[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
Oh that is really sad. I will do what I can for next year. It will depend on where I am. About all I can be sure of is that I will be overseas. Just as an encouragement to others; for all the possible short falls of a competitive situation, the benefits of putting in the preparations for these competitions are enormous. To the committee: Please don't give up on us yet. Just today I was giving a lesson to a possible competitor for next year. Cheers Helen On 21/10/2012 2:54 a.m., Julia Say wrote: I have posted the results of these on the NPS forum at: http://www.northumbrianpipers.org.uk/pipersforum/index.php It is particularly disappointing that after all the discussion on this list a few years back, and the expansion of the overseas playing classes as a result, this year there were no overseas entries at all. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
On 21 Oct 2012, Helen wrote: Oh that is really sad. I will do what I can for next year. It will depend on where I am. About all I can be sure of is that I will be overseas. Just as an encouragement to others; for all the possible short falls of a competitive situation, the benefits of putting in the preparations for these competitions are enormous. To the committee: Please don't give up on us yet. Just today I was giving a lesson to a possible competitor for next year. Thanks, Helen. I'll pass the message along - I think few comm. members read this list. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
That's a great shame the so many had no entries this year - especially the overseas players. Hopefully things will pick up again. Colin Hill On 20/10/2012 18:24, Julia Say wrote: I have posted the results of these on the NPS forum at: http://www.northumbrianpipers.org.uk/pipersforum/index.php It is particularly disappointing that after all the discussion on this list a few years back, and the expansion of the overseas playing classes as a result, this year there were no overseas entries at all. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5343 - Release Date: 10/20/12 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5343 - Release Date: 10/20/12
[NSP] Re: nps facebook
If I have the right one (and that's far from certain as I don't understand facebook at all) it's http://www.facebook.com/groups/131491660229952/ at least that's what's on the URL bit at the top of the page. Colin Hill On 16/08/2012 19:44, Richard Evans wrote: Barry Say wrote: More happens on fyecebeuk than anywhere else at the moment. I have been very disappointed that more NPS committee members have not taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the NPS forum. So I created a facebook account and found the nps page but all I see is a wikipedia extract. Is there some kind of forum or something? And if so, what's wrong with the excellent and underused NPS forums? Cheers Richard - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2197 / Virus Database: 2437/5203 - Release Date: 08/15/12 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Info: BBC Prom tonight
Ross Sorry, should have been precise - I was checking the listings rather than listening - so not certain when during the programme she featured Mike -Original Message- From: discussion-boun...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk [mailto:discussion-boun...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk] On Behalf Of ross.ander...@cl.cam.ac.uk Sent: 02 August 2011 10:45 To: NPS Discussion Cc: NSP Dartmouth Subject: Re: [NPS-Discussion] [NSP] Info: BBC Prom tonight She's not on any more (1043). Did you hear exactly when she was on, so we can listen again? Or should we just try 1030? Ross On 2 August 2011 10:38, Mike Dixon msdi...@btinternet.com wrote: Richard Thanks - I note KT is on Woman's Hour now! (10:40) Listen Again? Mike -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk Sent: 02 August 2011 09:21 To: NPS Forum; NSP Dartmouth Subject: [NSP] Info: BBC Prom tonight Hi, Just information - there is a late night BBC Prom to be broadcast tonight (Tuesday 2nd August 2011) at 22:15 BST, lasting until 23:45. Its theme is music collected and arranged by Percy Grainger and it is performed by June Tabor (singer), the Wilson Family (Shanty singers), the Katrhyn Tickell Band (needs no introduction), the BBC Singers (men's voices) and the Northern Sinfonia. My impression is that the traditional musicians might be reverse engineering Grainger's work to revitalise it in a more modern 'folk' context. A very short feature on the BBC Breakfast programme this morning showed Kathryn playing a tune collected by Grainger in a way reflecting a traditional style of piping, as in the old tunes with their lilts and pauses and variations. Richard To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html ___ Discussion mailing list discuss...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk http://northumbrianpipers.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/discussion_northumbrianpip ers.org.uk ___ Discussion mailing list discuss...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk http://northumbrianpipers.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/discussion_northumbrianpip ers.org.uk
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Re: PS Forum
- Announcement on Dartmouth of any new topic or significant addition to the Forum which the provider thinks may be of general interest. That would be very helpful. One of the major advantages of the email list is that you don't have to go looking for it. Chris To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Re: PS Forum
A simple way of automating this would be to register the Dartmouth list email address to receive new topic and new message notification from the NPS forum. Quoting ch...@harris405.plus.com: - Announcement on Dartmouth of any new topic or significant addition to the Forum which the provider thinks may be of general interest. That would be very helpful. One of the major advantages of the email list is that you don't have to go looking for it. Chris To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Re: PS Forum
That would work very efficiently . . . in fact, probably too efficiently. Wouldn't it be better to leave it to the individual writer to decide whether they want their addition to the forum announced on Dartmouth? And isn't there a facility for the individual reader to opt in to an email alert facility? At the moment, theres an awful lot of duplication on the Dartmouth NSP Discussion lists, about which, I'll post separately. Francis On 4 Jul 2011, at 13:29, smallpi...@machineconcepts.co.uk wrote: A simple way of automating this would be to register the Dartmouth list email address to receive new topic and new message notification from the NPS forum. Quoting ch...@harris405.plus.com: - Announcement on Dartmouth of any new topic or significant addition to the Forum which the provider thinks may be of general interest. That would be very helpful. One of the major advantages of the email list is that you don't have to go looking for it. Chris To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Re: PS Forum
Quoting Francis Wood oatenp...@googlemail.com: That would work very efficiently . . . in fact, probably too efficiently. Wouldn't it be better to leave it to the individual writer to decide whether they want their addition to the forum announced on Dartmouth? And isn't there a facility for the individual reader to opt in to an email alert facility? I have tried replying to this once already. Prepare for some nonsense. Be alert, Britain needs lerts. This is because if I use the word subscrib near the top of the message the list thinks I am trying to subscrib... To get alerts: Go to the bottom of the forum and click subscribe. Barry To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] NSP Lists duplication
On 4 Jul 2011, Francis Wood wrote: The Dartmouth list is for anyone interested in Northmbrian Small-pipes. It is administered and monitored entirely from without NPS membership. No member or officer of the society has any say in how it is run, although several (only about half) committee members read it and some contribute (obviously). Very occasionally Wayne (who does run it) and I consult on whether names are actual people or not, that is all. The NPS Discussion list was subsequently established for Society-specific discussion. I remain as a subscriber to the second list because I don't know whether it still is useful. I have no means of knowing. Tim I set it up, and do the necessary admin (mostly non-subscribers trying to cross post from Dartmouth) to keep NPS announcements / politics from annoying non- members. It presently has only 89 subscribers. As a consequence it is of little use to reach most NPS members. It was also set up as a stop-gap until a discussion forum could be activated on the NPS website, where political discussions could be held in separate threads which need not bother those had no interest. If (and this is not for me to decide, but NPS-discussion subscribers) we have reached the point where it could realistically be suspended, we can do so. What I would actually propose (wearing my secretarial hat for a moment) is to convert it to an NPS-info list, subscribe all NPS members who have an email address unless they opt out, and use it for Society announcements with the reply function set to come to the sec.only. That is to say, not a discussion list, but an info-list, with discussions pointed to the website forum. This would have to be passed by the committee and announced in the NL, since it is a further change, so it isn't going to happen now before the autumn, although we (the 89 subscribers) could all agree that NPS Discussion has passed its use-by date, and agree not to post to it, but rather use the forum. Hope this helps Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] NSP Lists duplication
Thanks Julia. A really helpful response. I'm in favour of your suggestions. Francis On 4 Jul 2011, at 14:23, Julia Say wrote: On 4 Jul 2011, Francis Wood wrote: The Dartmouth list is for anyone interested in Northmbrian Small-pipes. It is administered and monitored entirely from without NPS membership. No member or officer of the society has any say in how it is run, although several (only about half) committee members read it and some contribute (obviously). Very occasionally Wayne (who does run it) and I consult on whether names are actual people or not, that is all. The NPS Discussion list was subsequently established for Society-specific discussion. I remain as a subscriber to the second list because I don't know whether it still is useful. I have no means of knowing. Tim I set it up, and do the necessary admin (mostly non-subscribers trying to cross post from Dartmouth) to keep NPS announcements / politics from annoying non- members. It presently has only 89 subscribers. As a consequence it is of little use to reach most NPS members. It was also set up as a stop-gap until a discussion forum could be activated on the NPS website, where political discussions could be held in separate threads which need not bother those had no interest. If (and this is not for me to decide, but NPS-discussion subscribers) we have reached the point where it could realistically be suspended, we can do so. What I would actually propose (wearing my secretarial hat for a moment) is to convert it to an NPS-info list, subscribe all NPS members who have an email address unless they opt out, and use it for Society announcements with the reply function set to come to the sec.only. That is to say, not a discussion list, but an info-list, with discussions pointed to the website forum. This would have to be passed by the committee and announced in the NL, since it is a further change, so it isn't going to happen now before the autumn, although we (the 89 subscribers) could all agree that NPS Discussion has passed its use-by date, and agree not to post to it, but rather use the forum. Hope this helps Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] KVR online
Hi Julia, Thanks for these links - what a super find! The links do work if you just copy the entire link (not just the blue part) and paste it into the URL address box of your browser. Cheers, Richard Original Message From: julia@nspipes.co.uk Date: 29/06/2011 17:24 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subj: [NPS-Discussion] KVR online Kohler's Violin Repository, a hard to find but much used source of tunes for fiddlers in this area in the C19. It was sold in weekly or monthly instalments and then copies were passed from hand to hand. http://imslp.org/imglnks/usimg/d/db/IMSLP106889-PMLP217734- koehlersviolinrepository_1.pdf http://imslp.org/imglnks/usimg/9/96/IMSLP106890-PMLP217734- koehlersviolinrepository_2.pdf http://imslp.org/imglnks/usimg/0/02/IMSLP106891-PMLP217734- koehlersviolinrepository_3.pdf The editor possibly knew James Hill, certainly he lived in N. Shields for many years. Disclaimer - not original research on my part - I found the URL on a folk forum I occasionally frequent (mudcat.org) Hope it's of interest to someone, anyway. Julia ___ Discussion mailing list discuss...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk http://northumbrianpipers.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/discussion_northumbrianpipers.org.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] KVR online
Ah got it. Stupid iPhone goofed the formatting. All is working. This is superb. Any suggestions for a yank like me where to focus efforts tunewise? Something like a standard top 20-40 Northumbrian fiddle tune or set list. Looking for something similar for pipes as well. Reid Sent from my iPhone On Jun 29, 2011, at 12:04 PM, richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: http://imslp.org/imglnks/usimg/d/db/IMSLP106889-PMLP217734- koehlersviolinrepository_1.pdf -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Tommy's day April 2nd
Great idea, Ian. Perhaps we could practice by descending upon him sometime this summer? On Mon, Mar 21, 2011 at 5:03 PM, Ian Lawther irlawt...@comcast.net wrote: I can't help thinking that for next year the Pacific North West piping group should move their meeting at this time of year to the same day and descend on Peter Dyson's house so that we too can play in Bellingham.. Ian Malcolm Craven wrote: Tommy’s Day Now in its second year, ‘Tommy’s Day’ was started to provide an opportunity for friends and admirers of Tommy Breckons to remember both him and his contribution to piping. The ‘day’ comprises an afternoon’s informal session or play around held in Bellingham. Tommy, a life-long resident of Bellingham, contributed much to piping, not least being a direct link to the ‘prince of pipers’ Tom Clough. His straight forward attitude to life in general and piping in particular endeared him to many pipers. The format of the session offers a chance to reminisce on Tommy’s life, share some of his many anecdotes and play tunes that were associated with him and to have a general play around. This year, 2011, the event will be held on April 2nd from 2:30 – 5:00 in Bellingham’s Methodist/United Reform Church. There is a small charge c £2:00 to cover the cost of hiring the hall. Any surplus will be passed onto The Bellingham Heritage Centre. There are facilities for making tea and coffee; participants are encouraged to bring a small contribution (cake, biscuits, crisps, nibbles but not too much!). (In addition, there has been some talk of having a walk to Hareshaw Linn, past Foundry Farm, before hand, this would take about 2 hours at a leisurely pace!) . If you are thinking of going it would be useful if you could let me know (helps plan refreshments atc) malc...@northumbriansandpipers.com [Apologies to overseas members who will not be able to get there] ___ Discussion mailing list discuss...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk http://northumbrianpipers.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/discussion_northumbrianpipers.org.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Sharing Thomas Sander
On 19 Jan 2011, richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: I'm afraid I can't write abc, so I can't post a transcription of it. It's a 4/4 march in D. Here's what was submitted for the NPS folio (as abc), which I think originates with Margaret W's transcription: X:7867 T:Thomas Saunders C:? M:C E:10 L:1/8 K:D dB|A2 d2 d3 e|f4 e2 d2|G4 B2 d2|A4 A4|\ d2 A2 d3 e|f2 d2 A3 d|f d3 a3 f|e4 e2 f2|\ A2 d2 d3 e|f4 e2 d2|G4 B2 d2|A4 A4|\ B2 g2 f2 e2|a2 f2 d3 B|A2 g2 f2 e2|d4 d4||\ c3 d e2 A2|g3 f e4|d3 c d2 e2|f2 d2 A4|\ B3 c d2 B2|A2 d2 f4|f d3 a3 f|e4 e2 f2|\ A2 d2 d3 e|f4 e2 d2|G4 B2 d2|A4 A4|\ B2 g2 f2 e2|a2 f2 d3 B|A2 g2 f2 e2|d4 d2||** Now to locate and contact the composer - do the GHB players amongst us know if Karl L Walford of Ontario is still living, or his approximate dates if not?. Hope this helps Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Sharing Thomas Sander
Karl's book ( http://scottshighland.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=348 ) is published by Scott's Highland Supply and they should be able to give you some information on him. He was still alive in 2007 but probably in his late 60s. Ian Julia Say wrote: On 19 Jan 2011, richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: I'm afraid I can't write abc, so I can't post a transcription of it. It's a 4/4 march in D. Here's what was submitted for the NPS folio (as abc), which I think originates with Margaret W's transcription: X:7867 T:Thomas Saunders C:? M:C E:10 L:1/8 K:D dB|A2 d2 d3 e|f4 e2 d2|G4 B2 d2|A4 A4|\ d2 A2 d3 e|f2 d2 A3 d|f d3 a3 f|e4 e2 f2|\ A2 d2 d3 e|f4 e2 d2|G4 B2 d2|A4 A4|\ B2 g2 f2 e2|a2 f2 d3 B|A2 g2 f2 e2|d4 d4||\ c3 d e2 A2|g3 f e4|d3 c d2 e2|f2 d2 A4|\ B3 c d2 B2|A2 d2 f4|f d3 a3 f|e4 e2 f2|\ A2 d2 d3 e|f4 e2 d2|G4 B2 d2|A4 A4|\ B2 g2 f2 e2|a2 f2 d3 B|A2 g2 f2 e2|d4 d2||** Now to locate and contact the composer - do the GHB players amongst us know if Karl L Walford of Ontario is still living, or his approximate dates if not?. Hope this helps Julia ___ Discussion mailing list discuss...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk http://northumbrianpipers.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/discussion_northumbrianpipers.org.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Monday NPS meeting at The Chantry
On 3 Sep 2010, richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: The regular NPS monthly meeting will be held on Monday (6th) at 19:30 at The Chantry Bagpipe Museum in Morpeth. The session was to have been run by Margaret and Andy Watchorn This Monday's meeting wiill therefore take the usual form. Well, as a backstop, (and if no-one has any better ideas) I'll bring a box of Billy Pigg books and we can trawl through some of his lesser played tunes and the stuff that wasn't published before, and have some discussion about why his playing is so inspirational to some and a complete no-no to others. (Oct. week participants who are there may suffer a sense of deja-vu in a few weeks, but I'll do my best!). If it helps Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
I see that you are already taking over the role of Chairman in pre-empting the Secretary's report on the Competitions. You should have checked this with the Secretary before making a report which could have been left to be included in the Newsletter along with other views on the Comps that other members may wish to write. Colin R -Original Message- From: Malcolm Craven malc...@northumbriansandpipers.com To: julia@nspipes.co.uk; 'nsp' nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:05 Subject: [NSP] Re: NPS competition results Hi, Just to add to Julia's bald facts. We played tracks by the winning overseas competitors, which were very warmly recieved by the audiance. Well done to all of the overseas entrants ( several of whom were with us last year and are fondly remembered) We had several visitors during the course of the day; and had pipers from Germany, France, Canada, and the USA at the event. All the comments I received were very positive. The whole day was very pleasant, with much support for the competitors. I hope that this very positive atmosphere will continue to next year's comps. I'd like to thank all those who organised the day, the venue, the judges, the competitors themselves and the many pipers who attended the day. A very pleasant day which concluded with a play around both at the Chantry and later at Newbiggin. Malcolm Craven To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
For God's sake Colin! Malcolm's message came in on the Dartmouth list (as did Julia's message that it adds to). So any publications by the Society are irrelevant - not all of the list members get them or read them. Moreover, the kind of bureaucratic procedure that you advocate is just the sort of thing that puts people off the Society. It's OK to be a curmudgeon, but you are starting to sound rather sad. Cheers, Paul Gretton -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of rosspi...@aol.com Sent: 19 October 2009 13:55 To: malc...@northumbriansandpipers.com Cc: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: NPS competition results I see that you are already taking over the role of Chairman in pre-empting the Secretary's report on the Competitions. You should have checked this with the Secretary before making a report which could have been left to be included in the Newsletter along with other views on the Comps that other members may wish to write. Colin R -Original Message- From: Malcolm Craven malc...@northumbriansandpipers.com To: julia@nspipes.co.uk; 'nsp' nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:05 Subject: [NSP] Re: NPS competition results Hi, Just to add to Julia's bald facts. We played tracks by the winning overseas competitors, which were very warmly recieved by the audiance. Well done to all of the overseas entrants ( several of whom were with us last year and are fondly remembered) We had several visitors during the course of the day; and had pipers from Germany, France, Canada, and the USA at the event. All the comments I received were very positive. The whole day was very pleasant, with much support for the competitors. I hope that this very positive atmosphere will continue to next year's comps. I'd like to thank all those who organised the day, the venue, the judges, the competitors themselves and the many pipers who attended the day. A very pleasant day which concluded with a play around both at the Chantry and later at Newbiggin. Malcolm Craven To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
On 19 Oct 2009, at 12:54, rosspi...@aol.com wrote: You should have checked this with the Secretary before making a report which could have been left to be included in the Newsletter Much nicer to eat the cake when it is freshly baked, I think. I welcomed Malcolm's informal news about a successful and positive occasion. Malcolm said: I hope that this very positive atmosphere will continue to next year's comps. We shall continue to hope. Francis Wood To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS results
I do agree with John and Michael that the different purposes of the two lists should be observed as far as possible. I also agree wholeheartedly that nastiness is completely unacceptable under any circumstances. Are we also saying that in objecting to individual instances of this we are furthering the nastiness? That's a difficult one. I do have reservations about the perception of the incidence of this. Unpleasantness happens but it is most certainly not widespread. It is also irritating when items are inappropriately posted but this will continue to happen and we need not get too excited by this. In subscribing to any list we receive all the postings whether they are congenial or not. Similarly, on a good day letters and cards from friends come through my letterbox. There are also bills which are uninteresting but have a purpose More than anything else, I get pizza leaflets. Loads of them! Sometimes a leaflet from a political party I detest. All of this is inevitable if not altogether welcome. I could nail the letterbox shut but would miss the best items too. Reflectively, Francis On 19 Oct 2009, at 22:53, J M Dillon wrote: John wrote: Every time someone makes a post on this forum about the NPS I wait for the inevitable nastiness. Even though I delete some posts without reading them I know from experience that another bit of silliness is going on. Speaking as a long time participant on this newsgroup, with all due respect, I beseech the officers and members of the NPS to keep NPS business on the NPS list. I couldn't agree more John. Let it rest in piece until the next NPS meeting. Regards, Michael Dillon To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
Hi, Just to add to Julia's bald facts. We played tracks by the winning overseas competitors, which were very warmly recieved by the audiance. Well done to all of the overseas entrants ( several of whom were with us last year and are fondly remembered) We had several visitors during the course of the day; and had pipers from Germany, France, Canada, and the USA at the event. All the comments I received were very positive. The whole day was very pleasant, with much support for the competitors. I hope that this very positive atmosphere will continue to next year's comps. I'd like to thank all those who organised the day, the venue, the judges, the competitors themselves and the many pipers who attended the day. A very pleasant day which concluded with a play around both at the Chantry and later at Newbiggin. Malcolm Craven To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
Thank you both for the news, always welcome by this self-exile - the best NSP player in Kentucky, as far as I know! Debbie Lawther 2009/10/18 Malcolm Craven [1]malc...@northumbriansandpipers.com Hi, Just to add to Julia's bald facts. We played tracks by the winning overseas competitors, which were very warmly recieved by the audiance. Well done to all of the overseas entrants ( several of whom were with us last year and are fondly remembered) We had several visitors during the course of the day; and had pipers from Germany, France, Canada, and the USA at the event. All the comments I received were very positive. The whole day was very pleasant, with much support for the competitors. I hope that this very positive atmosphere will continue to next year's comps. I'd like to thank all those who organised the day, the venue, the judges, the competitors themselves and the many pipers who attended the day. A very pleasant day which concluded with a play around both at the Chantry and later at Newbiggin. Malcolm Craven To get on or off this list see list information at [2]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. mailto:malc...@northumbriansandpipers.com 2. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/%7Ewbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Third Folio
On 2 Oct 2009, Dru Brooke-Taylor wrote: I'd endorse this too. Please stop it, you're embarrassing me - I'm just doing my job. But thank you all the same. However while we're on the subject - the Folio collection only works if people submit tunes (in good time). This one turned into a bit of a scrabble through my personal tune collection in search of likely tunes not available elsewhere in NPS publications. I'll look into the error Richard Y mentions. Tunes played by any piping group/piper are welcome for the next issue - if they have active or recently deceased composers then any clue as to copyright would also help. This last is a minefield: I had to drop one suggestion this issue when the tune turned out to belong to a multinational publishing company who wanted 50 pounds + VAT for permission. Peanuts to them, maybe, but not to us. Most composers and publishers are only too happy for their tunes to be included, and a more modest fee was happily paid for another, along with several free permissions on promise of a copy. If contributions are as forthcoming as thanks for this one, I'll gladly compile another in 2 years time. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Third Folio
Hear, hear!!! My sentiments exactly. Di Jevons - Original Message - From: Francis Wood oatenp...@googlemail.com To: Dartmouth NPS nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 10:36 AM Subject: [NSP] NPS Third Folio Excellent to have this latest collection of tunes assembled in the new NPS Third Collection Folio! Thanks to Julia, Colin and all others concerned. Francis To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Cut and Dry Dolly
On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 12:51 PM, [1]richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk [2]richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: Speaking purely personally, and without further evidence at this stage, the definition that most appeals to me is that relating to a kirn-dolly the last corn to be cut which is then dressed as a female. This event appears to be a suitable cause for celebration and just the sort of event to name a tune after; further the cut and dried part of the name appears consistent with the cutting and drying of corn (or other cereals, perhaps). The test application of good old Occams Razor may support this straightforward explanation. I'm with Richard and Stephen Douglass on this. Wikipedia gives an interesting counterpart to occam's razor which I feel applies to some of the other explanations advanced! - --- Crabtree's Bludgeon is a foil to [3]Occam's Razor, and may be expressed so: No set of mutually inconsistent observations can exist for which some human intellect cannot conceive a coherent explanation, however complicated. -- References 1. mailto:richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk 2. mailto:richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_Razor To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] British Library NSP Recordings
A lot of these BL recordings are annotated with helpful titles like 'Unidentified Tune' or 'Hornpipe'. I have identified a couple so far. If anyone can point to a specific recording, and identify the sequence of tunes, I can add a note. Non-UK-academics aren't trusted, apparently. Let alone non-academics John -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Lists and Wrists
Hello Richard and others, I mostly agree. There's been a lot of communication on these lists which has been embarrassing, tedious and even poignant without doing anything to serve the interests of the instrument, the repertoire and the enthusiasts who keep the whole thing alive. No doubt the same kind of thing was going on very many years ago with letters and newsletters. The whole slow business of assembling writing materials and a stamp, as well as a trip to the post office has been replaced by the 'send' button. Perhaps not such a good thing. The negative aspects of all this are painfully apparent. There are gains, too. There have been concerns about the NPS which any sensible individual might have hesitated to state in public. From a Transaltantic perspective, these may have seemed either puzzling or irrelevant and certainly annoying. However, they have been painful for some of those who have served the NPS whether as Committee members or active members. Some of those feelings are becoming very visible and I think that's not unhealthy; it will pass, anyway. A while ago, there was a lot of contentious discussion about some of the decisions of the NPS Committee. Many specially-tipped emails were flying fast and free. What more recent exchanges is making blazingly obvious is exactly why certain choices were made, or not made. For distant enquiring members, that's probably a good thing. Incidentally, enthusiast societies typically undergo these upheavals and the goings-on in the NPS are mild in comparison with some other organisations. There's been a certain amount of pulling down of public statues and a certain amount of public whooping. Perhaps it's not very edifying but it won't go on much longer. Why do the best among us have to continually fight each other? It certainly seems like that sometimes. But I don't think that's the reality. There are areas of profound disagreement about style but they are localised, permanent and remain within their usual boundaries. Other far more injurious things have been said about honorary members ( a player, a pipe-maker, and a course-organiser) have been said but none of them have responded on these lists. No fight there. I still recommend the archives and may even take my own advice. They are a useful reminder that anything said hastily and maybe regrettably has a permanence. No doubt it will provide extremely useful material for some distantly future PhD. By then, we will have all stopped getting excited about this stuff. Francis On 13 Aug 2009, at 01:26, Richard Shuttleworth wrote: What you write is perfectly true Francis but living as I do in Canada near the US border I hear comments from my North American friends who are beginning to look upon the NPS and some of its more prominent members as total misfits (to be polite about it). They neither know nor care about the machinations of politics and personal grudges within the NPS but are deeply interested in playing the Northumbrian small pipes. Viewed from this distance, we are a small band of players. Why do the best among us have to continually fight each other? I really feel that there are some eminent members of the NPS who are doing the rank and file a great disservice by arguing in public. A discussion group has been created for the purpose of airing more contentious issues and we should be careful where we post our views. Personally, I belong to both groups and derive great amusement from some of the more childish posts on the discussion group but then I have an odd sense of humour. I imagine that newer participants in the Dartmouth group have a very different reaction to some of he more recent postings. Richard Francis wrote: There are some puzzling misconceptions about how lists operate. The facts are simple: when you subscribe to a list you receive _all_ the postings. The rough with the smooth. As simple as that. There are two parallel lists of interest to Northumbrian pipers, many of whom are members of the NPS. They have purposes which at first sight seem distinct but in ordinary usage are not easily separable. We can try but there will inevitably be spillage between the two because some issues are shared. These vehement discussions will come and go as they always have done. Sometimes there will be quiet periods and at others there will be word- wars. They are not life threatening, though when they become livelihood-threatening, that's a fairly serious matter. For the most part, though, disagreements happen because people care about the music and the freedoms to play as they choose. Some topics will recur and occasionally a new insight will emerge. It can't all be interesting all of the time. For those people who find this manner of interaction either tedious or distasteful or both, there is a practical alternative and that is to
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Robert Bewick tune
This thread seems to have been split between the dartmouth and NPS groups so I'm resending this bit to both. I've since checked SMM and found that the link ([1]www.gleeman.org) provided by Richard gives an inaccurate transcription and midi of SMM, which is actually closer to Oswald than it appears. I will post a corrected version later. Is anyone still interested in this tune? --- As promised, Oswald's version. I'd be interested in people's preferences between this and the Burns/SMM, and also which key sits better. Any other versions known? X: 1 T:What shou'd a Lassie do wi an auld Man Z:Matt Seattle R:Song or Jig B:Oswald's Caledonian Pocket Companion vol. 6 M:6/8 L:1/8 N:Brisk K:Em B|efe gab|abg ~fed|efe gab|dBB B2:|] [|:d|(BG)G (BA)A|(dB)B B(e/f/g)|(BG)G (BA)A|(dB)B e2d| (BG)G (BA)A|(dB)B g2a|(ba)g (fba)|(ge)e e2:|] -- References 1. http://www.gleeman.org/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Robert Bewick tune
Hi Matt, Thanks for producing the 'abc' of the tune. That's really helpful. In web searches I've so far found transcriptions in D and in C but both appear to me to go back to Oswald. In regard to what you said about where this search might go, I've not yet found any local variant, not any other tune under the same or a very similar name (having said that, I've been busy over the last few days, so I haven't looked very thoroughly). Thanks again, Richard Original Message From: theborderpi...@googlemail.com Date: 04/08/2009 10:43 To: Dartmouth NPSnsp@cs.dartmouth.edu, NPS Discussion discuss...@northumbrianpipers.org.uk Subj: [NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Robert Bewick tune This thread seems to have been split between the dartmouth and NPS groups so I'm resending this bit to both. I've since checked SMM and found that the link ([1]www.gleeman.org) provided by Richard gives an inaccurate transcription and midi of SMM, which is actually closer to Oswald than it appears. I will post a corrected version later. Is anyone still interested in this tune? --- As promised, Oswald's version. I'd be interested in people's preferences between this and the Burns/SMM, and also which key sits better. Any other versions known? X: 1 T:What shou'd a Lassie do wi an auld Man Z:Matt Seattle R:Song or Jig B:Oswald's Caledonian Pocket Companion vol. 6 M:6/8 L:1/8 N:Brisk K:Em B|efe gab|abg ~fed|efe gab|dBB B2:|] [|:d|(BG)G (BA)A|(dB)B B(e/f/g)|(BG)G (BA)A|(dB)B e2d| (BG)G (BA)A|(dB)B g2a|(ba)g (fba)|(ge)e e2:|] -- References 1. http://www.gleeman.org/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html How safe is your data? Find out more about the issues at Tiscali Security Centre - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security ___
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Robert Bewick tune
Francis Wood wrote: Iain Bain´s excellent article: Thomas and Robert Bewick and their Connection with Northumbrian Piping. In it, One of the most significant articles ever published in the NPS mag, I find. http://www.mediafire.com/? sharekey=09ff1cf99500a89441446e35a78dc463e04e75f6e8ebb871 If anyone wants a transcript of the text, I have same as a Word doc - done some years ago by OCR. Copies of the 1982 mag being about as common as hens teeth. What happened to the digitization project for these early mags? I presume it foundered for lack of an efficient co-ordinator, like so many other good ideas. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: [NPS-Discussion] Robert Bewick tune
That's a fine tune from the Scots Musical Museum. I checked for other versions and found it's also in Oswald (c.1750), 'What shou'd a Lassie do wi an auld Man'. Different details - no snaps, and in G/Em rather than D/Bm - but basically the same melody. I'll post the abc but haven't time just now, if someone else does it first, good. What's the feeling about choice of key for NSP? -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President
I think it's time for the NPS to stop this childish sucking-up to Patrons and Presidents. There is no need for our Patron at all. I've not seen or heard anything that he has done for the cause of our society except give our society some false illusion of Grandeur, Nobility and Eliteism and cast an erroneous cloud of what the Northumberland Smallpipes are about. The Patron has not supported our society as within dictionary terms for the word Patron So what's he there for? As for a President, there is no need for one, the Chairman can do that job. If one says that the President most be impartial, then the Chairman should be too when sitting in committee. The Chairman is not there to dictate, he there to precide. I believe the title Honarary President could be given to achievements made within the society as a gesture of thanks but he/she would have no powers whatsoever. Adrian -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President
I would like to support the views of Ann Sessoms and Francis wood as they reflect my own but are so much more eloquently put. There seems to be an orchestrated Gadarene rush towards what is essentially a vote of no confidence in the elected committee. Where will it all end if they take the hump and resign en masse? Dave Shaw Dave Shaw, Northumbrian and Scottish Smallpipes, Irish Pipes and SHAW Whistles www.daveshaw.co.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President Francis Wood's post
This posting from Francis Wood summarises my feelings on the new president affair very eloquently and comprehensively, and moreover soothingly - as is his way. I would imagine that Colin Ross in particular could take comfort with the understanding shown of his awkward position in all of this. I would add my own good wishes to Colin, as I, among the legion, have from personal contact with him benefitted from his expertise in pipe-fettling and reed-making, and he has my total respect in all things to do with pipes and piping and pipe music. I find the campaign to subvert the completely legitimate and praiseworthy presidential selection process to be ill-conceived. It does no service to the society or more importantly to Colin Ross. Who could fail to be moved by Colin's account on the 19th of this month of the reasons behind his decision to step away from the selection process? The campaign totally ignores what the effect on Colin could be of the additional stress of facing an election process when there would obviously be strong opposition. I hope that the organisers will reconsider their position, preferably sooner rather than later. Robert - Original Message - From: Francis Wood oatenp...@googlemail.com To: annsess...@yahoo.co.uk; nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 2:56 PM Subject: [NSP] NPS President Thank you, Ann, for providing further information about the President-elect and her piping interests and abilities, which is much needed. Some brief Web-based research has provided further information indicating that Joyce Quin has been very active in the House of Lords in supporting causes which, personally, I find admirable. Nobody will be surprised that they do not include issues intimately connected with smallpipes but they are worthy of respect. Other members will make their own minds up about this if they make similar enquiries. As to the election of the ex-Chairman as President, this really is a redundant issue. It seems that the Committee made their decision in accordance with the rules of the Society and giving due consideration to eligible and potentially willing candidates, neither of which categories included the Chairman at the time the decision was taken. I see no reason to distrust the processes by which this decision was reached and no doubt the Committee will wish to clarify the details if controversy continues. I understand that there is presently a campaign, so far conducted in private, to subvert the Committees efforts and decision, and to persuade the former Chairman to become President. Members have already been informed by the Secretary via this list,that the Chairman decided to resign from the chair and the Committee as a result of medical advice. I am sure we would all wish him well and I am dismayed to hear of any ill-conceived interventions which might well compromise his health. No doubt he would wish to dissociate himself from these misguided efforts. I understand Anns misgivings and I share them. The distribution of skills in any gifted individual is frequently very uneven and (forgive my frankness) this is the issue at stake here. Our Chairman has made an colossal contribution to the traditional music of this country both as an advocate and performer. His position in the development of our pipes, one of the very few traditional instruments native to England, is inestimable and of importance in the wider field of innovative woodwind development. What more could one ask? These are not necessarily the qualities enabling the effective chairing of a committee or diplomatically and inclusively presiding over an organisation. Others can do those things perfectly well and possibly better, and should be permitted to do so. I would like to express my confidence in the NPS Committee, in their observance of fair practice, and in their decision on this matter. Francis Wood -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President and more.
This seems to be getting out of hand. If I'm correct, there was a decision taken in committee to which the chair objected and, as a result, resigned. Is there nothing in place where a contentious issue may be placed before the members or that an EGM could be called for? I've been is situations where this has happened and, after a vote by the members, all has settled down with those unable to accept the ruling deciding that they would be forever at odds with the rest of the committee and have resigned their post. That's their prerogative The EGM can give an opportunity for all sides to discuss the problem in an open manner. Discussions behind closed doors often result in whisperings and suspicion. Even when it's not called for in the rules, open discussions with members is often a good idea. We do, after all, vote people into the positions and can also vote them out again (or at least not vote for them again). At the moment we are hearing bits of things which, to my mind, smacks of infighting and personal grudges ranging from I'm not playing any more to if you don't like it, tough, we don't need you. This isn't doing any good at all. Sometimes it's too late to announce that a decision has been taken and just maybe (when politics can seem to take a part, for instance) it may be appropriate to involve all the members in a vote or at least to ask their opinion first (don't governments have enough of a problem with this?). Whilst I realise that the committee is voted in to take these decisions, there may be occasions when a simple committee majority just isn't enough. A simple poll of the members would, I think, have been a good idea. We run the severe risk of alienating sections of our membership here and we need also to remember that the membership covers a rather wide area with some unable to attend meetings either through distance, cost or health reasons. Has the society considered a proxy vote for these people? If this matter isn't resolved in an open and public way, I can see a fragmenting of the society into two or more camps. We must, I think, put our own personal selves aside and think PIPES and what is best for PIPES. Innuendo and gossip isn't what we want to hear. maybe a publishing of the minutes of the meeting concerned would help? Without getting a concise record of what was said and done, we are forced to glean what we can from emails. That's not good and will totally rely on how vehement or eloquent the writer may be. Let's have it all out in the open (isn't that what minutes are for???). Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Dave Shaw d...@daveshaw.co.uk To: annsess...@yahoo.co.uk; nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu; Francis Wood oatenp...@googlemail.com Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 4:32 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: NPS President I would like to support the views of Ann Sessoms and Francis wood as they reflect my own but are so much more eloquently put. There seems to be an orchestrated Gadarene rush towards what is essentially a vote of no confidence in the elected committee. Where will it all end if they take the hump and resign en masse? Dave Shaw Dave Shaw, Northumbrian and Scottish Smallpipes, Irish Pipes and SHAW Whistles www.daveshaw.co.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President and more.
On 23 May 2009, colin wrote: If I'm correct, there was a decision taken in committee to which the chair objected and, as a result, resigned. The chairman accepted the vote of the meeting. Colin R resigned on the advice of his doctor. With a serious heart condition one does not ignore that advice lightly. there may be occasions when a simple committee majority just isn't enough. A simple poll of the members would, I think, have been a good idea. I suggested to the committee that suggestions be sought from the membership via the newsletter and I would have liked to have had a membership wide vote on a shortlist, in the interest of openness, but the committee majority thought these ideas inappropriate in view of the rules. maybe a publishing of the minutes of the meeting concerned would help? Copies of the minutes of any committee meeting are available to any member on request. This has been the case for many years and was reiterated in the newsletter a year or so ago. Julia Say NPS Hon Sec To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS President and more.
Yes, I am aware that minutes are available upon request. I was suggesting that, in this particular case and for reasons of clarity, that they should be made available (say on line and maybe password protected) so that those of us who are not within the inner circle could get a clearer reflection of what actually happened - on the presumption that it was all minuted, of course and nothing pertinent was off the record. That may stem any rash urges to take the matter further as may have been suggested by questions asked. It seems odd that a simple resignation on health grounds would stir up so much kafuffle and leads to a suspicion that there was more to it - without suggesting that health grounds did not contribute, of course. I do remember some details of a bypass some time back, I think and the Colins on this list ain't getting any younger :). It was only a suggestion so that decisions can be made on facts, not hearsay and personal vendettas. After all, we want to stay a coherent and useful society, do we not? The last thing we want is any hint of a cover-up or misinformation. I personally don't really have an axe to grind over who you choose as I don't know enough about the role and who would be best to fill it. Some societies and charities have some very odd presidents and patrons anyway and most that I know or have some connection with select someone who seems important and often a very tenuous connection with the aims of the society/charity . At least we do seem to be looking at people who have some connection with piping so that's good. I do think that we should be looking at a 21C solution to communications though. Waiting for a newsletter isn't ideal in the days of instant messaging and snail mail is expensive. If nothing else, maybe this debate will open up a new communications channel. Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Julia Say julia@nspipes.co.uk To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu; colin cwh...@santa-fe.freeserve.co.uk Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 8:11 PM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: NPS President and more. On 23 May 2009, colin wrote: If I'm correct, there was a decision taken in committee to which the chair objected and, as a result, resigned. The chairman accepted the vote of the meeting. Colin R resigned on the advice of his doctor. With a serious heart condition one does not ignore that advice lightly. there may be occasions when a simple committee majority just isn't enough. A simple poll of the members would, I think, have been a good idea. I suggested to the committee that suggestions be sought from the membership via the newsletter and I would have liked to have had a membership wide vote on a shortlist, in the interest of openness, but the committee majority thought these ideas inappropriate in view of the rules. maybe a publishing of the minutes of the meeting concerned would help? Copies of the minutes of any committee meeting are available to any member on request. This has been the case for many years and was reiterated in the newsletter a year or so ago. Julia Say NPS Hon Sec To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Presidency etc
Just about my own sentiments on the present situation. I was reading Machiavelli's 'The Prince' recently and he was writing about 'malcontents' and ways of dealing with them. I am not suggesting we should resort to his methods but the problem with the Society have started with similar malcontents or dissadents who have spread their influence over the last four years or so to create the present unpleasantness in the Society. Yes, the solution is to get on with playing the pipes and not piping politics. Colin R -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS information
Re: Joyce Quin Surely this is a joke? Marianne. Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 10:04:49 +0100 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: julia@nspipes.co.uk Subject: [NSP] NPS information To all the NPS members out there, and apologies to others whom this does not concern: The NPS committee has decided to recommmend to the membership that the Rt. Hon the Baroness Quin of Gateshead (to be known to us as Joyce Quin) become the next president of the NPS. This is subject to ratification by the membership at an EGM to be convened around the end of July. The exact date will be notified to all members in the July newsletter. Joyce was an academic before she became Labour MP for Gateshead Washington. She is now an active member of the House of Lords, and has a home base in Harbottle. She is a player of our pipes, and once declared them as her luxury item when being interviewed on Desert Island Discs. We look forward to getting to know her better. Please feel free to pass this on to any pipers who you feel will be interested. Julia Say NPS Hon Sec. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html --
[NSP] Re: NPS information
Shouldn't she be vetted by the anti-choyting police first? To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS information
''She is a player of our pipes, and once declared them as her luxury item''. Were they bought on expenses? Bill -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Philip Gruar Sent: 17 May 2009 12:21 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: NPS information Shouldn't she be vetted by the anti-choyting police first? To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Anniversary concert question
Hello John, I was part of the Oxford Group. We performed five tunes, and unfortunately I don't know which one is on the CD. The tunes are all Cotswold Morris tunes; not Northumbrian I'm afraid, but lovely nevertheless. Orange in Bloom Constant Billy Old Woman Tossed Up Young Collins Old Tom of Oxford Best wishes, Paul Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 16:52:02 -0400 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: john.da...@hmhpub.com Subject: [NSP] NPS Anniversary concert question On a DVD given to us by Chris Gregg of the NPS Anniversary Concert one of the many excellent pieces of music was a tune performed by the Oxford branch. There's just the one tune on the DVD, so I'd guess the group performed others as well, but if anyone can guess which tune I'm talking about and tell me the name I would appreciate it very much. It has a lovely melody I haven't heard before. Among the many wonderful performances Chris Ormston's playing of Theid mi dhachaidh `chro chinn t-saile was especially enjoyable. Just goes to show you how versatile the NSP can be in the hands of a master. Thanks, John -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Windows Live Messenger just got better. [1]Find out more! -- References 1. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665230/direct/01/
[NSP] Re: nps
A lot of sense in there Barry. It's easy to forget, if one is struggling with the intricacies of technique, that a relatively uninformed listener will not actually give a hoot about closed or open fingering, but *will* respond to musicality on a macro-level. I have seen in more than one context that an obsession with the 'right' way of doing things on a micro-level can go hand in hand with a startling ignorance of general musicianship, as well as an unpleasant tendency to rubbish those of different persuasions in an attempt to mask a deeply felt insecurity. We all need each other to help each other see the parts of the picture that we don't see because of our individual limitations. Evangelists of all kinds can often be 'right', but usually only about the tiny bit of the picture that they know. There's a bigger picture that we can only see between us, which is why we appear to be more than one person, though actually we're not. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Hi all, I seem to be missing out on some of the posts on this subject. However, futher to the Fenwick gracing advice I've checked the 1931 reprint as well as my 1974 edition and it has the following words below the section on stacccato; The learner should note that the staccato style of playing should not be overdone. Excessive cutting of the notes though at times lending a meretricious brilliance to a performance, is not in accordance with good small-pipe style It is interesting that this was left out of the '74 reprint. Cheers, Dave Dave Shaw, Northumbrian and Scottish Smallpipes, Irish Pipes and SHAW Whistles www.daveshaw.co.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
The learner should note that the staccato style of playing should not be overdone. Excessive cutting of the notes though at times lending a meretricious brilliance to a performance, is not in accordance with good small-pipe style It is interesting that this was left out of the '74 reprint. Very interesting. It would seem that some authorities are more authoritative than others. Oink, oink. Chirs -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
James Galway playing tin whistle used to be alarming, though the Chieftains taught him a better, more fluid, style subsequently. Only heard him doing so once and this was back in the early Cretaceous or thereabouts. Your description of the better style as more fluid suggests that he fell into the same trap as classical violinist when presented with a folk tune - they tend to play in a clipped martelé fashion (more suited to, say, Vivaldi or Mozart, their differences nothwithstanding) rather than letting it roll. This might be similar to the kind of overdone staccato that the unexpurgated Fenwick was warning against. The much maligned Kathryn Tickell is a model of fluidity (but can shell peas with the best of them when she so chooses). c To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Very interesting. It would seem that some authorities are more authoritative than others. Oink, oink. Chirs -- Oink, oink So you're aligning yourself with those that are MORE authoritative, then? ;-) Cheers, Paul Gretton To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
James Galway playing tin whistle used to be alarming, though the Chieftains taught him a better, more fluid, style subsequently. -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu Sent: 28 April 2009 09:46 To: gibbonssoi...@aol.com Cc: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: nps Maybe your violin teacher was teaching you classical style along with the good basic violin technique, and the classical style was impeding your traditional style. I don't think so, but there's no way of knowing. I've never claimed to be a good player of anything (I would describe myself as a devoted and conscientious dabbler), but I do claim stylistic awareness. Give your average classical violinist a folk tune and the results can be bizarre in the extreme. It also amuses me to hear classical singers trying to sing pop/rock songs without changing their style/technique. A certain Peter Hofmann [1]http://www.peterhofmann.com/index-lebensweg.html used to sing rock classics in exactly the same way as he sang Wagner - dreadful. I have, in my day, sung traditional ballads, classical music (baritone), early music (countertenor), pop rock, blues rock, progrock and even country (backing vox only - I don't really like country, but being with a band was fun at the time) without being good, but without having any complaints about lack of stylistic awareness either. The person who disapproved of my improved technique was capable of being dismissive of, for example, Stephane Grappelly as well as the entire classical establishment. and indeed of anything too sophisticated, including Genesis, Gentle Giant and Steely Dan q.v. Two styles can be inconsistent. Doing one well might well mean doing the other badly. A classical violinist might try to play quavers equal, others such as a baroque violinist - or Willy Taylor - definitely wouldn't. Yup, I've played baroque and classical too - under some pretty good conductors such as Jaap Schroeder, Hans-Martin Linde and Guy van Waas (with the latter of whom I am performing (on viola) both Vivaldi and Haydn this very evening (concertos from Estro Armonico and Schoepfung (Creation) respectively - unfortunately on modern instruments). But with the nsp, all good players, including Kathryn Tickell and Billy Pigg, have (have had) a largely detached technique, and crux of the argument is a stylistic point as to whether a 'good style' can include open-fingered ornament. If Chris and Adrian are at the 'wee free' end of the spectrum, all good players are some sort of protestant at least. I'm glad you agree Kathryn and Billy were good players. The justification for the 'wee free' position is that if you allow open fingering in some contexts but not others, then bad players (they exist) will take these contentious elements as the basis of their 'style' and ignore the closed-fingered basic technique. The bad players probably don't give much consideration at all to what they are doing (this is why they are bad) and as such are hardly of much relevance. let them get on with it. there are bad players of all instruments. If religious analogies are felt inappropriate in this forum, try the Judaean People's Liberation Front instead! I do hope you mean the People's Liberation Front of Judaea! Chirs -- References 1. http://www.peterhofmann.com/index-lebensweg.html To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Whilst Fenwickdescribes gracenotes he does not say that one should step outside the closed fingering rule he has already set out in order to play them. Many Northumbrian pipers grace within the closed fingeringeven those shakes sound better closed! Ian Dave Shaw wrote: Adrian wishes to use the Fenwick tutor as his bible to prove that only plain closed fingering is admissible. Between the music reading and tunes section of this book, however, there is written the following: (see) http://www.daveshaw.co.uk/Fenwick/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
I come out with this one a few times every year on this subject. :) Does no harm to repeat it again as, for me, it puts things into perspective. More years ago than I care to remember, there was an excellent TV documentary in which the classical violinist Yehudi Menuhin met with an old Shetland fiddler (can't remember his name, sorry - big tall chap with receding hair and a winning smile and twinkle in his eyes - I think he was in his 80s then) and they discussed the instrument and played each others favourite tunes etc. Interestingly, the Shetland fiddler was able to play classical quite well but poor Yehudi had a terrible time getting any life into the traditional tunes at all (very precise and mechanical) the fiddler was very patient with him but it looked like a master teaching a novice. Same instrument but what a difference. many of the nuances for the fiddling were, of course, no-no's for Yehudi. Nobody could possibly claim that these two were not masters of the violin but both styles and interpretation of the dots were very different as was their method of playing (vibrato, bowing etc). This discussion does remind me of it each time it comes around. Colin Hill From: christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu To: j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk; gibbonssoi...@aol.com Cc: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 11:43 AM Subject: [NSP] Re: nps James Galway playing tin whistle used to be alarming, though the Chieftains taught him a better, more fluid, style subsequently. Only heard him doing so once and this was back in the early Cretaceous or thereabouts. Your description of the better style as more fluid suggests that he fell into the same trap as classical violinist when presented with a folk tune - they tend to play in a clipped martelé fashion (more suited to, say, Vivaldi or Mozart, their differences nothwithstanding) rather than letting it roll. This might be similar to the kind of overdone staccato that the unexpurgated Fenwick was warning against. The much maligned Kathryn Tickell is a model of fluidity (but can shell peas with the best of them when she so chooses). c To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Everybody is discussing the statement A bad player puts people off the instrument and also teaches you the wrong was to play. Where does that leave us ? I've reached a certain level of proficiency in the instrument, I try to keep my fingering detached as far as I can but I'm conscious that at speed my right hand doesn't respond as well as it should, so I do tend to not be detached on lower notes on fast tunes. I'm aware that this is not where I'm trying to get, but already being in the bus pass generation I doubt it'll ever be right. Should I not be playing the pipes in public, in case people are put off or taught the wrong way to play ? Should I just give up ? I personally think people hear me playing, and hear other more proficient players playing, and are aware that I'm not as good as the best. That's true of most of the musicians in the gatherings I go to. However, the attitude of certain of those posting on this newsgroup seems to be - don't bring your pipes out in public until you're perfect. I'm also probably choyting, although most of the definitions I've seen on this newsgroup haven't been very clear. I have been trying to avoid certain gracings (which might come in this definition) recently. Listening to myself more critically, I can hear them not sounding very good. I came to nsp from whistle, perhaps the cause of my incorrect technique. However, I didn't think we were really discussing the playing of bad players (possibly including myself) but those who have mastered the correct techniques and can use them when they want, and chose to also add other wrong techniques because (in their view) they add to the listening experience. I think that a certain Kathryn Tickell is the main target of the abuse in this context isn't she ? That's where the fundamental difference in opinions lies isn't it ? Or perhaps I'm wrong. A long time ago, I think we started discussing some child prodigy whose piping I haven't heard and can't therefore comment on. Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps tradition
A study of how the various, now tiny, denominations of extreme protestant churches in the Western Isles have split and re-split over the last century is quite instructive here (and I'm sure there are similar examples in American religious history). All because tiny groups of essentially well-meaning people think that the organisation they belong to is not adhering to the true faith. - Original Message - From: Ian Carol Bartlett (home account) i...@ihug.co.nz To: Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 7:36 AM Subject: [NSP] Re: nps tradition - Original Message - Subject: [NSP] tradition etc Shiela wrote:- If classical music had remained in the tradition Mozart would have been shot, Beethoven would never have dared to experiment and to shock his contemporaries, as he most certainly did, and we would all still be playing like the troubadors. .If you want to stick at being 100% traditional take all of the keys off the pipes. Well said Sheila; and I might add the pipes would still be pitched in all manner of tunings around F and we'd be unable to play the music in social groups. As for a 'breakaway' group from the NPS I think this would achieve little in the promotion of the instrument and the music which I believe is the overall objective as opposed to promoting a particular style. I have seen professional organisations split in similar ways, in the main because people fail to work harmoniously with each other as opposed to any significant difference in direction. I have also observed that over the years those people come to realise that the division of resources achieved very little and they end up merging again or in some cases both factions fade into obscurity and irrelevance. In either case, what an utter waste of talent and effort! I have never met Chris Ormston nor Adrian Schofield nor Kathryn Tickell or Pauline Kato or many other deities of the piping world. Nor have I had the opportunity to see them play. They all have a place in the piping fraternity as do the styles that they follow and promote and we all have things to learn from each of them. Dare I say it, they probably have learned positive things from each other, as we all do. The really important thing is that all styles continue to have their champions and those champions continue to flourish and attract new followers. This recurring sniping at individuals and 'organisations' does not get us anywhere. Nor does the traditional way is the only way. Let's just accept that there are several styles of Northumbrian Piping out there and each as valid as the other. It is worth noting that the phrase from Fenwick's tutor is As a general direction we may observe that the small-pipes are played upon the method called 'Close Fingering' which allows of only one finger being lifted at a time. That says --- As a general direction... not As the only direction. It allows for diversification does it not? Thus to take the 'My way or no way' approach ignores the lattitude that As a general direction allows. Tradition moves, tradition progresses and is not a pile of stones. . Martin Carthy Fractionating an already small and specialised group will be unlikely to achieve any sustainable benefits and will certainly confuse newcomers to NSPs Which organisation should I join? Should I join both?? Do I really have to pay two subscriptions? Competition has a lot to answer for!!! Cheers Ian Bartlett Auckland - New Zealand -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.4/2080 - Release Date: 04/25/09 08:29:00
[NSP] Re: nps
Can we all join? Paul Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:33:36 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: what...@ntlworld.com Subject: [NSP] nps Dear all, after talking to Tommy Breckons shorltly before his death and chatting to fellow pipers after his funeral, I have come to the conclusion that the Northumbrian Pipers' society has lost its way. I therefore ask: is it time to form some other group or society which bases its playing on a pure, traditional detached fingering technique and get back to playing some of the tunes with divisions,correctly? After all, in 1974, the 3rd addition of the 'Tutor for the Northumbrian Small-Pipes' was re-published by the NPS. Originally published in 1896, this tutor was written by JW Fenwick, a member of the committee. The preface to the 3rd edition states-Fenwick's tutor is as relevant today as it was in 1895 and will provide ample instruction and guidance to all potential playersof the small-pipes. The instruction book states - There is no qualification more important to the learner than that of correct fingering, and as it presents considerable difficulty, the lessons of a skilful master would be a great advantage. As a general direction we may observe that the small-pipes are played upon the method called 'Close Fingering' which allows of only one finger being lifted at a time. Perhaps have a new piping competition, which is based on pure fingering and not a load of choyte. Adrian. (not a Grand Master, nor a member of that other society!) -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8 Optimised for MSN. [1]Download Now -- References 1. http://extras.uk.msn.com/internet-explorer-8/?ocid=T010MSN07A0716U
[NSP] Re: nps
what...@ntlworld.com said after talking to Tommy Breckons shorltly before his death and chatting to fellow pipers after his funeral, I have come to the conclusion that the Northumbrian Pipers' society has lost its way. I therefore ask: is it time to form some other group or society which bases its playing on a pure, traditional detached fingering technique Then Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com said Can we all join? Certainly not, at least until you've submitted to a 2 hour test of your piping technique and received 2 days corrective tuition from a properly approved tutor. Continuing membership will be subject to further testing on at least an annual basis. I can't believe it ! Why did I ever take up this instrument which causes so much bad feeling ? Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Ian Lawther irlawt...@comcast.net said Enter those who saw the chance to make some money by promoting an attractive young woman who was marketable beyond the dowdy folkies. So is the argument that piping would be far better off without all those who came into piping at least partially as a result of said young woman's playing ? Then we could be left with the dowdy folkies who would at least not play wrongly ? We would thereby get rid of a good number of those who love the instrument but don't play very well, leaving this job to an elite few who have really mastered the instrument and the correct way of playing. It would reduce pipe-makers waiting lists, and really be a very positive contribution to the continuation of piping. Pity I don't be involved though. I would add (removing my tongue from cheek) that I really do enjoy Chris Ormston's music. I also have never understood (or known half of) the affair of the bloke who is sitting on folk recordings and refusing to release them, but I do understand that this is affecting many other folk artistes beyond the piping fraternity* and therefore cannot be convinced that there is a conspiracy against certain pipers. * Perhaps fraternity is an inappropriate term at the moment. Mike Walton To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Maybe we are heading backwards to the days of playing and non-playing members when one had to actually play the pipes before members (or send a tape if you were too far away or abroad) so they could decide if you could play or not. :) Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Mike Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk; Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 12:28 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: nps Yes, it is all rather remarkable isn't it? My understanding has always been that the traditional music of the north east is Metallica, and the NSP is just a rather quaint musical backwater to be enjoyed by teachers, social workers and assorted folkies. There is now an interesting tutorial for playing the NSP with detached fingering on Youtube: [1]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7paLft9_ms Enjoy! Paul Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:28:43 +0100 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: nps what...@ntlworld.com said after talking to Tommy Breckons shorltly before his death and chatting to fellow pipers after his funeral, I have come to the conclusion that the Northumbrian Pipers' society has lost its way. I therefore ask: is it time to form some other group or society which bases its playing on a pure, traditional detached fingering technique Then Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com said Can we all join? Certainly not, at least until you've submitted to a 2 hour test of your piping technique and received 2 days corrective tuition from a properly approved tutor. Continuing membership will be subject to further testing on at least an annual basis. I can't believe it ! Why did I ever take up this instrument which causes so much bad feeling ? Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Get the New Internet Explore 8 Optimised for MSN. [2]Download Now -- References 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7paLft9_ms 2. http://extras.uk.msn.com/internet-explorer-8/?ocid=T010MSN07A0716U
[NSP] Re: nps
And be tattooed by an approved tattooist who holds the correct understanding of the Westminster Confession? Dru On 25 Apr 2009, at 02:28, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: what...@ntlworld.com said after talking to Tommy Breckons shorltly before his death and chatting to fellow pipers after his funeral, I have come to the conclusion that the Northumbrian Pipers' society has lost its way. I therefore ask: is it time to form some other group or society which bases its playing on a pure, traditional detached fingering technique Then Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com said Can we all join? Certainly not, at least until you've submitted to a 2 hour test of your piping technique and received 2 days corrective tuition from a properly approved tutor. Continuing membership will be subject to further testing on at least an annual basis. I can't believe it ! Why did I ever take up this instrument which causes so much bad feeling ? Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
The point I was trying to make was that Billy Pigg's style was not in the Northumbrian piping mainstream, and that those who have been heavily influenced by him, like Kathryn can also be said to be outside the mainstream as it was. Dave Bulmer's promotion of Kathryn's recordings and non-release of Chris's (and possibly others) have distorted what many view as the mainstream so that the fringe is now perceived as mainstream and the pure tradition has become the fringe. As an aside this is not just a Northumbrian piping thing. Debbie Lawther who is also on this list used to live in a flat in London, below an Indian couple. Mr Dasgupta was a sitar pupil of the senior member of the Khan dynasty on Indian musicians, and had a number of pupils himself. When Mr. Khan's children or grandchildren came to London to play at the Festival Hall they would often follow that performance with a private one in thw Dasgupta's flat in Tooting for him and his pupils. And then they would sit around and discuss how Ravi Shankar had corrupted the tradition Ian Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Ian Lawther irlawt...@comcast.net said Enter those who saw the chance to make some money by promoting an attractive young woman who was marketable beyond the dowdy folkies. So is the argument that piping would be far better off without all those who came into piping at least partially as a result of said young woman's playing ? Then we could be left with the dowdy folkies who would at least not play wrongly ? We would thereby get rid of a good number of those who love the instrument but don't play very well, leaving this job to an elite few who have really mastered the instrument and the correct way of playing. It would reduce pipe-makers waiting lists, and really be a very positive contribution to the continuation of piping. Pity I don't be involved though. I would add (removing my tongue from cheek) that I really do enjoy Chris Ormston's music. I also have never understood (or known half of) the affair of the bloke who is sitting on folk recordings and refusing to release them, but I do understand that this is affecting many other folk artistes beyond the piping fraternity* and therefore cannot be convinced that there is a conspiracy against certain pipers. * Perhaps fraternity is an inappropriate term at the moment. Mike Walton To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
That's the whole point, isn't it? There's a big difference between pipers who can play and then choose to experiment and do naughty things and players who just play badly and sloppily (is that a word?). I respect players who are accomplished enough to branch out and boldly go where no piper has gone before. Bad playing is just bad playing. We can all do that - some just faster than others :-) Colin Hill - Original Message - From: what.me what...@ntlworld.com To: Dartmouth NPS nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 7:18 PM Subject: [NSP] nps I seem to remember a certain well known piper who entered an open competition playing a simple chanter and won it. Running notes in is rubbish, choyting is rubbish and I would rather see the pipes die out if certain pipers, who are promoting this and who cannot play, are pulling the wool over listeners ears by showing the world that their playing is the way to go forward. Adrian -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps
Yes, I should have added that bit! As with all instruments that are not mainstream, what you first hear is often how you think it should sound. A bad player puts people off the instrument and also teaches you the wrong way to play. I also play(?) Hurdy Gurdy and that instrument has already been through the process of being used to refer to a bad wailing sound soon after the French Revolution when it fell out of favour and was played (often badly) by beggars etc. We don't want that to happen to the pipes, do we? Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Ian Lawther irlawt...@comcast.net To: colin cwh...@santa-fe.freeserve.co.uk Cc: Dartmouth NPS nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:03 PM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: nps colin wrote: That's the whole point, isn't it? There's a big difference between pipers who can play and then choose to experiment and do naughty things and players who just play badly and sloppily (is that a word?). But there is also the knock on effect of those who do not bother to learn properly but simply learn the naughty things without the grounding in the basics. Ian To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS competition results
Thanks from the west of the US as well. Sunday was our monthly meeting so news of Peter Dyson and Gail Gibbard's wins was known as we gathered. Ian [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Julia, Just to let you know, your prompt efforts in getting the competition results out WERE very much appreciated by myself and all the Mid-Atlantic group members.Last weekend we had Dick Hensold over for a weekend of tuition, at Mark Stayton's. Colin McNaught stayed with me and when we arrived on Sunday Dick was able to congratulate him on his win and placing as we walked into the door. Best Regards Steve Barwick ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Dec NL, mag etc
No doubt we will let you know grin. Colin Hill - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 6:14 PM Subject: [NSP] NPS Dec NL, mag etc Apologies to those whom this does not concern. The Dec NL, annual mag, and AGM notice etc have been posted Fri pm 1 Dec, so should start arriving in places (at least in the UK) Monday, or possibly even Sat for a few lucky (?) folk. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS July newsletter
Reached Bristol 9.15 am Friday. Great photo on the cover by the way. Dru Brooke-Taylor On 29 Jun 2006, at 18:12, Julia Say wrote: This was posted to members today, except for a small number of UK members whose surnames begin with J, L or M. (technical hitch due to my arithmetic) These latter will be posted Friday morning. Cheers -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS July newsletter
Not starting with J, L or M, mine arrived in Liverpool at 10.00am today. Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Julia Say [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 6:12 PM Subject: [NSP] NPS July newsletter This was posted to members today, except for a small number of UK members whose surnames begin with J, L or M. (technical hitch due to my arithmetic) These latter will be posted Friday morning. Cheers -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detatched
In a message dated 17/05/2006 18:02:28 GMT Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There is no 'official' NPS policy on telling folk how to play the closed end smallpipes as far as I am aware in my position as Chairman and Vice President of the NPS. I beleive that Julia - NPS Secretary - has said this already. Therefore 'competition' style or any other style does not exist except that the fingering should be 'closed'. What any listener wants to hear is a musical performance which can involve anything that is possible on the closed end chanter whether it be detached,slurred, overblown or anything else the player can get out of the chanter to express what he or she wants to convey in performance. I sometimes think that piping has become almost a religion to some players and the spectre of fundimentalism then rears its ugly head so that the closed style of playing is declared to be the the only 'correct' way to play the chanter with the risk of having your fingers severed as a punishment if you dare to deviate from the true way. Ours is a broad church so keep the faith and enjoy all the various ways we can express ourselves on the pipes. The rev. Colin Ross And all the people said - AaaaMEN Sam -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detatched
On 17 May 2006, what.me wrote: This is what I'm trying to get at - I would like to know: does the NPS accept that legato is a correct way of playing the pipes? Adrian and all: Please note change of email address, and hence change of mental hat. As far as I am aware, the NPS does not have, and has never had, a formally agreed policy on appropriate style for playing the Northumbrian smallpipes. Whether it should have one, and if so, what that should be, would be a matter for the NPS committee to decide. Such a process would hopefully include discussions with the commonly recognized authorities on the subject - our top-flight players. If you wish this matter to be taken up by the committee I will gladly draw it to their attention and initiate such a discussion. For the record, only a minority of the NPS committee read this list. I believe about 50% of the list's subscribers are NPS members. I hope this helps -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detatched
Julia, This topic is certainly worth a detailed and wide discussion, and it would ultimately be worth the Committee issuing //advisory// guidelines. But //prescriptive// guidelines - eg any 2 notes should have a gap between them; grace notes should also be separated, both from their melody note and one another; ... or any defined 'house style', even if it is a style I like, would be over-restrictive. We would turn into Highland pipers, only with a different style. Perhaps it's time for an up-to-date NPS tutor. Compare the LBPS's More Power to your Elbow, with CD-rom attached - pity the title's gone really. John -Original Message- From: Julia Say [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 17 May 2006 15:20 To: nsp; what.me Subject: [NSP] Re: nps detatched On 17 May 2006, what.me wrote: This is what I'm trying to get at - I would like to know: does the NPS accept that legato is a correct way of playing the pipes? Adrian and all: Please note change of email address, and hence change of mental hat. As far as I am aware, the NPS does not have, and has never had, a formally agreed policy on appropriate style for playing the Northumbrian smallpipes. Whether it should have one, and if so, what that should be, would be a matter for the NPS committee to decide. Such a process would hopefully include discussions with the commonly recognized authorities on the subject - our top-flight players. If you wish this matter to be taken up by the committee I will gladly draw it to their attention and initiate such a discussion. For the record, only a minority of the NPS committee read this list. I believe about 50% of the list's subscribers are NPS members. I hope this helps -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detatched
I would certainly urge the other 50% to join the NPS. As the recognised voice for the NSP and by the very nature of their existence it would seem that those who contribute to the list could make their views more official by joining. One voice and all that. The more members, the louder their voice and the more likely they are to be heard (and asked) about things. It's the pipes not their location that is important (I don't mean anything odd here, just that it doesn't matter where you live - lest that be thought of as an insult to the NE or thereabouts or the people living there. Phew, nearly started something there). No, I'm not connected with it other than as a member and I probably cost them a fortune as I joined as a life member back in '72. I do think they are very important though. Colin Hill - Original Message - From: Gibbons, John [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; nsp nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu; what.me [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 3:32 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: nps detatched Julia, This topic is certainly worth a detailed and wide discussion, and it would ultimately be worth the Committee issuing //advisory// guidelines. But //prescriptive// guidelines - eg any 2 notes should have a gap between them; grace notes should also be separated, both from their melody note and one another; ... or any defined 'house style', even if it is a style I like, would be over-restrictive. We would turn into Highland pipers, only with a different style. Perhaps it's time for an up-to-date NPS tutor. Compare the LBPS's More Power to your Elbow, with CD-rom attached - pity the title's gone really. John -Original Message- From: Julia Say [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 17 May 2006 15:20 To: nsp; what.me Subject: [NSP] Re: nps detatched On 17 May 2006, what.me wrote: This is what I'm trying to get at - I would like to know: does the NPS accept that legato is a correct way of playing the pipes? Adrian and all: Please note change of email address, and hence change of mental hat. As far as I am aware, the NPS does not have, and has never had, a formally agreed policy on appropriate style for playing the Northumbrian smallpipes. Whether it should have one, and if so, what that should be, would be a matter for the NPS committee to decide. Such a process would hopefully include discussions with the commonly recognized authorities on the subject - our top-flight players. If you wish this matter to be taken up by the committee I will gladly draw it to their attention and initiate such a discussion. For the record, only a minority of the NPS committee read this list. I believe about 50% of the list's subscribers are NPS members. I hope this helps -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detached
On 17 May 2006, Gibbons, John wrote: This topic is certainly worth a detailed and wide discussion, As we are doing. I have a running edit going on this thread (ie I'm saving the mesages in order, and editing off the excess headers, that's all), a digest of which will probably end up in committee members' inboxes for discussion. it would ultimately be worth the Committee issuing //advisory// guidelines. I'll bring this suggestion to folks' attention. any defined 'house style'.. would be over-restrictive. We would turn into Highland pipers, only with a different style. It is my personal opinion that this would not be a desirable outcome. Perhaps it's time for an up-to-date NPS tutor. Compare the LBPS's More Power to your Elbow, with CD-rom attached This is something which is already on the 'serious consideration' list for future publications. I hope this helps -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detatched
Colin, 'Right reverend' for the Chairman and VP, surely?? I would absolutely agree that the music comes first, and a rigorous prescriptive style could kill the music. My feeling is this is what happened to Highland pipe music. Advisory guidelines, though, might serve to remind people, especially beginners, that sloppiness and artistic freedom are not the same thing, though. The justification for Pauline or Kathryn playing slurred notes or open graces is that they have enough technique to make a choice. The choice isn't open to some with less technique and there is a risk of them citing these as role models. Hope all's well, John -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 17 May 2006 18:02 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: nps detatched There is no 'official' NPS policy on telling folk how to play the closed end smallpipes as far as I am aware in my position as Chairman and Vice President of the NPS. I beleive that Julia - NPS Secretary - has said this already. Therefore 'competition' style or any other style does not exist except that the fingering should be 'closed'. What any listener wants to hear is a musical performance which can involve anything that is possible on the closed end chanter whether it be detached,slurred, overblown or anything else the player can get out of the chanter to express what he or she wants to convey in performance. I sometimes think that piping has become almost a religion to some players and the spectre of fundimentalism then rears its ugly head so that the closed style of playing is declared to be the the only 'correct' way to play the chanter with the risk of having your fingers severed as a punishment if you dare to deviate from the true way. Ours is a broad church so keep the faith and enjoy all the various ways we can express ourselves on the pipes. The rev. Colin Ross -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: nps detatched
Just to take this discussion outside our immediate sphere I htough I would share a sound clip with you. In amongst the dozens of emails from the NSP list this morning I got one from a Colarado based group that mixes bagpipes with rocking blues. I went to their site to have a listen and think what I heard is relevant to this discussion. I enjoy the broad church that is now Scottish pipe music and listen to people like the late Martyn Bennett, Mark Saul, Rare Air and others who combine well ground highland piping with all sorts of other stuff. However the group from Colarado is using poor playing with a rock background just to be different. Listen here: http://cdbaby.com/mp3lofi/pipapelli-01.m3u Translating this back to NSP we can have a wide range of music played but what has to be at the base of it is good technique otherwise we get an equivalent of what you have just heard... Ian To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Dec N/L etc
Dear NPS members It seems we had a dodgy batch of envelopes - we're disposing of the remainder. Members should have received: the annual magazine (green) the Dec newsletter (blue) the AGM notice (a separate cream coloured leaflet) and a catalogue from the Bagpipe Museum. If anyone hasn't got any of the first three items, please let me know and I'll replace them. We apologise for the inconvenience. -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: NPS Dec N/L etc
The newsletter arrived in Quebec today, December 9th. At least the envelope did, the flap had come unstuck and the magazine must have dropped out somewhere over the Atlantic. If anyone happens to see it as they fly back and forth, grab hold of it and send it on :-) Gratefully yours, Richard S. Subject: [NSP] NPS Dec N/L etc The Dec issue of the newsletter, annual magazine, and AGM details have been posted to society members today, 2 Dec. -- Julia Say, Hon Sec. NPS [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel 01670 860215 To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
