I just don't know what came over me today but I found a guy called the "BadPiper" and I just had to show you this. With just one more parade to end this month. I wounder if we can get the band fitted like this before the trip to Ireland.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipes and Drums Band's mission is to play the pipes and drums to the highest skill level possible. A high communal spirit, endless good times, and above all, the joys of achievement are the rewards of hours of dedicated practice.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
March madness with the Pipes and Drums
Hello everyone, here we are again at the start of a new season. This year is going to be a big one for the band, lots of places to go and thing to see. This year we have 17 paying "gigs" and a good number of volunteer engagements, so here we go for the month of March.
Last week we were at the yearly AOH fundraiser at Danial Webster Collage were we had a good showing of piper and drummers. The playing was good with thanks to Cindy and the practice we have been having at the Band practices. Withe strike in and stops right on the money. Thanks to every one that were there.
This Sunday March 6th there is again Band Practice at the PAL starting at 9:30am. At 11:00am we will be leaving for the Rochester Opera House for a school benefit. The uniform will be black polo shirts and the rest of your KiltKit. The meeting time will be at 1:00pm with us starting the show at 2:00pm. There will be plenty of parking at the back of the Opera house in front of the Rochester Police station.
March 11th there is a AOH fundraiser in Peabody MA. This is another volunteer engagement that will help us to get the world out about what we do.The seacoast Bus will be at Roy's at 4:00pm, Dover at 4:30. The AOH hall is across the street of the Bung-hole liquor store.
March 12th, We will be at the Elks Club in Dover NH. at 5:00pm
March 13th, Is the Worcester Ma. parade step off time is 12:00 so you will need to be there at 11:00am. I will get information about the Seacoast bust later. This is a pay performance.
March 17th is the not to be missed Dover Pub Crawl. Looks like we will have five and perhaps 6 places to play at this year. We start as always at the Dover Am. Legion post at 5:00pm.
March 27 is the Manchester Parade. Step off time is at 12:00 Noon so assemble time is set for 11:00am. This is a pay performance.
And speaking about paying performances. As you all know, next year we are going to Ireland and Scotland.This is thing that we have been working for some time. Ticket cost for band members are being picked up by the Band. However, the full ticket cost will only be paid for Band Members who take part in 13 out of the 17 paid parades and performances we have this season. Volunteer engagements on the other hand are just that, volunteer. Next year, as we will be leaving in October the required number will be less. Note that Miramichi counts as one parade/performance.
I thought that I would also toss in another you-tube clip on bagpipes. Computerized bag pipes. Sounds a little like Tom when he really gets going. It could work a bit on its ending.
Well that is all I have for now. If you have any questions. You can get answers at this Sundays Band practice.
Don't forget to live well and practice often.
Bob Stock
Last week we were at the yearly AOH fundraiser at Danial Webster Collage were we had a good showing of piper and drummers. The playing was good with thanks to Cindy and the practice we have been having at the Band practices. Withe strike in and stops right on the money. Thanks to every one that were there.
This Sunday March 6th there is again Band Practice at the PAL starting at 9:30am. At 11:00am we will be leaving for the Rochester Opera House for a school benefit. The uniform will be black polo shirts and the rest of your KiltKit. The meeting time will be at 1:00pm with us starting the show at 2:00pm. There will be plenty of parking at the back of the Opera house in front of the Rochester Police station.
March 11th there is a AOH fundraiser in Peabody MA. This is another volunteer engagement that will help us to get the world out about what we do.The seacoast Bus will be at Roy's at 4:00pm, Dover at 4:30. The AOH hall is across the street of the Bung-hole liquor store.
March 12th, We will be at the Elks Club in Dover NH. at 5:00pm
March 13th, Is the Worcester Ma. parade step off time is 12:00 so you will need to be there at 11:00am. I will get information about the Seacoast bust later. This is a pay performance.
March 17th is the not to be missed Dover Pub Crawl. Looks like we will have five and perhaps 6 places to play at this year. We start as always at the Dover Am. Legion post at 5:00pm.
March 27 is the Manchester Parade. Step off time is at 12:00 Noon so assemble time is set for 11:00am. This is a pay performance.
And speaking about paying performances. As you all know, next year we are going to Ireland and Scotland.This is thing that we have been working for some time. Ticket cost for band members are being picked up by the Band. However, the full ticket cost will only be paid for Band Members who take part in 13 out of the 17 paid parades and performances we have this season. Volunteer engagements on the other hand are just that, volunteer. Next year, as we will be leaving in October the required number will be less. Note that Miramichi counts as one parade/performance.
I thought that I would also toss in another you-tube clip on bagpipes. Computerized bag pipes. Sounds a little like Tom when he really gets going. It could work a bit on its ending.
Well that is all I have for now. If you have any questions. You can get answers at this Sundays Band practice.
Don't forget to live well and practice often.
Bob Stock
Monday, February 21, 2011
First information on the upcoming Trip for 2012.
This is the "first cut" on the Band upcoming trip to Ireland and Scotland. for Oct. 2012. Now is the time to start thinking about it, getting your passport in order, finding a petsitter, maybe a tour guide book or two and making all the arrangements needed to enjoy the trip. Also remember that in order to go, you will need to make as many parades and other paying performances as possible. There will be a minimum number out of the total for this year and next year season.
DAY 1. Depart U.S.A Oct 3rd
The airline will be Aer lingus flight number 136 BOS/DUB leaving at 6:20PM
DAY 2 Diblin/ Armagh Oct 4
A Cead Mile Failte (One Hundred Thousand Welcomes) awaits you as you are greeted by your charming tour director, Peter Clarke in the arrivals area and escorted to your deluxe motorcoach. We depart for Armagh City, traveling through the county of Louth our first stop this morning will be Newgrange The megalithic tomb at Newgrange was built in 32 BC so it is about 500 years older than the great pyramids, then off to our first overnight stay at the Armagh City Hotel. Armagh has been an ecclesiastical focal point for centuries It is one of the most venerated of Irish cities. To make the most of your trip, we suggest a nap upon arrival. A few hours of rest here can save days of trying to get over jet lag. Overnight / Armagh
DAY 3 Armagh Oct 5th
After breakfast this morning there will be a tour of the city of Armagh. Then over to Keady and Derrynoose, and other stops along the way for some shopping and sights. We will arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon to prepare for an evening of song and stories by friends of Tommy Makem from all around Ireland and beyond at the Tommy Makem Song festival at the Armagh City Hotel. The AOH band and a local Pipe band will also provide entrainment for you all. Overnight. Armagh
DAY 4 Armagh Oct 6th
This morning the morning can be yours to explore the city of Armagh on your own. In the early afternoon we will celebrate the 10 year of the Contlbret Pipes and Drum Band from Monaghan. A performance is planned with the NH AOH Pipes and drums. Overnight/ Armagh
DAY 5 Scotland /Glasgow Oct 7th
After breakfast we bid fare well to the emerald isle and travel through Belfast then board a ferry to Scotland (about a 2 hour cruse). We should arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. We hope to have a performance for the first time in Scotland by the AOH band at the Ashtree Hotel where some of our tour will be staying. Overnight / Paisley/Glasgow
DAY 6 Scotland /Glasgow Oct 8th
Today after a full Scottish breakfast we will board our bus and travel into Glasgow for a bus tour of the city you will have the better part of the day to tour on your own Glasgow is We hope to perform at the AOH of Edinbourgh Overnight/ Glasgow
DAY 7 Scotland / Edinburgh Oct 9th
Today after a full Scottish breakfast we will board our bus and travel to Edinburgh city. After a bus tour of the city the day will be yours to explore the city on your own the many shops and pubs the “Royal Mile” and the Castle which is the center of the city on your own visiting the many shops and pubs. We will return to the hotel in the early evening for a night of song and stories by Tommy Sweeney Overnight/ Glasgow
DAY 8 Scotland / Dublin Oct 10th
We bid farewell to the Highlands of Scotland and return to Ireland via the ferry. We should arrive in Dublin City, Republic of Ireland’s Capital City. In spite of its relatively small size and population (a little over aa million), Dublin still has the feeling of a European city but with the atmosphere which is entirely its own. We should arrive at out hotel in the late afternoon. This evening will be yours to explore the city’s night life at the many pubs and restaurants along” Temple Bar” area and around the downtown. Overnight/ Dubluin
DAY 9 Dublin Oct 11th
After a full Irish Breakfast we can board the bus for a tour of the city, or just explore on your own. Overnight / Dublin
Day 10 Dublin / Killarney Oct 12th
After breakfast this morning we bid farewell to Dublin and head for the County of Cork. Our driver takes us through the towns of Kildare. Portlaois, Thurles to our visit to The Rock of Cashel (Irish: Carraig Phadraig),also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site in Ireland’s province of Munster, located at Cashel, County Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. According to local lore, the Rock of Cashel originated from devil’s Bit, a mountain 30km north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock landing in Cashel. We then head to Blarney woolen mills and Blarney Castle. You will have some time to visit the Castle, Kiss the stone and revive the gift of gab, spend some time in the mill or just ramble around the village. Now it’s off Killarney, arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon The evening will be yours to explore the many musical pubs and restaurants that Killarney has to offer.
DAY 11 Killarney / Dingle Oct 13
Today’s touring beging after breakfast at our hotel. We set off for a senic drive along the spectacular Dingle Peninsula with its unforgettable views of the Blasket Islands. We will have some time to shop and enjoy the waterfront. On our return to our hotel we hope to stop off for a pint at the South Pole Pub. Shactland was a member of the survivors of this exploring ship that was stuck in the ice for many months etc. This evening we will be entertained by Tom Sweeney for our last night in Ireland. Overnight / Killarney
DAY 12 Killarney / Shannon Oct 14th
We bid fare well to the Emerald Isle this morning. After Breakfast we will board our bus and drive to Shannon airport for our flight back to the USA. There will be ample time for shopping at the Duty Free store before boarding our return flight, taking with you fond memories of visit.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
On Tenor Drums
Pipe band tenor drum
Originally a rope-tensioned drum, giving way to modern rod tension, the tenor drum occupied a unique position in the drum corps of military and civilian pipe bands, being used as both timekeepers, accents to the musical ensemble, as well as spectacle.
Three types of tenor drum are played in modern pipe bands :
1. Flourishing tenor: Flourishing tenor drummers use beaters on the end of long sticks, which are then tied to the fingers. The beaters are flourished in coordinated movements, while striking the drum; to add "spectacle". Modern pipe bands of average size usually field two to six flourishing tenor drummers.
2. Alto tenor: played in tandem with the bass drum to add sound and keep time. Not all bands use alto tenor drums.
3. Rhythm tenor: played to accent the snare drum part. It usually is played constantly.
In a usual band formation, the tenor drummers occupy the row(s) between the bass and side drummers.
This type of drum is often used in the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps. It is mainly used in the "flourishing tenor" style, in beat with the bass drum.
Drum corps
The drum corps of a pipe band consists of a section of drummers playing Highland snare drums and the bass section (see below). In the early days of pipe bands, rope tension snare drums were common, but as the technology evolved, so did the music. Pipe band drummers now play on drums with very tight, knitted kevlar heads, designed for maximum tension to create a very crisp and strident sound. Due to technological innovations and changing aesthetics, this crispness has become an integral part of the pipe band sound. Since today's drum is so facile as a result of its design, players are often able to execute extremely complicated and technically demanding rudimentary patterns.
The pipe band drum corps is responsible for both supporting the piping with a solid rhythmic foundation and sense of pulse, often creating an interesting contrapuntal line unto itself. The line played by the drum corps (referred to as the 'drum score') is usually based on rudimentary patterns and can often be quite involved, with solo, unison and contrapuntal passages throughout. A popular pattern in many scores is for the lead drummer to play a phrase, and the section to play in response. This technique is known as seconds(sometimes referred to as chips, or forte).
While standard practice in pipe bands is for the pipe section to perform the traditional or standard arrangements of the melodies, including gracenotes, drum scores are very often composed by the lead drummer of the band. In competition, one of the adjudicators grades a band on how creative their scores are and how well they fit the piping - this aspect of the judging is known as 'ensemble'.
[edit] Bass section
The bass section (also referred to as a mid section) usually consists of a section of tenor drummers and a bass drummer. Their role is to provide rhythmic support to the entire ensemble. In this respect, the bass section allows the drum corps to delegate their timekeeping responsibilities and allows more freedom in the drum scores.
Generally, the bass drum provides a steady pulse, playing on the downbeat and on the strong beats of the bar, and the tenors support that pulse, often adding supporting beats, accents and dynamic interest.
Tenor drums in their modern form are a relatively new addition to the pipe band. While pipe bands of yesteryear would often include tenor drummers, they would usually be "swinging tenors", players who would swing their sticks for elaborate visual effect but who would rarely play. Today's tenor drummers play pitched drums, and careful thought is given as to which pitches to use and at which times. In some cases, five or six tenor drummers have been used, providing a palette of individual pitches for use in a variety of musical situations. The swinging also known as flourishing has developed somewhat into an art form, with drummers playing and swinging in unison or sequential flows.
Since last time I had a video for the bagpipers I now offer you one for tenor drummers.
Quote of the week from one of our band members.:
"My family and I use google calendar as well. I just learned that I can copy the band dates directly into my google calendar there fore allowing my family to see my dates/schedules also."
Originally a rope-tensioned drum, giving way to modern rod tension, the tenor drum occupied a unique position in the drum corps of military and civilian pipe bands, being used as both timekeepers, accents to the musical ensemble, as well as spectacle.
Three types of tenor drum are played in modern pipe bands :
1. Flourishing tenor: Flourishing tenor drummers use beaters on the end of long sticks, which are then tied to the fingers. The beaters are flourished in coordinated movements, while striking the drum; to add "spectacle". Modern pipe bands of average size usually field two to six flourishing tenor drummers.
2. Alto tenor: played in tandem with the bass drum to add sound and keep time. Not all bands use alto tenor drums.
3. Rhythm tenor: played to accent the snare drum part. It usually is played constantly.
In a usual band formation, the tenor drummers occupy the row(s) between the bass and side drummers.
This type of drum is often used in the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps. It is mainly used in the "flourishing tenor" style, in beat with the bass drum.
Drum corps
The drum corps of a pipe band consists of a section of drummers playing Highland snare drums and the bass section (see below). In the early days of pipe bands, rope tension snare drums were common, but as the technology evolved, so did the music. Pipe band drummers now play on drums with very tight, knitted kevlar heads, designed for maximum tension to create a very crisp and strident sound. Due to technological innovations and changing aesthetics, this crispness has become an integral part of the pipe band sound. Since today's drum is so facile as a result of its design, players are often able to execute extremely complicated and technically demanding rudimentary patterns.
The pipe band drum corps is responsible for both supporting the piping with a solid rhythmic foundation and sense of pulse, often creating an interesting contrapuntal line unto itself. The line played by the drum corps (referred to as the 'drum score') is usually based on rudimentary patterns and can often be quite involved, with solo, unison and contrapuntal passages throughout. A popular pattern in many scores is for the lead drummer to play a phrase, and the section to play in response. This technique is known as seconds(sometimes referred to as chips, or forte).
While standard practice in pipe bands is for the pipe section to perform the traditional or standard arrangements of the melodies, including gracenotes, drum scores are very often composed by the lead drummer of the band. In competition, one of the adjudicators grades a band on how creative their scores are and how well they fit the piping - this aspect of the judging is known as 'ensemble'.
[edit] Bass section
The bass section (also referred to as a mid section) usually consists of a section of tenor drummers and a bass drummer. Their role is to provide rhythmic support to the entire ensemble. In this respect, the bass section allows the drum corps to delegate their timekeeping responsibilities and allows more freedom in the drum scores.
Generally, the bass drum provides a steady pulse, playing on the downbeat and on the strong beats of the bar, and the tenors support that pulse, often adding supporting beats, accents and dynamic interest.
Tenor drums in their modern form are a relatively new addition to the pipe band. While pipe bands of yesteryear would often include tenor drummers, they would usually be "swinging tenors", players who would swing their sticks for elaborate visual effect but who would rarely play. Today's tenor drummers play pitched drums, and careful thought is given as to which pitches to use and at which times. In some cases, five or six tenor drummers have been used, providing a palette of individual pitches for use in a variety of musical situations. The swinging also known as flourishing has developed somewhat into an art form, with drummers playing and swinging in unison or sequential flows.
Since last time I had a video for the bagpipers I now offer you one for tenor drummers.
Quote of the week from one of our band members.:
"My family and I use google calendar as well. I just learned that I can copy the band dates directly into my google calendar there fore allowing my family to see my dates/schedules also."
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Starting the New Year
Well here it is, the start of a new year. Now normally you may have noticed if you watch television or read the newspapers, that all have been loading down with "Events of 2010" or some such thing. Fine and good but I know all about what went on last year and now I just want to look forward. So, with that in mind I am picking up again with this blog and will try to keep you all informed and maybe even entrained.However, the later is somewhat subjected and one persons joke is another "eye roller".
We all know what a set of bagpipes look like, at least the type the band plays, the Great Highland Bagpipes (GHP) but there are others types out there with there own shape, style and sound. one such is the Kaba Gaida (Каба Гайда) . It uses a large bag. Single very large drone. A chanter that is larger at the top then it is at the bottom. I can't really describe the sound so I found a youtube.com of 100 Bulgarian bagpipers playing the Kaba Gaida.
For more information on this bag pipe please visit Oliver Seeler's universe of bagpipes
Don't forget this upcoming Thursday January 6th Practice in Rochester. Starting at 6:00pm for beginners, 7:00pm for music on the chanter and 8:00pm to 9:00pm Playing the pipes.
Sunday January 9th. Band practice at the PAL in Manchester starting at 9:30am. Instructors will be there.
Finally, There will be a Board Meeting on January 16th at the Sweeney Post in Manchester at 10:00am. Breakfast will be served.
Live well and make music often
We all know what a set of bagpipes look like, at least the type the band plays, the Great Highland Bagpipes (GHP) but there are others types out there with there own shape, style and sound. one such is the Kaba Gaida (Каба Гайда) . It uses a large bag. Single very large drone. A chanter that is larger at the top then it is at the bottom. I can't really describe the sound so I found a youtube.com of 100 Bulgarian bagpipers playing the Kaba Gaida.
For more information on this bag pipe please visit Oliver Seeler's universe of bagpipes
Don't forget this upcoming Thursday January 6th Practice in Rochester. Starting at 6:00pm for beginners, 7:00pm for music on the chanter and 8:00pm to 9:00pm Playing the pipes.
Sunday January 9th. Band practice at the PAL in Manchester starting at 9:30am. Instructors will be there.
Finally, There will be a Board Meeting on January 16th at the Sweeney Post in Manchester at 10:00am. Breakfast will be served.
Live well and make music often
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