the back in deer or sheepskin. The targe weighed approximately five pounds, and was All these and other Traditional dances each have their strong enough to withstand the thrust of a bayonet. The own specific technique. The best way to learn to play front of the shield was decorated with brass studs and them correctly, you are playing for the dancer the plates, and often had a long spike in the center. dancer is not dancing for you, is to listen and watch good dancers doing theses dancers youtube is a excellent Today, the dance is performed to stirring pipe music place to watch dancers. The Highland Fling, which is such as Monymusk, Orange and Blue, or any other danced to a strathsprey, is played with a strong weak suitable , a tune in 4/4 time. The strathspey is medium weak accented beat. Strong on the first beat said to be unique to Scotland, and is thought to derive then weak, medium then weak accent on the last beat of from the Gaelic waulking songs—tunes to which the bar. This is then continued throughout the whole Highland women beat urine-soaked tartan cloth to make tune. It is very important to check with the dancer as to it airtight against the wind. what tempo is required. A novice dancer usually requires a faster tempo as they do not lift as high during the The Sword Dance dance where as an experienced dancer would prefer a Perhaps the most renowned Highland Dance is the slightly slower tempo to allow her to give each step full Sword Dance, which has its roots in Scotland’s diligence. If you play to fast or slow or your tempo is embattled past. Some suggest that Malcolm Canmore, irregular the dancer will certainly let you know. King of Scotland, who ruled the country between 1054 and 1096, created the dance. In 1054 Malcolm Canmore Ensure you are very competent on the required tune and began the military campaign that Macbeth made how many parts are required before playing for a dancer famous. Malcolm, supported by the Earl of Northumbria, in public. If you are asked to play for competitions I was able to force territorial concessions from Macbeth at would strongly suggest you decline as it’s a lot of work as the bloody battle of Dunsinane on 24 July, 1054. After each time you play must be the same parts and tempo. the success, Malcolm is believed to have placed his own You could be playing for a lot of dancers . sword on top of that of his enemy in the form of a cross and danced triumphant over them. Each dance tune requires the piper to play a part or part of a part of music to lead in the dancer. Quite often the The dance is performed today to the pipe tune Ghillie piper starts by playing the first part three times through. Calum with two or more slow steps followed by one or The dancer starts dancing on the start of the second two quick steps. If a dancer touches a sword (but not time through. displaces it in competition), the dancer loses five marks. Do not stop playing till the dancer has finished !!!

THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS 4 Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012

By The Centre, The Piper of This House 1. shall be addressed as: piper piper, pipe major, Quick Joke pipee, etc., never as old leather lungs, haggis or stupid. By Anonymous 2. will not tolerate whining children and nagging during periods of physical or mental practice. 3. will have meals served promptly. He will be A Scottish gift: "It's nae use to me, ye're served first (in bed, upon request). welcome to it." 4. shall have bath water drawn to proper temperature with sufficient, prior time to heat Old Tam, who had lost all his teeth, had a bathroom. 5. insists that teenagers and bellowing "!?" limit visit from the minister who noted that Tam telephone conversations to 3 minutes. At other had a bowl of almonds. "My brother gave me times telephone must be left off hook. Telephone ringing during piping periods will not be allowed. those, but I don't want them, you can have 6. will not allow clothes washing, lawn mowing, child them" said Old Tam. The minister tucked into thwacking and loud talking during piping them and the said "That was a funny present sessions. 7. will only permit television viewing when pipes or to give a man with no teeth." To which Old changer are not being played. Tam replied "Not really, they had chocolate 8. will not be responsible for minor chores such as on them...... " plumbing, lawn mowing, painting, housework, chauffeuring, gardening, wood chopping, etc., or any other act which may damage the fingers. Jock was out working the field when a 9. must have top priority re: purchases of reeds, barnstormer landed. books, new bags, bag dressing and other items of equipment in apparel. All other financial matters "I'll give you an airplane ride for £5," said are of secondary consideration. the pilot. 10. extends an invitation to all other pipers at any "Sorry, cannae afford it," replied Jock. time. However if he asks them to play he doesn't really mean it. "Tell you what," said the pilot, "I'll give you 11. will resist by any means the bringing into the and your wife a free ride if you promise not house of toy drums, trumpets, whistles, kazoos, or any other such rubbish by well-meaning to yell. Otherwise it'll be £10." relatives and friends. So up they went and the pilot rolled, looped, 12. dos not necessarily take responsibility for the stalled and did all he could to scare Jock. views expressed above. Nothing worked and the defeated pilot finally landed the plane. Turning around to the rear seat he said, "Gotta hand it to you. For Jokes and Quotes country folk you sure are brave!" Once again I need your help as I need lots of Jokes and Quotes for “By The Centre Quick Joke” page send them in "Aye," said Jock "But ye nearly had me there please. Please if you won’t show your mum the jokes don’t when the wife fell oot!" send them in OK thanks.

How do you get a drummer off of your porch? Funny Pics Same as Jokes and Quotes I need funny pictures relating Pay him 10 bucks for the pizza. to anything.

What did the drummer say to the band leader? "Do you want me to play too fast or too slow?"

THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & 5 DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012

A thought for the day…. 9. Your answers to life’s questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, Rules for Being Human listen and trust. 10. We have two eyes, two ears and only 1. You will receive a body. You may like one mouth. Think to use them in that it or hate it. But it will be yours for the ratio and you will learn. entire period this time round. 11. You will forget this, you are only 2. You will learn lessons. You are erolled human after all! in a full-time school called “life”. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrevelant or stupid. 3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation. The “failed” experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately ‘works’. 4. A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learnt it, you can then go onto the next lesson. Practicing starts and stops Wednesday night practice. Starring Josh on Side Drum, Kim, Ben and 5. Learning lessons does not end. There Sam on Pipes! is no part of life that does not contain lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned. 6. ‘There’ is no better than ‘here’. When your ‘there’ has become ‘here’ you simply obtain another ‘there’ that will again look better than ‘here’. 7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate in yourself. 8. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours. Latrobe Winter Chocolate Fest looking good.

THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS 6 Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012

I encourage all pipers to have a good look at the Ball tune list that has been e-mailed out, and go ADMIN PAGE over the tunes in the list. This page is The Military ball is being held at the Hotel Grand dedicated to Chancellor. This is a very good opportunity for the passing on band to get some community exposure. A list of important tunes and notes on each tune has been sent out to administration band members. information. Please notify Craig Cooper as soon as possible An update to up regarding numbers please. and coming band events including engagements, extra practices, band dinners, BBQs etc. Thank you to Graome Coleman for the stocktake of our band equipment Graome informed the band Feel free to send in anything you wish to pass on to that all but just a few items are accounted for, well the band and it will be added to this page. done. Wednesday band practice will start at 6pm for those Also the Launceston Show is fast approaching who wish for some extra tuition or to learn some Thurs 11th Friday night 12th and Sat 13th. A good fun show tunes. turnout for each day, or one or two days if possible Craig Cooper will be there from 6pm every would be appreciated. Wednesday night so if anyone is interested just turn Practice night will be structured around first hour up early. Remember any week night you would like individual and small group tuition followed by a full to do some extra playing just see Craig about a band ensemble practice on instruments. night that suits you. Regarding the agreed sun hat Graome requires hat Remember our Web Site at www.ltonpd.com for sizes from all members please. Could your hat size more info please email [email protected] please be forwarded to graome or written on the list or ring Craig Cooper. 0363441654 on the band notice board please. Feel free to use the Facebook site A video camera is now available to record our http://www.facebook.com/ltonrslpipeband to pass performances also to record some practice sessions on info to other band members also to ask to play back to see that what we think we sound like questions. Also just to make a post is not always what we really sound like. It I hope will At Wednesday night practice a monthly meeting become a very helpful training aid to raise our was held. In general business Items of uniforms was playing standards. discussed such as new belt buckles and belts As this is the start of the busy playing season please required Graome will look into our options Also the keep up to date with upcoming engagements. Also availability of more jacket material and where it can if possible could you let Craig Cooper know when be accessed. A letter regarding the Military ball was you are available for each engagement please. received stating our fee of $250.oo and that the band will perfom for about 15 minutes or so when the dances are added I expect the performance to take about 30 minutes. Could anyone who changes their contact details including E-Mail please contact Craig Cooper so I can update our records. THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & 7 DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012

THE TUNE UP Newsletter of the Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums

[Street Address] Launceston Tasmania

Australia

[email protected] www.ltonrslpd.com

Band Practice times are from 7pm to 9pm each Wednesday night at the Launceston RSL building 1st floor on Wellington Street.