PIPE BANDS

AUSTRALIA

South Australian

Branch

The Piping Shrike JUNE 2016

If undeliverable, return to:

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Pipe Bands Australia Inc

SA Branch

Opinions expressed in this publication ar not necessarily endorsed by Pipe Bands

Australia Inc SA Branch. Views and copyright in signed articles are those of the author.

Office Bearers

Chairman Andrew Fuller

Vice Chairmen David Robertson

Jeff Seymour

Secretary Melanie Inglis

Registrar Melanie Inglis

Treasurer

Vice Principals

Piping

Drumming Des Phillips

Dress and Drill

Kym Atwell

Rules and Administration

CONTENTS

From the Chairman 3

Around the Bands 4

Mini Bands & Solo

Competitions d requirements 8

Honours Awards 2016 9

Summer School 2017 10

Making Your Bagpipe Steadier 12

Branch Calendar 14

NEXT ISSUE CLOSES: Friday 19/8/16

Submitted articles should be written in plain text, in 10 point Calibri.

Articles to the Editor: Christine Gordon

7 Palomino Place Hackham SA 5163

Ph 08 83265792

Email: editor@sa.pipebands.asn.au

Subscriptions to:

Christine Gordon

7 Palomino Place Hackham SA 5163

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

ANDREW FULLER

Since our last edition, the Executive and College of the Branch have both met. Coming away from those meetings, it is clear that we have some ambitious plans, but also some challenges to increase the level of engagement that members have with Branch-run events and even on some discussion points.

There is work underway to look at the feasibility of at least one additional full-band contest each year, possibly more. We have two possible locations in mind and talks have commenced with venue owners/operators. One venue is extremely keen to pro-ceed and we are in the process of landing at an agreed position. In addition to the con-test format we will run, there are discussions about developing a more public-orientated format, and there are existing events interstate that we have the ability to model via discussions with the respective event organisers. I've already contacted one event in Victoria and have secured an invitation to discuss the finer details. A tattoo-styled presentation in some sort of evening format may get some traction with more bands here in SA. Over the years, this has been flagged before but has had to be parked, owing to the room for improvement with regards to participation in existing events.

The Royal Show has approached Pipe Bands SA to again put on a massed bands presen-tation this year. This will be for ten consecutive nights. This will be a challenge and we know that numbers can fluctuate from night to night. Nonetheless, it is a fee-paying engagement and bands will be paid on a per capita basis, so the more people each band can get there each night, the better that band will be remunerated for it. The finer details are yet to be agreed but we can assume it will be very similar to previous years in terms of timings, logistics and the performances themselves. The Branch en-courages all bands to be involved in this. We certainly appreciate the commitment in-volved in having to arrive there on time (just after business hours) and to do it for ten nights on the trot. Most of Branch Executive are band members who participate.

We'd like to see as many band folk as possible at the upcoming mini band contest (July 24th) at Adelaide High School. Entries can be done via the Branch Secretary. Solos will be a part of the programme, as per usual. Hope to see as many of you there as possible for some good music and mingling.

PIPE BANDS AUSTRALIA Inc SA BRANCH WEBSITE

www.sa.pipebands.asn.au

PIPE BANDS AUSTRALIA WEBSITE: www.pipebands.asn.au

Rules and Regulations can be downloaded from this site

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RSL BLUE LAKE HIGHLAND PIPE BAND

Barry Ward

Unfortunately due to a technical hitch we missed the last issue of the Piping Shrike but some of our comments are still relevant and worth repeating.

Since the last magazine the “Edinburgh Tattoo in Melbourne” has been on TV. Some of our band members attended and were most impressed. Hopefully seeing the massed Pipes and drums together with the Finale will flow through to their own playing. You need to be a Grade 4 player at the higher end but also need to know how to practice. This is the missing element for many pipers and drummers. Get yourself to that standard and who knows what doors may open.

The Mt Gambier city council has spent several million dollars in developing 1km of the unused rail corridor through the city center as a community area. The community has seen the value in this area in the middle of town with several functions drawing large crowds. The pipe band played at the opening and has been invited to play at two more functions so far.

The Warrnambool South West Coast Piper and Drummer Workshop was in April and we sent 15 players. This was most of our drummers and a few pipers. It is difficult to do more than one day due to the duty of care for the under 18’s. This year as always they had some excellent international Tutors. If you did not learn from the world’s best at this workshop then you were not listening. It also reinforced that our local Tutors are singing from the same song sheet.

Anzac Day went well for us. The BLHPB supported Mt Gambier and Port MacDonnel with Naracoorte doing Naracoorte and Francis. We did both Dawn and Midmorning services which again were attended by large crowds. We played again in the afternoon in all the function rooms at the Mt Gambier RSL when it is all a little less formal allowing for a bit more fun.

Our next major performance is for the Dancers Deb ball at the Barn Palais. Crowds are normally 600 or more with the band doing a display, playing for the Deb dances and individual Pipers playing in the Debutantes.

We have two reps on the Limestone Coast Tattoo committee now in its 6th year. This year the theme is 100 years of war and peace as the RSL is 100 years old. All the bands are playing music from the wars which gives the Pipes and drums plenty of scope. We will have 3 appearances plus the Fanfare and Finale. We combine with the Naracoorte Highland Band and practice for this starts now.

As far as numbers go we are holding steady losing 3 pipers and a drummer but gaining 2 pipers into the playing ranks. It is disappointing losing young players to other interests and employment but life goes on. We keep recruiting and tutoring but it is very difficult to raise the standard of tunes as we tend to play to our learners to give them a fair go. We are looking at Mini Bands in the near future to somewhat overcome this.

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. CITY OF ELIZABETH PIPE BAND

Jeff Seymour

Since the last newsletter, the band has

played at a range of engagements includ-

ing an ANZAC march at Gawler and the

Adelaide Anzac Day commemoration

march. Anzac Day is always an enjoyable

day for band members. We had a good

turnout and enjoyed a lunch and fellow-

ship together at the London Tavern after

the march. We also recently played for the

Munno Para Caledonian Society.

The Gawler march was the first for an-

other new piper member. Steve Needham

turned out with the band for the first time

at Gawler. Well done to Steve. Steve is the

third new member to join our ranks in the

past 7 months. Well done to Jim Smith on

getting another learner into the band.

We were pleased with the response to the

advertisements for the sale of our Pearl

drums and Andante tenors and bass. All of

the drums have sold to bands in SA, Victo-

ria and NSW. Thanks to the Piping Shrike

for helping to get the word out.

The City of Elizabeth Pipe Band was dis-

appointed to see the cancellation of the

May mini-band and solo contest. Our

band was short on numbers in the end,

with a number of members being away

on annual holidays. Hopefully, more

bands will support the proposed July

competition.

BAROSSA AND DISTRICTS PIPE BAND

Celia Manning

Our engagement calendar is filling up for the year, with two country shows: Angaston and Tanunda already over, and a march evening performance at a Barossa District Rotary Club function at Barossa Bush Gar-dens.

Our band was represented at the Warrnam-bool workshops this year by two drummers, Lucy and her Mum Sharon Whittaker, who play snare and tenor drums respectively. Pipe Major Peter Whitehead and president Sherryl Whitehead went along to support them and catch up with old friends. All agreed this was a beneficial and enjoyable weekend.

We played a massive three-engagements-in-a-row on Anzac day, beginning at Williams-town dawn service followed by Tanunda parade late morning and Angaston footy in the afternoon. A social lunch for band mem-bers and family sustained us throughout the day.

In the first week of term 2, five of us, three pipers and two drummers played at Salis-bury East High school's dedication service to open their new memorial gardens. It was uplifting to play in front of over 600 well behaved teenagers as well as school staff. We were given a warm welcome by all who attended.

Later that week nearly all of us played at a Multicultural festival held in the Barossa Valley. This was a popular event with per-formers and public alike. With food from around the world, entertainment including music, dance, singing and marshall arts showcasing many different countries. Activi-ties and workshops were popular with some of our pipers displaying a distinct lack of Morris Dancing talent!

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ROYAL CALEDONIAN SOCIETY PIPE BAND

Jeanette Mc Donald

This year has been an exciting one, we

returned from performing at the Royal

Edinburgh Military Tattoo in mid

February and at the end of March we

received the first of the music for our

performance at Windsor Castle for HM

The Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations

which was held in conjunction with the

annual Windsor Horse Show.

Excitement was high and had been since

we had confirmation of our participation

in October 2015, everyone was keen to

perfect the music and prepare our

uniforms for such a prestigious event.

Groups that performed at the event

came from various regions including

South Africa, Ireland, Canada, New

Zealand, Fiji, Azerbaijan, Chile, France,

Scotland, England, Switzerland and from

Australia, The Band of the South

Australia Police and ourselves.

We departed Adelaide on the 4th May

and commenced rehearsals at Windsor

Castle Home Park on the 8th May. The

location, facilities and atmosphere was

amazing and for the first few days the

English weather was kind to us, shorts

and t-shirts were the order of the day.

Unfortunately that did not last and the

rain came down to the extent that the

Dress Rehearsal of the Birthday

Afternoon tea with the Queen Celebrations and the 1st day of the

Windsor Horse Show was cancelled

due to flooding in the car parks – this

is an unusual occurrence, we were told

this has only happened once before.

There were quite a few disappointed

people who had travelled thousands

of miles to attend the Dress Rehearsal,

travelling from as far as Sth Africa,

Canada, New Zealand and Australia

The rain eased overnight and the next

day both the Horse Show and the

Queen’s performances of the Birthday

Celebrations went ahead with no fur-

ther interruptions from rain.

The colour and spectacle of all the acts

was something to see and received

rave reviews from all who attended.

It was certainly a memorable event

and something none of our members

will ever forget.

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Six members of each group performing

were given the opportunity of having

afternoon tea with HM The Queen,

Prince Phillip and Prince Andrew, as well

as celebrity guests, and this was a

highlight for those attending and

something they will always remember.

CITY of ONKAPARINGA PIPE BAND

Keith Blyth

Congratulations and Challenges for City of Onkaparinga

Congratulations to Wayne Leggett,

receiving Life Membership to the R U

Brown Piobaireachd Society! The Society

was established in 1972 for people to

regular get together and play the

bagpipes – of all types and at all levels.

Life Membership is a well earnt and

fitting award for Wayne – given his

tireless efforts and commitment to the

Society.

However, Wayne is not resting on his

laurels!

Every week the City of Onkaparinga band

members benefit from his experience

and technical capabilities – especially for

fixing bagpipes. Wayne is forever reliable

and supportive to all members – a fact

our band is most appreciative of.

Speaking of appreciation, the City of

Onkaparinga Pipe Band also wishes to

publicly acknowledge and thank all those

involved in the recent Pipe and

Drumming School held at Warrnambool,

Victoria. More than 136 Pipers,

Drummers and Dancers took the

opportunity to spend a weekend to

improve to improve their craft.

The weekend was a great success. There

was a lot to learn, with plenty of

opportunities to make new friends and

most important of all, gain that valuable

technical advice we always seem to be

yearning for!

The weekend was all business. Having

survived the seven ad a half hour drive

from Adelaide to get there, we were

quickly auditioned and sorted into an

appropriate group – then off to the first

tutoring session all within the hour!

Each session was around two hours. Our

tutors were faultless in their delivery and

no-nonsense approach – yet the time

went very fast and we all found the

sessions informative and enjoyable!

Additional highlights of the weekend

included the gala performance on Friday

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night, massed band march on Saturday

afternoon and the impromptu concert at

the local RSL that followed!

The message for the weekend was quite

clear: Better piping and drumming starts

with good practice – and good practice

means you have to challenge yourself

during the practices.

Our Band members are probably as guilty

as most in becoming aware of these

types of weekends and seminars – we

see them advertised, yet very few make

the effort to attend.

Thanks to those at Warrnambool, our views have changed. These events ARE worth making the effort and it is up to all of us to support them.

MINIATURE BAND COMPETITION

Sunday 24th July 2016

Adelaide High School, West Terrace, Adelaide

Commencing at 10 am

Grade 4 MSR and Medley

Grade 2 MSR and Medley

Bands May enter both elements or one element of their choice.

SOLO PIPING and DRUMMING COMPETITIONS

Sunday July 24th 2016

Adelaide High School, West Terrace

Following the Mini Band Competition

SOLO PIPING

Preliminary/Beginner 2 parts compound time march played on a practice chanter D 4 parts compound time March (2x2 parted tunes accepted)

C 2/4 competition March (4 part min)

B March Strathspey and Reel (4 parts

min)

A Hornpipe into Jig (4 parts min)

SOLO DRUMMING Preliminary/Beginner 2 parts compound time march played on a practice pad and may be accompanied by a piper on a practice chante

D 4 parts compound time march (2x2

parted tunes accepted) C 2/4 Competition March (4 part min)

B March Strathspey and Reel (4 part

min)

A Hornpipe into Jig (4 parts min) Competitors playing in Grades A-D must

be accompanied by one or two pipers

and tenor/bass drummers may also

include a snare drummer.

Drummers wishing to play in a grade higher than is designated for them must also play in their designated grade and

pay a separate entry fee for the higher grade. Also note that competitors may

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only play up one grade from that designated for them. Any drummers with questions or doubts regarding the above or their solo grade, please contact V/P Drumming Des Phillips on 0407 710 490 for clarification.

Please advise the secretary if your piper is also entering the solo piping competition.

CLOSING DATE:

Friday 15 July 2016

for both solo and band Competitions

ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM the PIPE BANDS SA web

site

www.sa.pipebands.asn.au

or

Mel Inglis

secretary@sa.pipebands.asn.au

SA BRANCH AGM

The AGM will be held in conjunction with the

competitions at Adelaide High School on

Sunday 24th July 2016

HONOURS AWARDS 2016

Congratulations to Bob Semple BEM who

was honoured with an order of Australian Medal (OAM) in this year’s Queens Birthday honours.

Congratulations also to Brian Niven who was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM ) in this year’s Australia Day honours.

The support for bands and the pipe band movement in general, is known to many here in South Australia.

From the Media releases obtained from the Governor Generals web site it can be seen that they have also given service across a range of other organisations.

Mr Robert James SEMPLE BEM,

For service to the community through pipe and drum bands, and veterans' organisations.

Service includes:

Member, The Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums, since 1997 and attended Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 2005, 2001, 1997 and Life Member, 2008.

Vice-President, Victorian Branch, Rats of Tobruk Association, current and Guest Speaker, including for Warrandyte Primary School and The Star of the Sea Secondary College, current.

Honorary Chieftain, Pipe Bands Australia and Principal Dress and Drill, ‘for 10 years’ and Life Member.

Vice Principal Dress and Drill, Pipe Bands Victoria, 'for 10 years'.

Judge, Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association, 'for many years' and Life Member.

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Victoria Police Pipe Band, 1988-2013.

Community:

President, College Council, Heathmont College; Councillor, since 2008; Member, Finance Sub-committee.

Master, Masonic Lodge of Quest, Freemasons Victoria, 1998-1999; Secretary, 2001-2002.

IT’S BACK- THE PIPE BANDS AUSTRALIA SUMMER SCHOOL

Seven reasons why you should go.

Pipe Bands Australia is tooling-up to run it 6th National Summer School for pipers and drummers. This time, it returns to Melbourne and will be conducted between January 15th and 20th, and will be based at the McLeod College.

To date, Pipe Bands Australia Summer Schools have tutored over 400 pipers and drummers in more than 1400 lessons, tutorials, and seminars, with formal student feedback showing over 95% satisfaction with their experience. They are compelling statistics, and I would like to suggest that you consider attending or supporting other members of your band who may wish to attend.

The event is put together by the Music Principals, Brett Tidswell and myself, working in conjunction with an organising committee and other leading pipers and drummers throughout Australia. We have strong connections with our colleagues in the

Drum Major, Hawthorn City Pipe Band, since 1960 and Piper and Life Member and Member since 1946.

Member, 9th Division Association, current.

Member, 2/12 Field Regiment Association, current.

Awards and recognition includes:

Recipient, ‘for outstanding service to the pipe band community', Sir Rupert Hamer award, Victorian Highland Pipe Band

Recipient, 'for services to pipe bands', British Empire Medal (BEM), 1983.

Mr Brian Cameron NIVEN,

For service to the pipe band movement, and to the community.

Service includes:

Music:

International Adjudicator in Bagpipes, Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, current.

Qualified Ensemble Judge and Piping Judge, Australian Pipe Band Association.

Adjudicator, Australian Pipe Band College; Former Vice-Principal, Piping.

Vice-President, Piping, Pipe Bands Victoria, 2011-2013.

Inaugural President, Victorian Pipers Association, since 1993.

Qualified Specialist Examiner, Solo Bagpipes, Victorian Certificate of Education, Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Pipe Sergeant and Music Director,

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Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association, in fact, our program for the Summer School is very much like theirs and we sometimes share tutors as well.

The big question is, why should you consider attending? Here are seven reasons you should consider when answering that question.

Tuition that is matched to your playing level. Most of our students come from grade 4 bands but we also provide tuition all the way up to the grade 1 level. We will work with you to identify your current playing level at the start of the Summer School and to set goals for the week’s activities. You will work in small groups, with others who have similar skill levels, in a supportive and non-threatening environment.

A week to build skills. Most piping and drumming schools are conducted for a much shorter duration that ours. They can be very useful in building enthusiasm but are naturally restricted in how far they can go with achieving actual skill changes during the event. With nearly 5 days of tuition and great support from our tutors, you will leave our Summer School playing better and feeling confident about your future musical development. Your knowledge will increase, but also, you will have had time to build new skills as well.

Variety of piping and drumming activities throughout the week. You will spend time in small groups on drum pads or chanters, working in small band groups as we put some music together, attending seminars, workshops and a

recital given by tutors. You will be actively engaged, with just the right amount of challenge put before you to build your confidence and capability.

World-class ‘keynote’ tutors supported by great Australian talent. We have had some of the biggest names in the pipe band world attend as our keynote tutors. Not only are they brilliant and inspirational players, but they are also selected because they are great communicators. Working with some of the best talent in the Australian pipe band scene, our team of tutors will give you a satisfying week of guided instruction, so good in fact, that you won’t be able to wait until the next event comes around. This is the message we have received from our past students.

Great satisfaction from immersing yourself in the music. The atmosphere in the Summer School is electric. Everywhere you look, there will be pipers and drummers fully engaged in developing their skills. Most people who attend the event have never shared their learning experiences with so many others at the same time. Even during the scheduled breaks, you will be mixing with other pipers and drummers and benefiting from these informal interactions.

Caters for all ages of pipers and drummers. We have had learners as young as 11 and through to over 70 years of age. You’re never too young or too old to benefit from the Summer

Very young players may require parental or guardian attendance if

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they are intending to live in, and spe-cial arrangements are in place for the qualified supervision of children who are attending the Summer School.

Make new friends from across Australia’s

pipe band scene. Everyone comes away from the Summer School with new friendships, and often those that will last the test of time. We all know how important relationships are in pipe bands. The music is important but so too are the people that you play music with and the friendly relationships you have with them.

I could continue with other compel-ling reasons for you or other members of your band to attend, but I’ll leave that for another time. Look for our Pipe Bands Australia Summer School facebook page and for the release of enrolment information and the names of our keynote tutors for 2017. It will be a pleasure to have you along.

Greg Bassani OAM. BEd. BTech. JP. Principal of Drumming

Pipe Bands Australia

Mobile- 0401 124 664

MAKING YOUR BAGPIPE STEADIER

Brett Tidswell

www.schoolofpiping.com

We constantly aim for better tone and stability of our instrument. Here are some simple tips that will help:

Check that all joints and tuning slides

are well hemped and that none move

or rock on the joint.

Test that your bag is airtight and your

blow pipe valve works properly.

Ensure that you have a suitable Wa-

ter Trap or Moisture Control System

installed.

If using a canister system replace the

drying agent.

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Check all hoses to your Moisture

Control System. Some hoses may

leak, replace them. Some brands of

hoses offer more stability and

reliability than others.

Some drone reeds will not last

forever. If any are suspect clean the

reeds and replace the bridles. You

may also need to replace your reeds

if you suspect tongue fatigue.

Balance your drone reeds for strength

(the methods are highlighted in The

Complete Pipers Handbook).

If your chanter reed is old and not

giving the best performance, replace

it.

If too much moisture is building up on

the reeds invest in a new Moisture

Control System.

Practice blowing exercises, as a lot of

instability can be caused by poor

technique.

Do not assume that instability is

caused by your blowing, I see so

many instruments that are poorly set

and pipers just assume it is their bad

blowing.

Get a good maintenance guide to help you to learn to set your instru-ment up

Too often I see old equipment that has passed its prime or badly set instruments and pipers ignoring it. They either put up with the bad results or assume it is their own failure to blow steady. It is the Pipe Majors catch cry to have difficulty with an instrument and tell someone to blow steady! This might not always be the problem.

Give yourself a fighting chance and try the above points to get a better result from your instrument.

The Complete Pipers Handbook is a great guide to help you to get a better result from your instrument. Also the School of Piping Shop has great deals on many reeds and products, and we are always willing to offer help and advice along the way.

Visit us at wwwschoolofpiping.com

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PIPE BANDS SA

CALENDAR 2016

July 24 Sun Mini Bands & Solo Competitions Adelaide High

Aug 19 Fri Magazine Articles Due

Sep 5 Mon 7:00pm Branch Council Meeting Rob Roy Hotel

Nov 18 Fri Magazine Articles Due

Dec 5 Mon 7:00pm Branch Council Meeting Rob Roy Hotel

Dates and Times are subject to change without notice.

Contact the Branch Secretary to confirm Branch event details.

secretary@sa.pipebands.asn.au

Contact organisers of other events advertised on the calendar