Hi Everyone,

Below is a schedule of target dates according to which we should have learned
the new competition music.  These dates apply mostly to the pipers, since the
drummers may be a bit behind, but hopefully the whole band will be roughly on
the same schedule soon.  I will put these dates on the calendar in the Yahoo
group for reference.

I'd also like to have a Saturday practice later this month.  I'm thinking about
Saturday, January 28th.  More on that later.  All of the dates below are
Tuesdays.  Whenever a date involves introducing a tune or part, the expectation
is that the material will be memorized for the following week.  Ultimately we're
working toward being prepared to compete at the New Hampshire indoor band
contest, which I believe will be Saturday, April 14th.

January 31st - medley fully introduced and memorized.
February 7th - Parts 1 & 2 of Walter Douglas introduced
February 14th - Parts 3 & 4 of Walter Douglas introduced
February 21st - Aspen Bank introduced
February 28th - Kildonan introduced
March 6th - Review and introduce medley breaks and transitions.
March 13th - Medley on Pipes and Drums
March 27th - MSR on Pipes and Drums

New Hampshire Indoor - Saturday, April 14th

Let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks,

Jeff

Hi Everyone,

A automatic reminder just went out last night notifying everyone that the Grade
4 medley should be memorized.  To clarify, next week is the date that I planned
to assign that goal, which is to say that you don't have to have the medley
memorized until the following Tuesday, February 7th.  Let's continue with the
goal of having the first half of the medley memorized for this week (76 Police
Tattoo, Morrisons, Hag and Tibby).

Let me know if you have any questions!


Thanks

Jeff

For the pipers, here's a couple of brief notes to guide your practice for next
week:

1.  '76 Police Tattoo

      Played the tune in the range of 78 - 80 bpm.  Can't emphasize enough how
important it is to practice with a metronome and get everything on the beat. 
Play at a slower tempo if you need to.  Pay attention to groups where we have a
dot/cut group leading into a C Doubling, as in part 1, bar 3 going into bar 4
where we have a dotted E, a cut D and Bar 4 started with the C doubling.  Hold
the dotted note as long as you possibly can and then focus on landing the C
doubling precisely on the next beat (the G gracenote of the doubling, to be
precise).  Also remember not to crunch the C doublings.  Keep them open with two
distinct graceneotes.  There are a number of spots in the tune where this
rhythmic pattern occurs (Dot/Cut group followed by a doubling on the next beat).
Make sure you're playing each one accurately.

2.  Morrison's Jig

      Played this at 90 bpm.  Again, while speed is not the first priority, you
should be trying to get into this tempo range by now.  We focused on keeping the
run of three note groups in part 1 bars 7 and 8 (B,C,D High G,F,E D,B,low G)
controlled.  This means you should be able to produce a consistent 1,2,3 rhythm
in each group and get the first note of each 3 note group on the beat.
      We also worked on holding the low A quarter note (as in part 2, bar 3) for
its full time.  Don't cut up to the High A early.  This is a passage where
singing or humming the along with a metronome may be just as effective as
practicing on the chanter.  Just have to get the timing into your head.
      Lastly, we were rushing the first G,D,E on low A in Part 1 bar 1 of the
tune.  We have to be able to establish the tempo and rhythm of the tune
immediately, which is kind of a "hit the ground running" challenge.

3.  Hag at the Churn

      Generally, we have to work on keeping every single 3 note group very evenly
expressed, meaning that each note in a 3 note group has the same duration.  We
tend to shorten the second note in certain groups.  In the second part, two
important groups to watch out for are: E, High A, F (as in part 2, bar 1) and E,
High A, High A (as in part 2, bar 2).  In both cases, be sure to clearly
articulate the middle note.  It's almost like trying to speak especially clearly
to someone, where you over-annunciate your words.  We're trying to clearly
annunciate the notes in these groups.

4.  Tibby

      We played Tibby at 46 BPM (but we counted in triple time).  To be clear on
the setting, everything is still grips, as written.  Forget about the
experimentation with birls.  Remember we're starting all grips on the beat
(first low G of the grip movement coincides with the beat).  Don't play the
grips early.
      The biggest thing to focus on here is the timing of the line endings and,
in particular, the the transition notes that carry us into the following line. 
Again, this is a bit that can be practiced by singing with the metronome to get
the timing down.  And then go back and try to play with your chanter what you've
sung.

Summary:

One observation Robbie shared with me regarding practice the other night was
that he thought we had a good strong group, but that it would be important to
make sure everyone was following through with the practice at home, because
that's what really makes the difference.  This is true of the 78th Frasers and
it's true for us.  We have to be putting in the practice time at home.  Don't
rush it.  We're in good shape (medley almost learned by February!?)  But
everyone needs to put the work in.  Remember, practice smart:  don't just play
the whole tune over and over.  Use the weak bits we identify at practice as a
guide and isolate weak passages to focus on.  A good practice session might only
address a bar of music, but if you make progress, that's better than playing
through everything and achieving nothing.

As always, email me if you have any questions!

Thanks,

Jeff

Pipers, sorry, one more thing.  In terms of the overall schedule, the calendar
says that we should have the medley memorized for next week (all calendar goals
are "due" the week after they are assigned on the Yahoo group calendar). 
According to the schedule, we should be introducing the first two parts of the
march next week.  Let's push that back.  For next week, work on the points I
mentioned in my recent email.  Next Tuesday we will look at the second half of
the medley with the goal of getting the whole thing memorized by the following
week.  If we have time, we'll start the march next Tuesday.  If not, we'll put
it off til the following week.

Thanks!

Jeff

Hi Everyone,

These notes won't be as extensive as last time.  Keep up the good work in your
personal practice.  The first half of the medley showed real signs of
improvement last night.  Let's keep progressing.

1.  '76 Police Tattoo - Played last night at 78 bpm.  Hold the dotted notes as
long as possible throughout the tune.  Be aware of the weak spots that were
highlighted in the previous notes and make sure you've fixed those problems.

2.  Jigs - played at 92 bpm.  Good job with these.  Try to keep inching forward
with tempo, but only if you can maintain control.  In the second jig, keep the
E, Low A, Low A groups nice and even, with a strong D gracenote on the last Low
A.

3.  Tibby - Played at 46 bpm.  Getting better all the time.  Remember to start
the grips on the beat and keep them fairly compressed (although be sure to still
play all the components of the movement).  The tendency is to play them early
and open.  Watch consistency of expression in the 3 note groups.  Keep all of
them strongly pointed.  Most important problem to fix right now is the timing of
bar 8 in Part 1 and the subsequent transition to part 2.  Practice this with a
metronome!

4.  Neil's Piece Strathspey - played at 96 bpm.  Many people simply aren't ready
to play this tune at this speed yet.  Slow it down and make sure all the
technique is clean are getting the proper notes on the beat.  Remember that if
you play slowly, you should still play with the proper rhythms and expression,
i.e. dotted notes are still longer and cut notes are shorter.  People tend to
start playing everything like a one long run on sentence when they slow down. 
If you do this, you're defeating the purpose of practicing the tune at a slower
tempo.

5.  Neil's Piece Reel - Played this at 72 bpm (actually we counted in double
time, so 144 bpm).

6.  Biffy's Sisters - played at 64 and 66 bpm.  This tune and Neil's Piece Reel
just need to be played more.  Not a lot to these tunes, just need to get them
under the fingers.

Just keep plugging away at these tunes.  Basically, now is the time to have the
medley memorized.  I'd like to start playing the medley on pipes and drums in
two weeks.  The snare scores are pretty much finished.  We'll be starting work
on the bass and tenor soon.  The breaks and most of the harmonies for the medley
were finished last night.  We'll introduce them next Tuesday.

If we have time, we may also start looking at the march for the MSR, but most
likely that will have to wait one more week.

Email me if you have any questions!

Thanks,

Jeff

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeffrey Schenck

To: schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 4:33 PM

Subject: Re: [schenectadypipeband] Notes from Tuesday February 7 Grade 4 Chanter Practice

Great.  Didn't notice at first that we were sharing this exchange with the whole band . . .

---

From: Jeffrey Schenck <superschenck@...>
To: "schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com" <schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 4:32 PM
Subject: Re: [schenectadypipeband] Notes from Tuesday February 7 Grade 4 Chanter Practice

I was actually hoping that maybe you could do interpretive dance instead!  I can unenroll you from the group if you want.  I think you signed up so you got notifcations about practices, band performances and competitions.  Maybe I can change your settings so that you only get special notices or something.

---

From: Becky Feig <rsfeig@...>
To: "schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com" <schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 4:30 PM
Subject: Re: [schenectadypipeband] Notes from Tuesday February 7 Grade 4 Chanter Practice

Hi Pipers,

I want to know why *I* get EVERY SINGLE ONE of these emails. I'll get right to work on my triangle piece for the '76 Police Tattoo. It goes like this: 'ding...ding... ding...'

Love,

Jeff's (soon to be deceased) Wife

---

From: Thomas LaBelle <tplabelle@...>
To: schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 4:27 PM
Subject: RE: [schenectadypipeband] Notes from Tuesday February 7 Grade 4 Chanter Practice

 

Hey Jeff,

 

I always read your VERY important e-mails!

 

But honestly, I didn’t receive one last week regarding practice.  I don’t know if my cable company filtered it out or what.

 

Can you resend?

 

Thanks,

 

Tom

 

Thomas P. LaBelle, MAI

VP/Chief Appraiser

NBT Bank, NA

52 Broad Street

Norwich, New York  13815

607-337-6382 (tel)

607-337-8670 (FAX)

 

From: schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com [mailto:schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of superschenck
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 2:49 PM
To: schenectadypipeband@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [schenectadypipeband] Notes from Tuesday February 7 Grade 4 Chanter Practice

 

Hi Everyone,

These notes won't be as extensive as last time. Keep up the good work in your personal practice. The first half of the medley showed real signs of improvement last night. Let's keep progressing.

1. '76 Police Tattoo - Played last night at 78 bpm. Hold the dotted notes as long as possible throughout the tune. Be aware of the weak spots that were highlighted in the previous notes and make sure you've fixed those problems.

2. Jigs - played at 92 bpm. Good job with these. Try to keep inching forward with tempo, but only if you can maintain control. In the second jig, keep the E, Low A, Low A groups nice and even, with a strong D gracenote on the last Low A.

3. Tibby - Played at 46 bpm. Getting better all the time. Remember to start the grips on the beat and keep them fairly compressed (although be sure to still play all the components of the movement). The tendency is to play them early and open. Watch consistency of expression in the 3 note groups. Keep all of them strongly pointed. Most important problem to fix right now is the timing of bar 8 in Part 1 and the subsequent transition to part 2. Practice this with a metronome!

4. Neil's Piece Strathspey - played at 96 bpm. Many people simply aren't ready to play this tune at this speed yet. Slow it down and make sure all the technique is clean are getting the proper notes on the beat. Remember that if you play slowly, you should still play with the proper rhythms and expression, i.e. dotted notes are still longer and cut notes are shorter. People tend to start playing everything like a one long run on sentence when they slow down. If you do this, you're defeating the purpose of practicing the tune at a slower tempo.

5. Neil's Piece Reel - Played this at 72 bpm (actually we counted in double time, so 144 bpm).

6. Biffy's Sisters - played at 64 and 66 bpm. This tune and Neil's Piece Reel just need to be played more. Not a lot to these tunes, just need to get them under the fingers.

Just keep plugging away at these tunes. Basically, now is the time to have the medley memorized. I'd like to start playing the medley on pipes and drums in two weeks. The snare scores are pretty much finished. We'll be starting work on the bass and tenor soon. The breaks and most of the harmonies for the medley were finished last night. We'll introduce them next Tuesday.

If we have time, we may also start looking at the march for the MSR, but most likely that will have to wait one more week.

Email me if you have any questions!

Thanks,

Jeff

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley - Pipe Music/Hag Harmony.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20-%20Pipe%20Music/Hag%20Harmony.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley - Pipe Music/1976 Break.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description : 1976 Police Tattoo with break to jig

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20-%20Pipe%20Music/1976%20Break.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /Miscellaneous Debris/Tuning chanter.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description : Simplest, clearest description I've found for using the Korg
CA-30 tuner to tune your chanter

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/Miscellaneous%20Debris/T\
uning%20chanter.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley Snare Scores/1976 Tattoo.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20Snare%20Scores/1976%20Tattoo.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley Snare Scores/Hag at the Churn.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20Snare%20Scores/Hag%20at%20the%20Churn.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /Miscellaneous Debris/JobList2012.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description : 2012 Performance List as of Feb. 21st

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/Miscellaneous%20Debris/J\
obList2012.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley - Pipe Music/Biffy with medley
ending.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description : Biffy's Sisters with medley ending added

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20-%20Pipe%20Music/Biffy%20with%20medley%20ending.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley - Pipe Music/1976 Police Tattoo with
Break.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20-%20Pipe%20Music/1976%20Police%20Tattoo%20with%20Break.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /Miscellaneous Debris/2012 Contests Proposed Final.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/Miscellaneous%20Debris/2\
012%20Contests%20Proposed%20Final.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hi Everyone,

I just posted a list of proposed competitions for the Grade 4 band this year. 
The list is in the Yahoo group "files" section under Miscellaneous Debris.  If
anyone has trouble getting in to the Yahoo group, I can email the list to you as
an attachment.

Obviously, we'd love to get out earlier in the year, but our performance
schedule simply won't permit it.  So it looks like Round Hill would be our first
competition, on July 7th.

There are a couple other important details to note.  First, we will be competing
only on Sunday at our own games (Capital District).  Second, we plan to do Loon
Mountain in September, which means we need to arrange accommodations soon.

Please review the competition schedule.  Generally, I hope everyone can make
every competition.  If you can't attend any of them, please let me know soon.

Thanks!

Jeff

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley Snare Scores/1976 Tattoo.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20Snare%20Scores/1976%20Tattoo.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /Miscellaneous Debris/Job List 2012 Rev..pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/Miscellaneous%20Debris/J\
ob%20List%202012%20Rev..pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to remind you of two things.  First, we will have rosters at
practice next week for people to complete to indicate which games they can
attend.  The proposed competitions are:

Round Hill - July 7th
Rockland - July 15th
Utica - July 28th
Syracuse - August 11th
Hunter - August 19th
CDSG - Sept. 2nd
Loon - Sept. 22nd

Please try to know by next week which competitions you can attend.

Second, we will play the medley on pipes and drums at practice on April 17th. 
Be prepared!

Thanks,

Jeff

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the schenectadypipeband
group.

   File        : /2012 Medley/2012 Medley Bass & Tenor/2012 Grade 4 Medley Tenor
Scores.pdf
   Uploaded by : superschenck <superschenck@...>
   Description :

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/schenectadypipeband/files/2012%20Medley/2012%20Med\
ley%20Bass%20%26%20Tenor/2012%20Grade%204%20Medley%20Tenor%20Scores.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
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Regards,

superschenck <superschenck@...>

When learning, play it as slowly as you need to play it to play it perfectly. 
From Jim MacGillivray's new blog:

http://pipetunes.ca/bagpipes/learn-darn-fast/

Hi Everyone,

I've created a new folder in the Yahoo group that holds sheet music for the
Grade 4 warm up music.  In addition to our competition sets (medley and MSR), we
use a few sets for the purposes of tuning and marching around while at the
competitions.  I've tried to limit these tunes to ones that most of you already
know, but there are clearly pipers who either don't know some of these tunes or
don't know them very well.  Please try to learn them.  I have CDs of the tunes
played on practice chanter if you need one.  More over, I'd be happy to go over
any of the tunes with you if you need some help.

While these tunes don't need to be as polished as our competition sets, they do
serve an important purpose and deserve attention.  If we're marching up to the
line to compete and the band is struggling through a tune because some pipers
don't know it very well, that creates a negative impression for both the judges
and spectators.  Similarly, if we're tuning up and everyone doesn't know the
tunes, that undermines our tuning because certain players won't be able to play
during the tuning session.

In any case, I know we have a lot of material to learn, so do you best.  Let me
know if you have any questions.

The sets are:

Scotland the Brave, Wings, Mairi's Wedding
Lochanside, Balmoral
When the Battle's O'er, Green Hills of Tyrol
Kelly the Boy, No Awa Tae Bide Awa,
Rowan Tree, Minstrel Boy
Eamonn McAllister Kelly

Thanks!

Jeff

Hi Everyone,

Pipers, please bring your exercise packets to practice this evening (actually,
please bring them always).  If you don't have the packet, you can download the
exercises from the Yahoo group or email me and I will print a copy and bring it
to practice for you.

Thanks!

Jeff