[NSP] Re: divorce
Dear All Hear, Hear! Julia! Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu]On Behalf Of Julia Say Sent: 16 June 2011 09:43 To: Dartmouth nsp list N.P.S. site; Dave S Subject: [NSP] Re: divorce On 16 Jun 2011, Dave S wrote: This list served the purpose of introducing the beginner(shy fence-sitter to brash young expert) to light conversation/disagreement/proposition on all subjects around the wonderful instrument known as the NSP. It has done this well for a good number of years, I think it will continue to do that. I have noticed over many years that after any..er...altercation, the list goes very quiet for a while as we all tiptoe away and let things calm down. (Well OK most of us. I'm sure the early archives would show me doing regular foot in mouth exercises before I learnt to shut up occasionally). I expect the same to happen again this time. And like Francis, I think the lists and the various forums and groups are complementary. It's a shame that there have to be so many as it's time-consuming to check them all, but on balance I think that over the years they have helped a lot of people to a greater understanding of the piping world and introduced a lot of people to our instrument. Julia To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Off-topic request for Hymnbook
the modern movable Do system I think in France they have a fixed do system, where mib =Meeflat = Eb in modern coins and never changes! If you buy accordion music with French chords in the accompaniment it makes challenging reading! Alan -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu]on Behalf Of Philip Gruar Sent: 11 January 2011 10:27 To: christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu; nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: Off-topic request for Hymnbook I'm afraid I can't help here, but I have a related query. Can anyone explain the significance, if any, of the shapes? c It was a system devised supposedly to help people with no musical training to read the tunes and sing at sight. The shapes represent sol-fa syllables, and the original four-shape system seems in some ways closer to the old European medieval/renaissance hexachord system than to the modern movable Do system (not much used in music education now, but brought to popular knowledge in the song from The Sound of Music) Read all about in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_note But I guess you knew that Chris. If your question is why those particular shapes - I have no idea. When I led a group in singing some of those hymns - people who didn't read music much but were used to seeing normal notes, the shapes just confused them and complicated things, so I prepared versions in conventional notation, and they learned the parts by ear the same as the other carols we were doing. I think maybe more experienced music readers could ignore the shapes more easily, whereas to use the shapes as they were intended you have to have been trained in that system and nothing else. Philip To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Pipers w.e March 2011
Calling all pipers ...and particularly regular attenders of this annual weekend event. There has been a late flurry of bookings for the Halsway Pipers w/e 4-7 March 2011. Christine and I shall be ready and waiting to welcome you to this event, but only if you have managed to book in advance! Many regulars seem to leave it to the last possible moment to book and then may be disappointed that their usual room has been allocated to someone else. NB only about half the accommodation is en-suite. We have the same team of Northumbrian piping tutors as last year, namely; Chris Ormston, Andy May, Chris Evans and Francis Wood. There are playarounds on Friday and Sunday evenings (Sunday is a joint evening shared with local musicians who come to the monthly Sunday Club - last year this was the best attendance ever on a Sunday night!), workshops on Saturday and Sunday, with a public concert on Saturday evening. Saturday afternoon is free or there may be optional extra sessions if needed. Guests are welcome to stay over till Monday morning and drive home in the daylight, if possible. For those arriving by public transport, i.e. train to Taunton, don't forget there is a No 28 bus the serves the manor . You need to ask for the Halsway turning, as it is a request stop. Half hourly service from Taunton Railway station at 05 and 35 minutes past each hour. Contact details for Halsway Manor the National Residential centre for Traditional Music, Dance and Song: for bookings ring Viv 01984 618274 - you can pay by credit card. postal address for cheques to - Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset TA4 4BD. web address - [1]www.halswaymanor.org.uk email - [2]off...@halswaymanor.org.uk See you all soon! Best wishes Alan Corkett PS. My phone number if you need help is 01278 732202. -- References 1. http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/ 2. mailto:off...@halswaymanor.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: A 70 cent divergence
Having looked up what a cent was on wikipeadia, here is what it said about Human perception. HUMAN PERCEPTION It is difficult to establish how many cents are perceptible to humans; this accuracy varies greatly from person to person. One author stated that humans can distinguish a difference in pitch of about 5-6 cents.[2] The threshold of what is perceptible, technically known as the just noticeable difference, also varies as a function of the timbre of the pitch: in one study, changes in tone quality reduced student musicians' ability to recognize as out-of-tune pitches that deviated from their appropriate values by ±12 cents.[3] It has also been established that increased tonal context enables listeners to judge pitch more accurately.[4] When listening to pitches with vibrato, there is evidence that humans perceive the mean frequency as the center of the pitch.[5] One study of vibrato in western vocal music found a variation in cents of vibrato typically ranged between ±34 cents and ±123 cents, with a mean variation of ±71 cents; the variation was much higher on Verdi opera arias.[6] Normal adults are able to recognize pitch differences of as small as 25 cents very reliably. Adults with amusia, however, have trouble recognizing differences of less than 100 cents and sometimes have trouble with these or larger intervals.[7] I thought this to be quite revealing! Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu]on Behalf Of gibbonssoi...@aol.com Sent: 08 January 2011 14:04 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: Doublin' (Keenan Glackin) A 70 cent divergence between one set of pipes and another is alarming! More than a third of a tone in old money. We are approaching the territory of that Irish flute player I mentioned. A tactful cull of the outliers might be a good idea - 'Your pipes are more suitable for solo playing' perhaps? -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Halsway Northumbrian Piping Weekend 2010
Dear Pipers, I have had a most exhilarating musical and busy experience at the Halsway Pipers course this weekend just passed. I have to admit a mistake in counting the years as Edmund Sprigg pointed that we missed out 2001, so this was indeed the tenth event, not as I thought last year. The tutors, Andy May, Chris Ormston, Chris Evans and my old friend, Francis Wood, all deserve a well earned pat on the back for creating a superb social occasion with great enthusiasm for learning. This event starts off the piping season I am told, so let's hope this proves to be a specially good piping year. I was also glad that Marian Bryan could be there with us too. Finally, I would very much like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who kindly and generously contributed to the collection for Christine in hospital. It is at times like this that you feel what a special group of people make up the piping fraternity. Christine was most grateful for the lovely flowers and card. The vouchers will be put to purchasing further plants. Christine was discharged from hospital on Monday - It's lovely to have her home! Looking forward to seeing you all next year. Alan and Christine Corkett (Halsway hosts) To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] HALSWAY PIPERS WEEKEND 2010
Dear Pipers I called in at the Manor today and discovered we have over 30 pipers booked. I think there are still a couple of rooms left for those last minute bookers who still wish to come and join us all on the 5-8th March 2010, at our annual Northumbrian residential weekend Piping course with top quality tuition, good food, the amazing ambiance of Halsway and, of course, the company of all your friends from the piping fraternity. But if you are new I can tell this is the best event for beginners to make a start with Northumbrian pipes! Just to remind you - this year we have on staff - ANDY MAY, CHRIS ORMSTON, CHRIS EVANS and FRANCIS WOOD. Alan Christine will be your hosts, helping to sort out all those little problems and encouraging you to spend those last few coppers in the Halsway Shop. There will be a raffle on Saturday Night for which notated prizes will be most acceptable. In the evening on Saturday we have a public concert for which tickets are being sold at -L-5 each. Tickets limited! First come, first served! Whilst I realise some need to get away promptly after the Sunday afternoon cream tea, please remember too that you can stay over till Monday morning and drive home in the daylight. There is a playaround on Sunday evening where some locals will join us in the music activities. There will be a light supper and B/B. We also have some non residents attending as there will be guests staying at the local B/Bs as well as those camping nearby. Check on [1]www.halswaymanor.org.uk or ring Viv on 01984 618274. Halsway Manor, Crowcombe Somerset TA4 4BD. For help and advice - ring Alan on 01278 732202, but remember he cannot take bookings. Looking forward to seeing you all again! Best wishes Alan Christine Corkett -- References 1. http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] NPS newsletter error
Hi Pipers Email address error Regarding the advert for Halsway Pipers course in the recent newsletter to be held March 2010- please note that in the calendar reference my name is incorrectly spelt and the email address similarly is incorrect. My email is therefore [1]a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk I think they put in too many cs (corckett) Whilst I can help with queries about the event (on 01278 732202), in order to make a booking it is preferable to contact the Halsway Manor Society direct at [2]off...@halswaymanor.org.uk or phone Viv Butler on 01984 681274. You can download the leaflet and booking form at [3]www.halswaymanor.org.uk For cheques the postal address is Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset TA4 4BD. I believe we only have about 6 rooms left to fill, so space is running out...! Best wishes Alan B Corkett -- References 1. mailto:a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk 2. mailto:off...@halswaymanor.org.uk 3. http://www.halswaymanor.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: schei greiss
Dear Those concerned I hope at some stage, someone will explain to me what all this code breaking shy grice is about Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu]on Behalf Of Matt Seattle Sent: 04 November 2009 11:24 To: gibbonssoi...@aol.com Cc: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: schei greiss Notereader makes Hornpipes sound fairly good in 21/16, with dotted and undotted quavers alternating. Do you mean 20/16, John? Any system of notation relies on a culture which knows how that particular music is played, just as any written language relies on people knowing how to pronounce it (greiss / grace etc.). The problems Anthony highlights are well known - use dots if you know how the music sounds, otherwise they are a hindrance. Ancedote, half-remembered: an arranger scored out a trumpet part for Miles Davis with a serious attempt at imitating what he understood of the nuanced rubato of Miles' phrasing - Miles said, I can't read this, man, write it straight, I'll phrase it. -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] FW: Tune title spelling - Äppelbo Gånglåt
-Original Message- From: David Kettlewell [mailto:da...@musica-humana.com] Sent: 18 August 2009 22:16 To: a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk Subject: Tune title spelling - Äppelbo Gånglåt Alan Corkett wrote on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:45 Can anyone tell me where the letters with dots over and suchlike should go in the tune title APPELBOLATEN (it's Swedish). I have it handwritten, twice and differently, from various sources, and I don't trust either rendition. Both English and Swedish Wikipedia confirm what I know as normal, that the name of the place is Äppelbo APPELBOLATEN - Äppelbolåten: but this isn't the name I know as usual in Sweden, and Google only gave me 70 'hits' for it: on the other hand it gave me 3,000 hits for the form i know, Äppelbo Gånglåt - 'apple' in Swedish is äpple [two syllables, epp-le, the first syllable as in Epstein, the second like 'let' without the 't'] - 'bo' is 'live', or a place you live, like a nest: but in this case it's probably a form of 'bod', same word as 'booth', meaning the animal's stable (fä-bod = fäbod) which gives its name to the whole summer pasture area - Swedish Wikipedia suggests that the name of the village means 'the summer pasture where the wild apples grow' http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%84ppelbo - 'a tune' is 'en låt', the same sound as in UK English 'fort', 'taught', 'thought' - 'the tune' in Swedish is 'låten' - the word corresponding to the 'gang' in 'gangplank' and 'gangway' meaning 'walk' or 'walking' *is* 'gang' in Danish and Norwegian: but in Swedish it's 'gång', pronounced like 'gong': so a 'walking tune' or march (usually a wedding march) is called a 'gånglåt' - so 'The Walking-Tune from the Summer Pasture where the Wild Apples Grow' is Äppelbogånglåten (Äppel-bo-gång-låt-en) More at http://www.new-renaissance.net/swedish English Wikipedia just gives the name, a map and a photo of the church: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%84ppelbo Hope this helps David _ David Kettlewell, PhD, BMus, AHA formerly professor, Tartu University, Estonia ~~ Musica Humana - Music and Musicology to educate the whole person ~~ http://www.new-renaissance.net -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Pipers 2010
Calling all Northumbrian pipers again! HALSWAY PIPING WEEKEND COURSE 5-8 MARCH 2010 The leaflets for Halsway weekend are now out! If you would like one sent please give your details to Viv on 01984 618274 or email [1]off...@halswaymanor.org.uk or Send deposits to Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset TA4 4BD, to reserve a place. Remember we only have 27 rooms, before we have to start sharing or booking people out to B/Bs. STAFF; Andy May, Chris Ormston, Chris Evans, Francis Wood. PROGRAMME INFORMATION: Course starts with the familiar cup of tea from 4.30pm on Friday. Get together session regularly starts in the Lounge till 6.30 pm 3-course Dinner in the Long Room. Workshops Saturday Sunday with a public concert Sat evening. Sat afternoon free although we may have optional workshop from 4.30pm. Playaround sun evening. Meals include sun eve light supper to Monday breakfast. Fees -L-204 non en-suite, -L-225 en-suite. -L-40 discount for non-participants. Deposits of -L-60 required (of which -L-25 is admin fee and non returnable.) Cheques payable to Halsway Manor Society Ltd. Any queries ruing the manor 01984 618274 or Alan Corkett 0n 01278 732202. Best wishes Alan -- References 1. mailto:off...@halswaymanor.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: Halsway playaround
Dear Mike and Enid Walton Pipers Playaround Sunday Eve at Halsway. I guess the w/e format next year will essentially be the same as this year. Many people, I cannot say most, as I have not had more than a 50% response, are content with the present programme style though Sunday evening will be slightly different because it will be the first Sunday in the month. This means that it will be a normal Sunday club meeting as in 2008 to which about 10-15 of the w/e pipers came. (2009 was different as we had to invite local musicians in as we had held Sunday club the previous Sunday!) The main effect that Pipers w/e may have on these meetings would be to produce a larger than normal attendance. Therefore if, say next year 2010, we had a normal attendance at club of 20 and over 20 pipers coming too, then it may be thought prudent to transfer to the Long Room for the playaround as you cannot comfortably get 40+ musicians into the Lounge sitting for 3 hours. Hope this helps Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 19 March 2009 21:17 To: Francis Wood Cc: Alan Corkett; NSP List Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Francis and everyone Is the lack of any response on this subject an indication of a lack of interest, satisfaction with the way things are, or being completely overwhelmed by the amount of action on Dartmouth ? Mike - Original Message - From: Francis Wood muse...@tiscali.co.uk To: Mike and Enid Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk; NSP List nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 12:23 AM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Mike and others, Your point about well-known tunes and devoting time to exploring these is a very good one. This is a topic that I've been discussing recently. As someone who regularly teaches 'basic skills' groups, I tend to present familiar tunes and unashamedly use, more or less, the same core collection because these provide an opportunity for beginner- players to participate in sessions where they are likely to hear at least one or two tunes from that choice. As a tuition content, those tunes tend to get left behind in favour of apparently more complex and newer repertoire, and I sometimes wonder whether that isn't a lost opportunity for advanced players. Perhaps not everyone recognises the time and care that tutors put into the preparation of new repertoire for courses. Participants look forward to receiving a weighty collection of tunes in advance, and with each tutor providing a substantial selection of novel material, that results in a number of new items that is sometimes practically unmanageable as a learning experience. Returning to your original point, Mike, yes I do think there's a lot to be gained by working on an already familiar tune at an advanced level . . . the Hesleyside Reel, for instance . . . and developing musicality by seeing these familiar items anew with the help of an expert tutor. To some extent, there's an expectation of a tutor to be a provider of new material. Nothing wrong with that, as long as this is kept within reason. More important, though is the quality of the tuition itself. The weight of the pre-course material shouldn't be taken as an indicator of the quality of the course! Lets see what others think. Francis On 12 Mar 2009, at 16:19, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Alan I think one of the good things about the Sunday session was the other musicians there, which couldn't be arranged at other times (except perhaps Friday, but it's good to meet old friends and play together then). I also agree about the amount of tuition being about right. One idea I would like to float though (related to my sight-reading probably) is to ask views on the merit of taking a well-known tune(s) and giving tuition on the development of style, phrasing, gracing etc. I know some players like to learn a new tune, but if I am struggling all the time to play the right notes it doesn't allow any work on the finer points of playing. Views please ? Mike - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea
[NSP] Halsway playaround
HALSWAY SUNDAY PLAYAROUND So many have commented on the Sunday evening being a successful element of the piping weekend, that I wonder if we ought to reduce some of the tuition session and introduce another informal play period. Any comments? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 12 March 2009 05:16 To: Dartmouth NSP Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas I suppose it's a problem you face whenever playing music not from your own tradition. It took a melodeon workshop in Ireland to make me realise that I had a local style of box playing, and that I want to keep it ! If it's an Irish reel or jig, it normally goes on the whistle now. Some polkas fit well on the box though. With the pipes, it's a question of whether we stick to the style for the area where the pipes came from, or just use them for our own local music, in our own local style. I play lots of Northumbrian tunes, but also nationally common tunes (including Jimmy sorry Jamie sorry Jimmy Allen) and I played Dorset Four Hand Reel on Sunday. I'm trying to learn the Worcestershire Hornpipe. Yes, I really enjoyed Halsway, especially the informal session / play-a-round on Sunday. I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! Mike - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:08 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas Hi Mike, This is a forum for the Northumbrian Pipes and the traditional music of the north east, and as such is often very interesting and informative. It helps us all to work on playing the pipes well and to figure out how we can improve our playing in the Northumbrian tradition. But please don't ask the northerners how we should play tunes in our own area! We can be proud of our own tradition here, which is rich and thriving even if we don't shout quite so loud. Let the northerners do the ranting, we can enjoy playing them however we like. Wasn't Halsway great as always? All the best, Paul Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:19 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas So we've had a long discussion about rants, reels, polkas. I'm sure that those resident in the North-East should continue to play these tunes with a good traditional rant rhythm. What about those pipers like me, resident in the far south ? Some of the tunes we play on the pipes (Salmontails, Winster Gallop for instance) are common across the whole country, and are played as polkas hereabouts. When I introduce some other North Eastern tunes, even if I had the ability to ensure they started as rants, the other mujsicians around me would probably turn them into polkas. Yet tunes have always historically drifted across the country, into Ireland and Scotland and back, etc such than you often can't tell where they started ! It also begs the question as to whether, as a southerner, I should be trying to play them as rants at all ! Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Beyond Hotmail see what else you can do with Windows Live. [1]Find out more! -- References 1. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665375/direct/01/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1996 - Release Date: 03/11/09 20:42:00
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea - the tuition is crucial to getting people thinking intensively about piping. The playarounds are better in consequence. John - To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] [NSP]Re: First 30 tunes
Hi Mike and List As someone who was trying to join in on accordion at Halsway during the Sunday evening playaround. I suppose I had a slight advantage over those who had never heard the tunes before, but it was a new experience to try and play them all in the key of F which has slightly different fingering patterns to G due to the different use of the thumb! For some it was possibly a new experience to play in the key of F, full stop. May be there is a market hear for unemployed accordionists who can play in F? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 07 March 2009 06:53 To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] [NSP]Re: irst 30 tunes If tunes (the first 30 in the current context, but it holds for all the NPS tunes) were posted in abc format on the NPS website, it would enable people with the necessary programs to print them in whatever format they wished, hear them as midis, transpose them etc. It might, of course, reduce the sales of NPS books. I thought about this when we were playing tunes on F chanters at Halsway with other musicians. The music books proferred by pipers were of course no good to the other musicians unless they were really expert at transposing on the hoof. Mike Walton -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway success!
Dear All Just a quick thank you to all those who came this year to contribute to the thumping great successful weekend piping course that it turned out to be, including an amazing Sunday bonus playaround on the end. Christine and I were very moved to receive a public thank for hosting ten years of these events and hope that we can look forward to many more. We much appreciate you support Alan Christine Corkett. PS We are taking £60 deposits for already for places at next year's weekend on 5-8 March 2010. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] HALSWAY PIPERS 09
Dear Pipers I happened to be at Halsway Manor this morning and discovered that there have been further cancellations for our PIPERS WEEKEND We now have beds available again in Room 4,6, and 34 (single en-suite) If anyone should feel the last minute dot com type urge to join the party, then please do take advantage of this opportunity and give Viv a ring at the Manor 01984 618274 email [1]off...@halswaymanor.org.uk We also have a good strong group of pipers staying over the Sunday night. In fact I purposely went to Sunday Club this week to talk to members and encourage them all to come along and entertain the PIPERS next weekend. So I am hoping for a strong turn out. It had been the Madding Crowd w/e which is a large West Gallery singing group that comes each year at about this time. Several singers stayed on likewise for the Sunday evening and swelled our ranks to 24 singers/players, thus we had a very good evening last night. Regards - with Christine see you all next w/e Alan Corkett Host -- References 1. mailto:off...@halswaymanor.org.uk To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] PRICE ERROR - Sorry!
Dear All, Regarding my last post, I regret the prices quoted are all incorrect as I picked up the wrong leaflet. I must apologise to all those who suddenly thought the prices had changed! It is far safer therefore to ring the manor office direct, to establish the correct figures for the room that is now available! Speak to Viv on 01984 618274 - Dates 6-9 March 2009. Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset TA4 4BD. Regards Alan Corkett (home - 01278 732202) Event host www.halswaymanor.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: The NSP list and the NPS
Dear List With regard to my previous reply, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for leaving out the word list in my request to the EFDSS library for help with the research on Jimmy Allen. Possibly I should have said that, members of the NPS on the NSP list are discussing sources for Jimmy Allen, if that helps. I could, had I realised this was a time bomb, just said, I wanted to know OR please help ME, as a member of EFDSS instead. I didn't think the librarian would be distressed either way. Of course, I had not at that stage considered copying their reply to all of you, which is perhaps the real lesson. Regards Alan Corkett Member NPS NSP list EFDSS. -Original Message- From: Barry Say [mailto:barr...@nspipes.co.uk] Sent: 16 January 2009 06:34 To: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] The NSPlist and the NPS Along with the rest of the list I received Alan Corkett's last message and I will respond to the details later but there is one point I feel I must raise lest a false impression is given. I have been a member of this list for many years and I do not consider that my election as Magazine editor should have any effect on my contributions. The only problem I found was that having received Chris Ormston's and Anthony Robb's articles (in particular), I couldnt discuss any matters that they addressed least I steal their thunder before publication. The NPS magazine is now in the public domain, so its contents are up for discussion. I have always been very conscious that this list is independent and has no relationship with the Northumbrian Pipers' Society. I try to bear in mind that messages to this list very likely go to pipers who are not NPS members (for whatever reason). When I write to this list I do so on my own behalf unless I explicitly say otherwise. Barry On 15 Jan 2009 at 13:35, Alan Corkett wrote: The Northumbrian Pipers Society are busy discussing the origins of the tune Jimmy Allen which was published in EFDSS CDM6 in 1964. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Jimmy Allen
Dear Pipers I forwarded an extract of the problem about sources to the EFDSS library - here is the reply I received. Regards Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Elaine Bradtke [mailto:e...@efdss.org] Sent: 15 January 2009 11:19 To: a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk Alan Corkett Subject: Re: Fw: Jimmy Allen The CDM vol. 6 was published in 1964. We don't seem to have an earlier version of it, and nothing in manuscript form. The recordings we have of it don't date back that far either. It would be interesting to see if it's in Peter Kennedy's collection - perhaps you could check with the National Sound Archive,0207-589 6603 or Topic Records, who are producing a retrospective series based on his collection. Tony Engle email: tonyen...@topicrecords.co.uk 0207-263 1240 The Northumbrian connection appears to have come from the name. I checked the Fiddler's Companion - a reasonably reliable if slightly North American biased source: http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/JIG_JM.htm#JIMMY_ALLEN JIMMY ALLEN. AKA and see “Jamie Allen,” “Reel of Tullochgorum.” English, Scottish, American, Polka or March. England, Northumberland. USA, New England. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Northumbrian musician Jamie Allen (1734-1810) was a famous small pipes player whose name is associated with this tune. Allen’s father Will (1704-1779) was perhaps a pipemaker and was River Warden of the Coquet. His wife, Jimmy’s mother, was a gypsy, and the elder Allen associated much with her folk. Son Jimmy (or Jamie) was the subject of two biographies, largely fanciful, and it is hard to determine the facts of his life. It is said he was at various times piper to the Duchess of Northumberland, enlisted in the army, and a fugitive from justice. At any rate, he was highly regarded by his contemporaries as a musician and is thought to have played the Northumbrian smallpipes, Border pipes, and Union (uilleann) pipes. English/Scottish versions are found under the “Jamie” title, American appear often as “Jimmy.” The melody is popular in English sessions in modern times, although considered to be somewhat of a ‘beginner’s tune’. Miller Perron (101 Polkas), 1978; No. 52. Miller Perron (New England Fiddlers Repertoire), 1983; No. 63. Maddeningly, he doesn't give his source for the historical information. We don't have Miller Perron 101 Polkas, so it may be from there. Another diverting, if not necessarily enlightening discussion of the tune is here:http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/6354 Sorry we can't trace it back any further. It sounds like it's been around forever. . . Dear Malcolm A Happy New Year to you! The Northumbrian Pipers Society are busy discussing the origins of the tune Jimmy Allen which was published in EFDSS CDM6 in 1964. I felt I might have learnt this tune in the 1950s as an easy/beginners tune, but not if it was not published till 1964, unless picked up aurally Can you throw any light on this mystery. Regards Alan Corkett NB. Barry Say who edits their NPS magazine wrote this (an extract...) As an exercise, I tried to think of old tunes which would serve as initial targets for beginner pipers. In the course of this, Jimmy Allan sprang to mind, but I found that it did not appear in the Peacock Collection, Bewick Book, or the Vickers collection and to my surprise, it did not appear in the first edition of the Northumbrian Pipers' Tunebook (1936) nor in the Fiddler's Tune book(1951/54) edited by Peter Kennedy. Peter Kennedy was a pivotal figure in the traditional music scene in the 1950s and 60s and worked extensively in the North-East and is probably the person most responsible for making the music of the North-East of England available to the whole of England in that period. I do not intend this as either praise or criticism. I had always assumed from its name that it was part of the Northumbrian tradition, but I am beginning to suspect that we have been deceived by our own willingness to believe that which seems convenient. The tune as we know it appears in the EFDSS Community dance manual volume 6 on a page with two tunes composed in 1961. The copyright dates would indicate that it was published in 1964 or 1967. I cannot lay my hands on my copy of this but I am sure that this publication was certainly part of Peter Kennedy's sphere of influence, but the fact that it does not appear in the first two volumes of the Fiddlers Tune book, would indicate that he was unaware of it in 1951 and had found it by 1964. The Reel of Tullochgorum is almost certainly the same tune but is reckoned to be in D. It was published by Ian Powrie, apparently in the late 1950s and it seems that he claimed that it was a traditional tune which he had collected. Ian lived in Perthshire - so that is the first place we would suspect. Now we come to the important link. Ian Powrie lead a Scottish Dance Band which appeared on the 'White Heather Club', a television program which I know
[NSP] Re: Jimmy Allan traditional (?)
Hi Barry et all, I started accordion during 1954 and feel sure that one of the first beginner tunes I learned was Jimmy Allen. I have searched through various old publications in an effort to find where I might have seen it. During this period, I met Peter Kennedy and regularly went to his Ceilidh Club at CSH, London. Likewise I am surprised it is not included in his fiddler's Tunes bks 1 2. It is true that a great deal of music was hand written MSS and Nan Fleming-Williams, for example, would write out a tune for you in seconds if you needed it. I remember well when I played with her at CSH in the 60's that she led the Thursday night beginner's band and had little bundles of hand written tunes in paper clips that I used to give out and collect up after playing each one, pieces of paper A4 width but about one and half inches deep. Somewhere I still have them with an index that someone compiled. I will try and look it out when Christine has got over her chest infection. I googled on JM and found a reference which I will include here. It may not tell you anything you don't already know! Regards Alan Corkett Result of Jimmy Allen google search JIMMY ALLEN. AKA and see [1]Jamie Allen, [2]Reel of Tullochgorum. English, Scottish, American, Polka or March. England, Northumberland. USA, New England. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB. Northumbrian musician Jamie Allen (1734-1810) was a famous small pipes player whose name is associated with this tune. Allens father Will (1704-1779) was perhaps a pipe maker and was River Warden of the Coquet. His wife, Jimmys mother, was a gypsy, and the elder Allen associated much with her folk. Son Jimmy (or Jamie) was the subject of two biographies, largely fanciful, and it is hard to determine the facts of his life. It is said he was at various times piper to the Duchess of Northumberland, enlisted in the army, and a fugitive from justice. At any rate, he was highly regarded by his contemporaries as a musician and is thought to have played the Northumbrian Smallpipes, Border pipes, and Union (uilleann) pipes. English/Scottish versions are found under the Jamie title, American appear often as Jimmy. The melody is popular in English sessions in modern times, although considered to be somewhat of a beginners tune. Miller Perron (101 Polkas), 1978; No. 52. Miller Perron (New England Fiddlers Repertoire), 1983; No. 63. X:1 T:Jimmy Allen T:Jamie Allen L:1/8 M:C K:G |:GA|B2G2G2A2|B4 G2AB|c2A2A2B2|c4 B2A2|G2g2g2e2|d4 B3c|d2d2 cBA2|G4 g2:| |:BA|G2g2g3f|e2d2c2B2|A2a2a3g|f2d2e2f2|g3ag2e2|d4B3c|d2d2 cBA2|G4 G2:| -Original Message- From: Matt Seattle [[3]mailto:theborderpi...@googlemail.com] Sent: 12 January 2009 09:20 To: nsp Subject: [NSP] Re: Jimmy Allan traditional (?) I've also seen it called Reel of Tullochgorum in one of the modern Taigh na Teud compilations, and just thought it was a mistake, without knowing the Ian Powrie connection. This is also rather strange in that Tullochgorum is a completely separate tune with a long history (and is even in Peacock). Curiouser... -- To get on or off this list see list information at [4]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/JACKY_JAZZ.htm#JAMIE_ALLEN 2. http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/REE_RH.htm#REEL_OF_TULLOCHGORUM 3. mailto:theborderpi...@googlemail.com 4. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Residential 2009
Dear All, HALSWAY MANOR PIPERS WEEKEND 2009 Just to clarify the situation - this regular residential weekend is definitely going ahead and the dates are, as usual the 1st weekend in March 6-9th. We have 26 residential pipers booked in plus staff. The event starts 4pm on Friday afternoon with a welcoming cup of tea. It is possible to leave after the 3pm cream tea on Sunday if you need to get away promptly, or stay over Sunday night B/B and drive home Monday morning in the daylight as many do. For a full report of the event in 2008 please see NPS Oct 2008 newsletter by Richard Heard. There will be no tuition on Sunday evening, but a wind-down music evening session has been arranged as last year to entertain and include the pipers' participation with a few local musicians and singers. Staff tutors booked are Pauline Cato, Rob Say, Chris Evans and Francis Wood. Alan Christine Corkett will again act as hosts. There will also be a non tutored Naughty Boys group, as introduced last year, for the highest piping standards are required to join, and a strong sense of humour. To book for the PIPERS WEEKEND please ring Viv Butler in the office on 01984 618274; one may pay a £60 deposit or full amount over the phone by credit/debit card. There is a website with details at www.halswaymanor.org.uk . For further enquiries when the office is closed please ring Alan Christine Corkett on 01278 732202 who will do their best to help, but are unable to take bookings. For postal applications please send cheques to - Pipers Weekend 2009, Halsway Manor, Crowcombe, Somerset TA4 4BD. We also encourage the attendance of non-participants, i.e. [spouses, partners and friends who do not play and pay a lower charge to increase the occupancy of the Manor. Many non-players enjoy exploring the area and visiting local attractions and walking on the Quantock Hills, the 1st AONB (Area of outstanding Natural Beauty) established in 1948. Sometimes Halsway Manor may be full and we encourage the attendance of non-residents who may be able to stay with friends or at B/B establishments in the area (office has a list) at a lower price. Details on application. If you have not visited HALSWAY, I recommend that you try and come at least once - many return every year! Best wishes - Alan To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Pipers weekend at Halsway Manor Mar 2009
Calling all pipers! Having read the most encouraging report in the recent newsletter, I am just writing this brief note to say that there are still spaces for pipers to join us at this most enjoyable annual event now in its 7th year. If spouses and partners wish to come too for a very pleasant w/e away, there is a group who go walking on the Quantock Hills, Brendons or even Exmoor. you might like to visit other local attractions which provide entertaining distractions from all the meals and company at the Manor; Watchet harbour, Blue Anchor, Kilve beach, Minehead. Newcomers made welcome! You can book by ringing Viv in the office on 01984 618274 and pay your deposit by credit card over the phone or go to the website [1]www.halswaymanor.org.uk where you will find all the details about the staff and the weekend and Halsway Manor too. See you there! Best wishes Alan Christine Corkett hosts. -- References 1. http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] feedback Halsway
Hi Pipers Thanks for all the responses on the website feedback page! Some interesting comments about beer, etc. The photos look smashing, give a good souvenir of a great weekend! See you all next year, no 9! Alan Corkett To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Pipers 08 at Halsway
HALSWAY PIPERS 2008 Just a big word of thanks to everyone for making Pipers 2008 at Halsway the best yet! The piping staff performed wonders with the groups, presented a superb public concert on Saturday evening and gave of their time and expertise in abundance. The recent improvements and new decoration in the Long Room were much appreciated as was the good food. We had the largest number of attendees, including the largest number of pipers stay over on Sunday evening with a wonderful piping party with local singers and musicians added to extend the weekend into a memorable occasion. Anyone who wishes to leave feedback comments, good or bad may record them on the website at www.halswaymanor.org.uk Bookings are open for next year - just ring 01984 618274 and reserve your favourite room with a deposit. Brochures will be available shortly. With best wishes Alan Corkett Trustee To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway 2008 - news
Hi Pipers! Last news flash! Halsway Piper weekend 7-9 March 2008. 8th annual course with Pauline Cato, Chris Evans, Rob Say and Francis Wood. Please see www.halswaymanor.org.uk The beds are virtually all taken, I think Alan Christine will be sleeping in the caravan! All those pipers who have booked should have paid their balance for the weekend by now. Likewise everyone should have received their Music Booklets by post. Christine posted them in Williton last Friday. If yours has not arrived please contact the Halsway Manor office to advise them - Viv on 01984 618274. Also Tony Kelly is going to put the important details for the programme page up on the website. Places still available for Saturday Evening when there will be a Public Concert and tickets are available at £5 in advance and £6 on the door. Bar will be open. Free parking. Look forward to seeing you all :) :) :) !!! Regards Alan Corkett Events Manager Trustee Halsway Manor Society and member of NPS. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: 1st national survey of amateur arts by DCMS starts 1st February
For information Alan -Original Message- From: Alan Corkett [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 29 January 2008 13:10 To: Alan Corkett Subject: FW: 1st national survey of amateur arts by DCMS starts 1st February Importance: High For information ABC DCMS to launch arts survey The DCMS is to launch its first national survey of amateur arts groups in England on 1 February. Groups of voluntary and amateur participants in music, dance, literature, visual arts and theatre, are being encouraged to fill out the short questionnaire by 29 February. Culture minister Margaret Hodge said: The arts are a really important part of so many people's lives. Taking part in local voluntary arts groups is rewarding, fascinating and fun and this survey is the first step to connect with those involved. Over 70 per cent of people in England take part in artistic activities in all their many and varied forms, but for too long, local arts groups have not been fully recognised as an important part of our thriving arts scene. This survey will try to map voluntary and amateur arts group and look at how they are supported and how more people could be encouraged to get involved. The results will be published in the summer. Sarah Knight Artlife Coordinator Tel: 01643 704661 sarah @artlife-somerset.co.uk mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] www.artlife-somerset.co.uk mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Artlife, The Exmoor Business Centre, Tregonwell Road, Minehead Somerset TA24 5DU. -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Happy Christmas from Halsway!
Pipers! We seem to be almost full this year, with many of the regulars not booked! I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Pipers Residential w/e 2-4th March 2007. Next March may suddenly seem not so far away. I hope that those reluctant few pipers that intended to come but who have delayed will now ring up the office and book before it is too late and the risk disappointment. (01984 618274) [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Best wishes Alan Corkett (Trustee) www.halswaymanor.org.uk http://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/ -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Pipers weekend Mar 2007
Hi there Bookings are coming in nicely for next year. This weekend seems to have become a firm favourite with some pipers who dread to miss the occasion. Whilst Halsway Manor in Somerset is a long way from the north and may I say how grateful we are to those who undertake this great journey to the south west, it does allow those who come from the southern parts to share a wonderful treat and come into contact with the piping fraternity. In addition to great tutoring staff this year Pauline Cato, Chris Evans, Rob Say, Francis Wood, there must be a name or two there that you recognise, we have also invited the new president Jim Bryan from Salisbury to make it a special occasion. all best wishes and looking forward to seeing you all again. Alan Christine Corkett www.halswaymanor.org.uk [EMAIL PROTECTED] 01984 618274 PS See events page March 2007. -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Halsway Report
What glowing reports there were in the latest NPS newsletter on the Halsway Manor residential piping weekend! Thanks for the tribute to Alan Christine Corkett. Pity no one sent in a copy of the group photo with Manor in the background, but I suspect they ran out of space. Next year's Piping weekend is set up for the 2nd - 4th March 2007, with Pauline Cato, Chris Evans, Rob Say and Francis Wood. It would be nice to say it is fully booked, but alas, that is not the case, just yet! Alan Corkett -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
