THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 LUCAS HOTEL LATROBE CHOCOLATE WINTER FEST 2012 SEPTEMBER 2012

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1 THE TUNE THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 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. This edition will look at the history of the Greater Highland 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. Evandale Market 23 Sept 2012 well done Pipers. Above is Ron Grant practicing his craft at the 12 th Battalion Royal Tasmanian Regiment band room in Quite a different look for Ron Grant being taught and not doing the teaching. Pipers at Evandale Market 23 Sept 2012

2 THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 Scotland s national instrument, the Bagpipe or in Gaelic "piob-mhor" (the great pipe) is not, contrary to popular belief, an instrument which has its origins in and has diffused from Scotland. The bagpipe is an instrument of great antiquity, an instrument which has its origins in the Middle East and traveled through and evolved in Europe alongside the diffusion of early civilization. The "Oxford History of Music" makes mention of the first documented bagpipe being found on a Hittite slab at Eyuk. This sculptured bagpipe has been dated to 1,000 B.C. Biblical mention is made of the bagpipe in Genesis and in the third Chapter of Daniel where the "symphonia" in Nebuchadnezzar's band is believed to have been a bagpipe. These early pipes or "Pan" pipes, without the bag or reservoir, were probably the second musical instrument to evolve. Musical history dictates that pipers have to take a back seat to percussion instruments in this case. These early pipes used materials with a natural bore (hollow reeds, corn stalks, bamboos, etc.) The Roman bagpipes or "tibia utricularis" represented a major innovation, the addition of the reservoir. Historians have noted that Roman coins depict Nero playing the bagpipe, not the fiddle. The early "Dudel-Sack" gave rise to a number of European, Asian and African folk bagpipes, namely, the Volynka (U.S.S.R.), the Bock (German), the Zukra (North Africa), the Gaita (Portugal and Spain), the Zampogna (Italy), the Cornemuse (France), the Moshug (India), the Zumarah (Egypt), and Flemish, Polish, Greek and The French Musette Hungarian examples. An extensive and thoroughly documented collection of these instruments can be found in the Musical Instrument section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In addition, examples of early folk bagpipes can be found in the paintings of Breughel, Teniers, Jordaens and Durer. The French Musette can be seen as a logical explanation for the evolution or refinement of the instrument into a number of examples of chamber pipes (i.e. those that operate via the use of bellows rather than the tradition bags as a reservoir). Examples of different forms of such chamber pipes can be found throughout Ireland, France and England. The Northumbrian region of England has been a "hotbed" for bagpipe evolution. It has not only witnessed the emergence of its indigenous shuttle pipes, but also its own small pipes, half longs and great war-gathering pipes. Likewise, Ireland has experience the evolution of its own Uillean (chamber/bellows pipe) and war pipe (Brian Boru). The Ancient Pipers at court is that Graeme??? evidence exists to substantiate the belief that pipes may have been common throughout the remainder of Britain prior to their emergence upon the Scottish landscape. Nevertheless, there is no question that the Bagpipe was very popular throughout England. Middle Ages Pre- Reformation churches reveal carvings of bagpipes. Chaucer refers to the Miller playing pipes in "The Miller's Tale", Documents from the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland (1498 and 1506) refers to payments to the English piper. Shakespeare's "Henry IV" refers to the "Drone of a Lincolnshire Bagpipe". The Irish are believed to have played pipes for Edward I at Calais in 1297 and at the Battle of Falkirk in In fact, both Henry VII and Henry VIII are believed to have enjoyed pipers. Questions remain as to when and where the first, second and third drones were added to the "piob-mhor" along with the questions as to when and where the bagpipe entered Scotland. However, the fact remains that this is an instrument whose growth and movement parallel civilizations and early history. It is a musical instrument which not only reflects our early history, but also the evolution of culture through history. The Greater Highland Bagpipes are only one of the over thirty different kinds of bagpipes that have appeared throughout the world. The Spanish, French, Italians, Germans, Hungarians, Czechoslovakians, Tunisians, Indians, Greeks, and a myriad of other cultures have developed bagpipes of their own. These 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 Spanish Galicia which is like the Scottish bagpipe as far as the bag and air supply, but only have one drone. The French Musette which has keys on the chanter and a billow to keep the bag full. And the Zampongno from Italy which has two chanters. Soon after the first century we can find traditions of bagpipes stretching all the way from India to Spain and from France to Egypt. We can surmise bagpipes were present in England in the 14th century when Chaucer wrote his Canterbury tales, for Chaucer's miller, "A bagpipe well couth he blowe and sown."

3 THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER The Chanter Another part of being a Piper is playing for dancers either traditional highland or even traditional Irish. However, if the dancer displaces the sword, s/he is disqualified. Blue Bonnets Tips and ideas for Lovers of Bagpipes Many of the tunes played on the bagpipe have origins in highland dances that have been performed over many generations so have a long history that we as a Pipe Band have a duty to continue. The Highland Fling The most commonly recounted history of the Fling is that it is a dance of celebration, performed after victory in battle. Clansmen performed the dance on a small round targe, a circular shield of wood with the front covered in tough hide, and the back in deer or sheepskin. The targe weighed approximately five pounds, and was strong enough to withstand the thrust of a bayonet. The front of the shield was decorated with brass studs and plates, and often had a long spike in the center. Today, the dance is performed to stirring pipe music such as Monymusk, Orange and Blue, or any other suitable strathspey, a tune in 4/4 time. The strathspey is said to be unique to Scotland, and is thought to derive from the Gaelic waulking songs tunes to which Highland women beat urine-soaked tartan cloth to make it airtight against the wind. The Sword Dance Perhaps the most renowned Highland Dance is the Sword Dance, which has its roots in Scotland s embattled past. Some suggest that Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, who ruled the country between 1054 and 1096, created the dance. In 1054 Malcolm Canmore began the military campaign that Macbeth made famous. Malcolm, supported by the Earl of Northumbria, was able to force territorial concessions from Macbeth at the bloody battle of Dunsinane on 24 July, After the success, Malcolm is believed to have placed his own sword on top of that of his enemy in the form of a cross and danced triumphant over them. The dance is performed today to the pipe tune Ghillie Calum with two or more slow steps followed by one or two quick steps. If a dancer touches a sword (but not displaces it in competition), the dancer loses five marks. Blue Bonnets is a balletic dance, which is thought to depict a graceful lady trying to attract the attention of the passing Bluebonnets --the name given to soldiers who wore a broad blue woolen cap with a plume, and who were often the first to face the English. The dance is performed to the tune of the same name. Words were set to the tune by Scotland s Sir Walter Scott ( ), Scottish historic novelist, poet, and writer. All these and other Traditional dances each have their own specific technique. The best way to learn to play them correctly, you are playing for the dancer the dancer is not dancing for you, is to listen and watch good dancers doing theses dancers youtube is a excellent place to watch dancers. The Highland Fling, which is danced to a strathsprey, is played with a strong weak medium weak accented beat. Strong on the first beat then weak, medium then weak accent on the last beat of the bar. This is then continued throughout the whole tune. It is very important to check with the dancer as to what tempo is required. A novice dancer usually requires a faster tempo as they do not lift as high during the dance where as an experienced dancer would prefer a slightly slower tempo to allow her to give each step full diligence. If you play to fast or slow or your tempo is irregular the dancer will certainly let you know. Ensure you are very competent on the required tune and how many parts are required before playing for a dancer in public. If you are asked to play for competitions I would strongly suggest you decline as it s a lot of work as each time you play must be the same parts and tempo. You could be playing for a lot of dancers. 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 piper starts by playing the first part three times through. The dancer starts dancing on the start of the second time through. Do not stop playing till the dancer has finished!!!

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

5 THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER A thought for the day. Rules for Being Human 1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it. But it will be yours for the entire period this time round. 2. You will learn lessons. You are erolled 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. 5. Learning lessons does not end. There 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. 9. Your answers to life s questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen and trust. 10. We have two eyes, two ears and only one mouth. Think to use them in that ratio and you will learn. 11. You will forget this, you are only human after all! Practicing starts and stops Wednesday night practice. Starring Josh on Side Drum, Kim, Ben and Sam on Pipes! Latrobe Winter Chocolate Fest looking good.

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

7 THE TUNE UP NEWSLETTER OF THE LAUNCESTON RSL PIPES & DRUMS Issue 6 SEPTEMBER THE TUNE UP Newsletter of the Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums [Street Address] Launceston Tasmania Australia ltonrslpad@yahoo.com.au Band Practice times are from 7pm to 9pm each Wednesday night at the Launceston RSL building 1 st floor on Wellington Street.