[NSP] Re: Question
Hi Jenny - there's a set attributed to Robert or James Hall in Edinburgh: http://hdl.handle.net/10683/17806 (James was Robert's son and was also piper to the Duke about 100 years ago) I don't know what EUCHMI is or whether the collection is viewable I used to be able to search the Northumberland museum service archives but I can't seem to get to it anymore. Someone will no doubt be along shortly with a list of any Hall pipes in the Bagpipe museum in Morpeth (BTW - there's more traffic elsewhere these days: http://www.northumbrianpipers.org.uk/pipersforum/ ) cheers Rob Quoting IMPERIAL GLASS ALUMINUM LTD. jenh...@shaw.ca: Thank you for accepting me on the mailing list Wayne! Have one question: How do I find out where I can see a Northumbrian Smallpipe specifically made by my great-great grandfather Robert Hall of Hedgeley, Powburn, Alnwick, NBL? He made very unique handcrafted ones, (year about 1840s or 1850's) and I'm very curious if any exist in today's world - possibly in a museum??? Can anyone guide me in some sort of direction how I find out about this. I would appreciate any info on this. These Northumbrian small pipes are really beautiful and I watched a youtube video of a gal playing one; the song was so beautiful and sweet and cheerful and warmed my heart. Loved it! Sincerely, Jenny To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Farewell to Whisky - Niel Gow
Hi Francis - I looked in to this one a while back for some track notes - here's a summary My understanding is that comment is attributed to Nathaniel and is in the published collection of 1819 (The Beauties of Gow). ( Interestingly the fiddler's companion has words from 1804: http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/FAR_FARE.htm#FAREWELL_TO_WHISKEY_[1]) I searched for and found reference to the 'British Government prohibition' to save the 'wasting of grain' but found only unreferenced stories. Jack Campin has a long article on grain and meal shortages (and riots). This one: http://www.campin.me.uk/Embro/Webrelease/Embro/17riot/17riot.htm gives a 6 fold increase in grain prices: The most extreme price rises for grain - to six times the previous level - were in the years 1799 and 1800. This led to several attacks on stores and carts, particularly in Leith, the Grassmarket, the Cowgate, the West Port and the Pleasance, and the Volunteers were called out to defend the dealers. This kind of action made them the target of children's rhymes: But no references .. the riots should be relatively easy to find - or ask Jack for his source, I see his name around and about... Grain prices are available for that time - e.g. National Archives Doc ref: *152M/C1819/OH142 *(I didn't retrieve it!) *Contents*: Need to encourage agriculture; suggests use of inferior grains in distilleries; greater demand for barley in north of Scotland for production of whiskey; price of grains in 1801 ands 1810 - 'Agricola' to H.A. This book on the haggis: http://www.avrf23.dsl.pipex.com/The%20Haggis%20TYPESET%2016%20feb-2.pdf Both references grain prices and crop failures for the period: 1790s Harvest Failure, 1799 Price of corn was more than double the level of the 1790s, Harvest Failure AND has a substantial reference list ... none of which are on my bookshelf. Hope this helps Rob On 13/09/2011 17:54, Francis Wood wrote: The note accompanying the fine tune 'Farewell to Whisky' appearing in the Gow 5th collection states: This tune alludes to prohibiting the making of Whisky in 1799. It is expressive of a Highlander's sorrow on being deprived of his favourite beverage. Also in the 5th collection is the remedy to this distressing situation: 'Whisky Welcome back again', with the note: Alluding to permitting Whisky to be distilled in the year 1801. It is a merry dancing Tune. I seem to remember reading that the prohibition was caused by a shortage of grain. Can anyone provide anything more specific about the relevant circumstances in 1799 - 1801? Francis To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Farewell to Whisky - Niel Gow
My powers of Google are strong this evening: Agricultural Returns and the Government during the Napoleonic Wars http://www.bahs.org.uk/01n1a5.pdf describes wet seasons, harvest failures, and the government reimposing restrictions on the use of grain. There's also in depth analysis of the large variations in the price of wheat of the period concerned.. R On 13/09/2011 19:28, Rob Say wrote: Hi Francis - I looked in to this one a while back for some track notes - here's a summary My understanding is that comment is attributed to Nathaniel and is in the published collection of 1819 (The Beauties of Gow). ( Interestingly the fiddler's companion has words from 1804: http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/FAR_FARE.htm#FAREWELL_TO_WHISKEY_[1]) I searched for and found reference to the 'British Government prohibition' to save the 'wasting of grain' but found only unreferenced stories. Jack Campin has a long article on grain and meal shortages (and riots). This one: http://www.campin.me.uk/Embro/Webrelease/Embro/17riot/17riot.htm gives a 6 fold increase in grain prices: The most extreme price rises for grain - to six times the previous level - were in the years 1799 and 1800. This led to several attacks on stores and carts, particularly in Leith, the Grassmarket, the Cowgate, the West Port and the Pleasance, and the Volunteers were called out to defend the dealers. This kind of action made them the target of children's rhymes: But no references .. the riots should be relatively easy to find - or ask Jack for his source, I see his name around and about... Grain prices are available for that time - e.g. National Archives Doc ref: *152M/C1819/OH142 *(I didn't retrieve it!) *Contents*: Need to encourage agriculture; suggests use of inferior grains in distilleries; greater demand for barley in north of Scotland for production of whiskey; price of grains in 1801 ands 1810 - 'Agricola' to H.A. This book on the haggis: http://www.avrf23.dsl.pipex.com/The%20Haggis%20TYPESET%2016%20feb-2.pdf Both references grain prices and crop failures for the period: 1790s Harvest Failure, 1799 Price of corn was more than double the level of the 1790s, Harvest Failure AND has a substantial reference list ... none of which are on my bookshelf. Hope this helps Rob On 13/09/2011 17:54, Francis Wood wrote: The note accompanying the fine tune 'Farewell to Whisky' appearing in the Gow 5th collection states: This tune alludes to prohibiting the making of Whisky in 1799. It is expressive of a Highlander's sorrow on being deprived of his favourite beverage. Also in the 5th collection is the remedy to this distressing situation: 'Whisky Welcome back again', with the note: Alluding to permitting Whisky to be distilled in the year 1801. It is a merry dancing Tune. I seem to remember reading that the prohibition was caused by a shortage of grain. Can anyone provide anything more specific about the relevant circumstances in 1799 - 1801? Francis To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: even more on G and D
My thought is that there aren't enough long chanters and extended range players to form a solid judgement at the moment. I don't think it will be either an 'annoying one-off' nor yet a 'more logical trend'. There are already quite a number of 'specials' around but anyone buying a top end set or chanter will know about this. It occurs to me that If the key holes are in line it would be relatively trivial to rework to the other arrangement (just needs two new keys). My personal preference given the 14 keys you specify would be CB - for the reasons that Inky Adrian gave in his first missive. But it wouldn't put me off - especially if I could reset it. FWIW and to illustrate the specials point - I saw a CBA arrangement (complete opposite to mine) on a custom Burliegh chanter this last weekend... cheers Rob On 10/05/2011 13:33, Philip Gruar wrote: So... Can I (temporarily?) get this thread back on track and ask my original question again? There have been some promising replies coming - and Adrian began to develop a useful thread which has now gone off into rarefied realms of temperament and drones when playing in C major. However ... If I make a normal 14-key chanter, designed around playing in G and D, with just low B and C keys ARRANGED B-LEFT C-RIGHT plus a C# on the right-hand side, BUT (and this seems to be a critical factor) without a low A, am I going to produce a wierd one-off thing which will annoy future players who may own it after the immediate client passes on, OR will I be helping forward a more logical trend of pipe-making and playing? (sorry about the catitals - I'm not shouting, just emphasising :-) ) Philip - Original Message - From: Julia Say julia@nspipes.co.uk To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu; a@ntlworld.com; christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 11:57 AM Subject: [NSP] Re: even more on G and D On 10 May 2011, Christopher.Birch@ec.europa.e wrote: I don't understand the reference to temperament here. It may be irrelevant, Chris, I'm rather busy and have a lot going on in my head. I don't claim to have thoroughly thought through every word of my posting. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Low keys sequence
Afternoon Philip - I don't know the dates on the chanters you have seen, I'd be interested to know. I discussed the design of my big chanter with Colin back in 2001/2002. the original plan was to get ABC# on a triple block at the back with paired CD on the right and just the single low E on the left. The desire was to play the patterns required for tunes in D A. We ended up with ABC on the triple and C# paired with the D. The chanter also arrived with the low G on a 45 degree angle between the E and low A (still played with the thumb). This has a number of implications: - The length of the low G key means the key bends - anything other than a direct push in line with key can produce a poor note. - Low G pushes the centre of gravity even further below the right hand; managing the balance of the chanter between the two hands requires more control - Playing AMaj arpeggios is harder than I'd like, the A-C# transition requires a big jump and thumb re-orientation. ABC#D transitions are fine because the B is that bit further round. - Playing low G runs is straight forward.BDG triplets are challenging but achievable. - Playing in C feels easy, the low C is in a very playable position and the CD transition is very straight forward. Colin stated that the low G arrangement I have was a challenge and took quite a look of work to get right. I got the impression he wouldn't want to do another one. Conversely he was quite pleased with the triple block and I definitely got the impression this would be re-used. I've had the opportunity to play one of your chanters and I know you're aware of this but it's worth stating for anyone else reading. The position of the key ends in relation to each other and the thumbrest are critical; the distances between them, the relatively heights and lengths of the 'double stack', the angle at which each key is presented and the overall shape of each key end. I have progressively and very minutely remodelled a number of keys to achieve a more ergonomically satisfying layout (it's specific to my hand). I occasionally get to play the CB arrangement and now find it counter intuitive (but still playable). Once the low A is added I think it begins to make less sense. Hope this helps Rob Quoting Philip Gruar phi...@gruar.clara.net: May I put out a request for opinions from the NSP community? Apologies for raising a subject which has been discussed several times before - though maybe not in precisely the same terms, and I like to keep abreast of the latest thinking among better players than me. Traditionally, the low B and C on an extended chanter have been arranged with the B on the right and the C on the left, but Colin has pioneered various other arrangements - especially three-key groupings with the order going A,B,C left to right. I think there seems to be a growing opinion that even with just the two low keys, B and C, it is also more convenient to have them with B on the left C on the right. Having myself recently tried a chanter by Colin with the low keys in that order, I must say it is much more intuitive, but then I've never regularly played one myself with either arrangement - only made them for other people (always the traditional way so far). Scale order left to right obviously makes sense when there's also a low C# paired with the D in the right side slot - at least when playing scale passages e.g. in the accompaniment to duet slow airs, though in rapid arpeggio playing it may be better the traditional way. I have just given a customer the choice - he is a very good player, and has been professional on other wind instruments, but he is outside the NSP mainstream and has only ever played a 7-key chanter. I explained the options, and suggested the B-on-the-left arrangement, which after consideration he's gone for - but as I said, without the experience. What do people think? Philip To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: D chanter on AU ebay
The key in the Fnat position is Cnat on a D chanter The top thumb hole is D - the picture shows four keys with holes positioned above this. Two on the little finger (e,g) and two on the thumb (f#,a) R Quoting christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu: Well I'm glad someone else was wondering. I thought I might just be being stupid again. The top end looked fairly standard to me with what was clearly an Fnat key. It would be nice to know what the other two were. CB -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of John Dally Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 6:26 PM To: NSP group Subject: [NSP] D chanter on AU ebay Curious about the keys on this chanter. Chanter Keys (10 - A, B, C, d, e, f, g, G#, a, A#, b, c, Cnat, d, E, F, G, A) If transposed to an F chanter that would be D E F# g a b c C# d D# e f# Fnat g A B C D. That is an unusual selection isn't it? Thanks for posting, Julia, but I don't think I'll be bidding on it. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: D chanter on AU ebay
I compared the fourth and fifth pictures. 4th: the hole for the key on the back is in the centre of the key block (Cnat) 5th: the top hole on the front is at the top of the key block (C#) For a D chanter it makes more sense to extend up - it doesn't get squeaky like on an F or G. I guess the reeding won't be as critical. R Quoting christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu: This is a bit confusing as the key in the Fnat position is Eb on an F chanter. So, using nominal pitches the keys would be Fnat, a, c (little finger) and b, d thumb? Indeed an odd selection. I have a nominal top c on my F chanter, but it hardly ever gets used and I frankly wish I hadn't bothered. I'm glad the maker at least dissuaded me from getting a top Bb. C The key in the Fnat position is Cnat on a D chanter The top thumb hole is D - the picture shows four keys with holes positioned above this. Two on the little finger (e,g) and two on the thumb (f#,a) R To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: (Fwd) Invite for folk music and smallpipes fans - North East i
I think that will be Susan Craven - listed in the credits: http://www.bedefilms.co.uk/CastAndCredits.asp Rob Quoting Julia Say julia@nspipes.co.uk: I've been sent this: I know nothing more about it than what is here. Anyone know who the piper/s are? To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: D chanter on AU ebay
It's a D chanter and therefore longer than the F - there is more room to fit keys in at the top. Seems perfectly reasonable to me. R Quoting Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk: Maybe a confused description - could Colin clarify this? But there are a lot of keys at the top end. John From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of John Dally [dir...@gmail.com] Sent: 24 March 2011 17:25 To: NSP group Subject: [NSP] D chanter on AU ebay Curious about the keys on this chanter. Chanter Keys (10 - A, B, C, d, e, f, g, G#, a, A#, b, c, Cnat, d, E, F, G, A) If transposed to an F chanter that would be D E F# g a b c C# d D# e f# Fnat g A B C D. That is an unusual selection isn't it? Thanks for posting, Julia, but I don't think I'll be bidding on it. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Burleigh 9-key NSP on eBay
Morning - New prices are published here: http://www.burleighsmallpipes.com/prices.htm A set similar to this would only cost marginally more new. Or is the fact that we don't know how long it's been unplayed make it a no-go, or at least an assumption of some major re-fettling and replacing pads, tweaking keys, etc? I would always make this assumption for all pipes on eBay unless the seller is a player or I can get to the pipes to play them. David Burleigh pipes are at priced at the lower end of the slding scale and comparatively an enormous number have been produced. Because of this they don't hold value as well as some other sets and there is always some depreciation. I am aware of at least two other sets available that are significantly cheaper with a known playing condition (but not on your side of the pond) and would make better starter instruments. hope this helps Rob http://www.milecastle27.co.uk/rob/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NSP concertina
Hello - thank you John - very kind. I must of course point out that it's half NSP and half concertina - I don't actually have any tracks with both! If you're on this side of the pond, it's available from the record company (Veteran: www.veteran.co.uk), the Chantry have a stock and it's also available from numerous online retailers (specialist and mainstream). cheers Rob On 08/01/2011 07:09, John Dally wrote: As for NSP concertina, if you haven't yet listened to Rob Say's CD O'er Lang at the Fair Veteran (VT157CD) do yourself a favor and get a copy. I bought mine from www.bagpipediscs.com. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Concertina Tuning
Morning Mike - yes this correct. For a C/G anglo where you are typically playing tunes in G and D (and associated minors) you would want a Bb/F tuning to play with NSP. Unless you know the person you want to play with is in concert F then +20 would also be a very good idea. I have a Bb English concertina but it doesn't get out much because it's in concert pitch and too far from most sets of pipes. Personally I wouldn't get rid of the bass notes there's a lot of musical room to play in down there. It requires care and sympathy with the drones going ... Another consideration is that retuning a complete tone is quite invasive - it is possible to get a Bb/F instrument without modification. They are rarer but also cheap because no one else plays in those keys... I'd have a chat with some like Theo Gibb (www.theboxplace.co.uk) who will be able to give you some options - he has stacks of old lachenal reeds from various restorations. He also knows the basics about pipes - most free reed restoriers won't and has done an excellent restoration job on a couple of concertinas for me already. cheers Rob Quoting Mike Dixon msdi...@btinternet.com: I have a 20 Button Anglo C/G Lachenal which I had for years which I have done very little with. I am about to get it serviced ( more like a re-build I suspect!) and am considering getting it re-tuned to play along with NSP - either for me to have a go , or to lend to a friend so we can do some duets Would I be on the right lines to go for F/B Flat? I suspect at +20 cents? We are also looking at removing the bass on the left hand and putting some accidentals on the right - might be useful as I rarely use the bass buttons as such Any thoughts or advice Thanks Mike Dixon To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Concertina Tuning
Quoting Mike Dixon msdi...@btinternet.com: Could you expand on the 'care and sympathy' with the drones? Simply that the drones are of course fixed pitch and continuous. Some bass line combinations which work on their own or with non-drone instruments can clash horribly with pipes... (in my musical view) It's a case of trying and seeing what you like. The other way round this would be for the piper not to play drones ... but I wouldn't recommend that approach. cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: key question
Morning - for those who hanker after multi-key extended chanters (or are wondering at the minutiae of what is being discussed) here's a little exercise that will demonstrate one of the key differences. First; take a pencil and hold it as you would a chanter - almost no effort is required to hold it and the centre of gravity is between the two hands. Now take a long feather duster with a wooden handle - (3' or 1m will do) (http://www.jbsgroup.ie/catalog/feather-duster-with-long-handle-p-1448.html) Turn it upside down with the feathery bit pointing at the floor (but not resting on it and hold the top of the handle as you would a chanter. The centre of gravity of the instrument is now well below the bottom hand and the natural tendency is for the stick to swing to vertical. A much greater effort is required to main stability in the neutral playing position. Now 'play' a few notes including the two thumbs and the you should be able to feel how the whole stick is trying to jump about. The effect is more pronounced the further you normally hold your chanter from vertical. For a standard length chanter (simple, 7k, or 7+accidentals) the centre of gravity for the chanter is approximately at the centre between the hands. This means that when removing either thumb, the hands are mainly focused on maintaining balance and chanter can be held still with relatively little effort. When you switch to an extended chanter (bottom B or longer) the centre of gravity moves a lot lower - certainly below the back thumb and sometimes below the right hand. When the player removes a thumb, the hands have to do a completely different mechanical job to maintain balance in the chanter. The tendency is for the chanter to move more. Many players of extended chanters choose to anchor the base by planting it on the leg to counteract this. Actually playing the keys is a subject for another day. cheers Rob (http://www.milecastle27.co.uk/rob/) To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: TV
Morning - I have heard of a thing called Expat Shield: http://www.expatshield.com/ I've not used it myself - investigate as much you feel necessary. cheers Rob http://www.milecastle27.co.uk/rob/ On 12/12/2010 02:41, Richard Shuttleworth wrote: Hi Anthony, When I tried to log on I got a curt message saying that the show wasn't available in my area. Has anyone any ideas on how we benighted folk in North America can watch this program? Richard Anthony wrote: He's the link for the programme on iPlayer if anyone missed it but is interested to view it. [1]http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wmy5q/Come_Clog_Dancing_Trea sures_of_English_Folk_Dance/ 1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wmy5q/Come_Clog_Dancing_Treasures_of_English_Folk_Dance/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Northumbrian Piping Courses in Hexham
Di's message reminded me to post details of another weekly course in the opposite corner of the county! Once again Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham will be offering Beginners Northumbrian Smallpipes as part of the Community Leisure programme. The 10 week course is aimed at those starting out on the instrument - no prevous musical experience is assumed. The course runs on Sunday evenings 7.30-9.30pm and the first session is on the 26th Sept. The venue is Wall Village Hall (just outside Hexham). Participants will need to provide their own pipes - last year a number of people hired sets from the NPS, others discovered friends who had a set and some had had their own set for a number of years. Assistance and advice is available The course brochure and enrolment form is available here: http://www.qehs.net/ alternatively contact the Community Leisure programme on 01434 610322 I'm also looking at the possibility of running an improver's group in tandem with this. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please do drop me a line. thanks Rob http://www.milecastle27.co.uk/rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: alnwick pipers society website
Quoting Derek Lofthouse dloftho...@shaw.ca: Anyone else having problems going to this site? My antivirus software wont let me go there and google has it flagged as 'may harm your computer'? Is it a real problem or are google and firefox being too sensitive? Hi Derek - in this case it looks like a real problem - the site appears to have been recently compromised and is currently serving up some code from pss.co.ir (http://safebrowsing.clients.google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?client=Firefoxhl=en-GBsite=http://www.alnwickpipers.co.uk/) The hosting service appears to have picked this up and the actual pages aren't accessible at the moment. I'm sure there will be someone on this list involved directly with the APS if you need to contact them directly. cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: newcastle / N.E. group fri / sat / sun
Quoting amble skuse amble.sk...@googlemail.com: I wondered if there was a session / playing group (suitable for a beginner) that I could drop in to when I visit the N.E. I only have scottish smallpipes in A and D so that might rule out joining in, but it would also be lovely just to listen. I'll be up Fri 7th - Sun 9th May. Any info gratefully received. Morning - you're in luck, that's the weekend of the Hexham Piper's Gathering
[NSP] Re: newcastle / N.E. group fri / sat / sun
Quoting rob@milecastle27.co.uk: .. My message got chopped - I'll try again: Morning - you're in luck, that's the weekend of the Hexham Piper's Gathering. There's a session on Friday night (8pm) in the Abbey Undercroft: (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=393499Y=564096A=YZ=115) There are teaching sessions all day Saturday in St Andrews URC Hall: (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=393366Y=563950A=YZ=115) And an formal ceilidh (mostly spots) on Saturday night (7.30pm?) in the Moot Hall: (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=393641Y=564103A=YZ=115). I think there's also a session on the Sunday (last year's was a fine couple of hours in the garden of the Dipton Mill pub) This will nearly all be in NSP pitch (F) but there may be other SSPers there as well. I'll send you the info doc separately cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Smallpipes Simulator v1.1
I'll update it in a couple of yesterdays... along with the pitch (which is wrong) and a Linux issue when I can track it down. R Quoting Matt Seattle theborderpi...@googlemail.com: What impresses me most is the time travel involved - (c) Rob Say, November 2010 -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] New NSP sessions nr Hexham(2010)
Hello List
Following on from the beginners course I have been running for the
last 10 weeks in Wall, I've decided to organise a series of sessions
and open these up to a wider audience. This is initially planned to
start in the New Year on the 2nd Sunday in Jan, Feb Mar.
The intention is to run an hours tuition from 7.30pm before having a
break and a more general playing session from 8.30pm until people
decide to stop (or I turn in to a pumpkin at ~11pm). The tuition hour
is mixed ability and opten to all. The focus is on control of the
instrument, articulation of notes and building a repetoire. The
playing session ('F') is similarly open to all and will be organised
on whatever basis best meets the participants needs.
Unfortunately I don't have access to a free venue so there will be a
small charge (Which includes tea coffee):
* 7.30pm Tuition + session £5
* 8.30pm Session £2
Just consider - you'd spend more than £2 on a pint if it was in a pub
.. feel free to bring your own beer!
Venue: Wall Village Hall
(http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=391784Y=568970A=YZ=115 -
nearest postcode: NE46 4DX)
Dates: Sunday 10th Jan, Sunday 14th Feb, Sunday 14th Mar
Start Time: 7.30pm / 8.30pm
Cost: £5 / £2
For more information, drop me a line. It would also help me greatly if
I knew was coming in advance (but don't let that stop you just turning
up!)
thanks
Rob
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[NSP] Re: Newcastleton Festival Piping Competitions
Does anyone (in Northumberland) have any definite plans to head to Newcastleton next weekend? I have one of the NSP trophies and unfortunately can't go up this year. I'd be grateful if anyone could take it, I can probably deliver to your doorstep sometime this week as I'm out and about in the county.. thanks Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Am I tone deaf?
.. Or rather How good is my differentiation of tones? A friend pointed this site out to me the other day: http://tonometric.com/adaptivepitch/ It measures how you differentiate between two tones and whether you can hear which is higher and lower. If you have ever described yourself as tone deaf, have a go .. then really concentrate and have another go .. The test is adaptive so the better you are the harder it gets. Once you're into the realm if 2 or 3 Hz, that means being able to tell the difference betweeen different tempered scales. There are a bunch of other related things on rhythm and musical memory but ths one struck me as being particularly relevent to piper's. If you lack confidence in tuning or don't know where to start, it's a very simple way of understanding (and improving) what you can hear. cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Manor travel (offer)
Hello all - I'm teaching on the Halsway course in just over a week. I'm travelling down from Northumberland on the Thursday and visiting relatives but can offer a car share on Friday afternoon from anywhere within easy reach the M5 (starting from Worcester). I'll heading back on Sunday afternoon all the way North and drop off along the way Drop me a line if you're interested. I think there may be a couple of spare course spaces if anyone wants to make a last minute decision: http://www.halswaymanor.org/events/event09/mar09.html cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Floods in Morpeth
And to add pictures to the story .. a friend of mine took these: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndal/sets/72157607156207768/with/2835280053/ the chantry entrance: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndal/2836130942/in/set-72157607156207768/ the pedestrian bridge to the chantry (usually 5m/ 15' above the river): http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndal/2836119062/in/set-72157607156207768/ and this is where you would come off that pedestrian bridge (chantry is the at the left of the picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndal/2836131328/in/set-72157607156207768/ oh and the red bull where once piping sessions were held: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndal/2835290673/in/set-72157607156207768/ Glad to hear the collections made it .. Here's a question fro the illuminati - will the building be available for the concert / competitions in October? Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Främling Composers ..
Whilst at Newcastleton at the weekend I was playing 'Happy Hours' and got into a nerdy discussion about composers .. and I got it mixed up :) So in an attempt to clear it up and given that lots of people who were there are on this list .. Emile Vacher who composed Happy Hours was in fact a French accordionist whose heyday was in the 1920's and 30's ( I think). The Glaswegian fiddler who allegedly changed his name to sound more exotic/authentic/continental was in fact Parazotti (composer of The Bank's). His grandfather was Italian and had moved to Glasgow much earlier. So it might have been a resurrected family name as well.. Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Walls of the World tune
Quoting Richard York [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Please does anyone with a long memory have any more information about the tune, where it came from, and incidentally if it was indeed Dave Shaw playing? It was indeed Dave Shaw playing - I've not yet found any info on the tune (since learning it 10+ yrs ago). It's not one that comes out very often. Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] (Top quality) NSP at auction
Somewhat unusual for eBay - anyone interested in an effectively unplayed new set of NSP (Colin Ross)? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Northumbrian-Small-Pipes_W0QQitemZ220236140539QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220236140539; Haven't worked out what the chanter keys are but the seller is answering questions.. From the text I'd hazard a guess at the reserve being 1300 UKP (I have no connection with the auction - caveat emptor as always) Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: (Top quality) NSP at auction
Ah sorry - my fault. I hadn't intended to question who the maker was, the seller is quite clear that it's a Colin Ross set. The question mark was intended for anyone interested .. Sorry for any confusion - it's a classic case of the impression of the written word in e-mails.. Rob Quoting Philip Gruar [EMAIL PROTECTED]: The bellows certainly look like David's - on looking again, it's very hard to say about the actual pipes, the picture isn't high-res enough. Colin, can you confirm whether these really are your work? Somewhat unusual for eBay - anyone interested in an effectively unplayed new set of NSP (Colin Ross)? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Northumbrian-Small-Pipes_W0QQitemZ220236140539QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220236140539; Haven't worked out what the chanter keys are but the seller is answering questions.. From the text I'd hazard a guess at the reserve being 1300 UKP (I have no connection with the auction - caveat emptor as always) Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Pipers in the Netherlands ?
A somewhat belated thanks for all the replies - I've directed Aggie towards Gerrit and given him a way to contact the Blankenheim course as well. cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: 1st national survey of amateur arts by DCMS starts 1st February
DCMS to launch arts survey Took me a while to work this one out: Dept of Culture, Media and Sport Whose address: http://www.culture.gov.uk/ and the survey will appear here: http://www.artsurvey.org.uk/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Pipers in the Netherlands ?
Evening all - I've had an e-mail from someone in the Netherlands (Alkmaar) who wants to find out if the NSP is an instrument for them. Is there anybody in the locality I could put them in touch with? thanks Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Manor 7-9th March - travelling from NE?
Hi - if anyone is planning on travelling from Northumberland / Durham / Cumbria down to Halsway Manor and would consider a car share (mine or yours), please drop me a line. Can't guarantee we'll be going at the same time but it's worth asking! cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Paul Knox contact details
Thank you one and all I have four emails, three phone numbers and one address. I think that'll cover it. Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nsp/abc
Quoting [EMAIL PROTECTED]: 2. I would also be grateful if some kind person could tell me the range of what in German is called a Diatonisches Akkordeon (Is it called a melodeon in English?). It very much depends on the key of the instrument and the number of rows. At it's most basic, a one row system has 10 buttons and therefore 20 available notes. The scale is approximately 2.5 octaves however most systems actually miss a couple of notes out at the bottom or top or may repeat useful notes on the push and pull. The basic range is two octaves in a single key - there are lots of different arrangements. 2 row, 2.5 row or 3 row (10 button) systems have the same range in two or more keys and often have extra accidentals as well. And in a desperate attempt to get back on topic.. a C/F two row box can be played with NSP relatively easily if you can tune to concert F. The F row covers most of the range of a 17k F chanter + a bit but doesn't have all the accidentals. The C row will work when playing tunes in D on an F chanter (2 sharps on a Bb flat instrument is C). The range (in F chanter speak) will be from the bottom A you don't have through bottom D all the way up to your top b and then up to the top d you don't have.* *unless you're actually Andy May's secret persona in which case you have both the bottom A and have been known to overblow to d' in the pub. :) To confuse things - they are sometimes called button accorddions. This is not the same as the Knopf Akkordeon which is generally called the contintental chromatic and comes in B or C systems and a full base end. cheers Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
