Bossier City Piper

Remington College Commencement

2010-11-15T19:38:00.003-06:00

I was invited to play for the Fall 2010 commencement ceremony for Remington College at Shreveport November 12th. It was a lot of fun to play at. Newly re-elected Mayor Cedric Glover gave one of the best commencement addresses I've heard. Granted I've only been to a handful, but the statement still stands.

One of the lines from his address was about commitment. He asked "do you want to be a hog or a chicken?"...which he explained, a chicken gives an egg and lives to see another day while a hog gives bacon and thus gives it all for that contribution.

I was to pipe in the faculty and students and then pipe them out.

I arrived about an hour before march off to dress, meet with Dr. K to go over the rout, and tune.

I tuned for about 20-25 minutes beginning with "Wings" right out of the bag. Gave a quick tune up. Played "Field of Gold" and gave a more in-depth tune up. Played "Siege of Delhi" and gave my final tune up before lining up.

I piped in with "Wings", "Jimmy Findlater", "Murdo's Wedding", "Wha Sae the 42nd",and "Scotland the Brave". I think that was the order.

I piped out with "Atholl Highlanders", "Cock of the North", and "Salute to Mr. Winston Churchill" (which had a few people humming the melody afterward).

The setup:
New Henderson drones, Kron ABW chanter with MacPhee reed, drone reeds are Selbie, bag is the new Ross-suede Livingstone zipper with the guts.

Ceol Na Pioba Solo Bagpipe Competition

2010-11-15T19:13:00.003-06:00

October 23rd was the 3rd annual Ceol Na Pioba Solo Bagpipe Competition. It was a great weekend of competition and camaraderie with some old friends and new ones.

Jimmy McIntosh, MBE judged this year, which was a real treat to meet him and having the opportunity to play for him.

Events began a bit after 9:30am with Grade 4 senior Piobaireachd and then light music events.

Grade 3 began after the lunch break with Lyle's rendition of "Struan Robertson's Salute" and then my "Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry".

I was very pleased with my piobaireachd and am very proud of the comment Jimmy wrote on my sheet, "You played the tune with intense feeling, showed the phrasing very well."

Next was the 2/4 March, which I was very pleased with. Then the strathspey/reel, which I still feel a little off with but am beginning to get the reel feel a little better. My 6/8 March and Jig was nice too.

I was really pleased with my pipes. The bag does feel slightly on the small side.

The results:
Piobaireachd - Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell of Glengarry - 1st
2/4 March - Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban – 1st
Strath/Reel - Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre – 2nd
6/8 March - John MacColl's Farewell to the Scottish Horse - 1st
Jig - The Curlew – 2nd
Solo Medley - 1st

The solo medley is always fun to play. I slipped a bit on the first jig.
Tunes:
A Father of Piping-Brian Barrow, Patrick McLaurin
The Rooster with the Crooked Tail
A.A. Cameron
The Kilt is My Delight
The MacFarlane’s
The Final Conclusion, P/M Paul Harrison
Paddy Be Easy
The Broken Tail, John Cairns

The setup:
New Henderson drones, new Henderson ABW chanter, drone reeds are Selbie, bag is the new Ross-suede Livingstone zipper with the guts.

My Father, Brian Barrow

2010-09-16T21:36:00.006-05:00

April 1955 - July 2010

Austin Solos

2010-06-07T10:22:00.004-05:00

Back from a hot trip over to Austin, Texas for the solo competition. Lori, Doug, and all the volunteers did a great job and have big plans for the event next year. This year the judges were Chris Apps and Ed Krintz.

This was my first competition this year and despite the fact that I am still getting over the effects of a nasty fall (down time from playing really) I’d say the results weren’t too bad.

Chris Apps judged the Strathspey/Reel, Jig, and Piobaireachd events and Ed Krintz judged the 2/4 March and 6/8 March events.

I was first up for each event and unfortunately didn’t settle myself down in time for the 2/4 March. I started out well and immediately realized I had begun the 4th part for the 2nd part. On the repeat I had played the right part and the tune finished well. But the damage was done for that event. I was playing "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban".

Next up was the Piobaireachd. Now, this was the first time since Tulsa ’08 that I played Piobaireachd in competition. I had been working on "Alasdair Dearg" since the beginning of the year and decided to play that one. I did well, and was awarded 1st place.

I decided to reintroduce “John MacColl’s Farewell to the Scottish Horse” for 6/8 competition. I think this was a tune I played back in 2008 a few times. I felt some hesitation in the 3rd part, but overall thought it went well. I was awarded 3rd place.

For the Jig and Strathspey/Reel I submitted my usual tunes “The Curlew” and “The Ewe with the Crooked Horn" and "Bessie McIntyre". I felt myself speeding up in the jig just a bit, but held it together; 2nd place. Call it a moon phase, but lately I’ve been a little confused on how to present my reel and was told it was a bit choppy in parts. Since the fall, I think my strathspey and reel have suffered the most. Hopefully it’s just growing pains. Overall it went well and I was awarded 3rd place.

Summary:
Piobaireachd, “Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell”, 1st place
2/4 March, “Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban”, NP
S/R, “The Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre”, 3rd place
6/8 March, “John MacColl’s Farewell to the Scottish Horse, Argyll Sqd.”, 3rd place
Jig, “The Curlew”, 2nd place

Set-up: R.G. Hardie Henderson Pipes and ABW chanter, chanter reed unknown, MG tenors/Selbie Bass, Ross Livingstone bag.

The grade 3 field was an impressive group and I look forward to meeting everyone again soon.

List of Favorite Piobaireachd

2010-05-02T14:58:00.005-05:00

As I continue to uncover these gems the list is surely to grow! But, for now these are my favorites:

"Lament for Alasdair Dearg MacDonnell"
to play and listen to.
played with C-a-M
Source of inspiration: James MacIntosh

"The Cave of Gold"
to play and listen to
Source of inspiration: Murray Henderson

"The Carles with the Breeks"
to play and listen to

"Struan Robertson's Salute"
to play and listen to
Source of inspiration: Donald MacLeod's setting

"The Field of Gold"
to play and listen to. A very relaxing tune.
Source of inspiration: William McCallum on the 2000 Donald MacLeod Memorial Competition CD

"The MacIntosh's Banner"
to play and listen to. Another very musical tune.

"The Bells of Perth"
to listen to. I really like the ground.

New Pipes

2010-03-19T18:48:00.003-05:00

Finally getting around to posting about my new pipes.

New Henderson bagpipes by R.G. Hardie
Solo ABW chanter
MG Drone reeds
Ross Livingstone bag w/ canister

Some videos/sounds clips:

Ceol Na Pioba Solo Bagpipe Competition

2009-10-31T19:13:00.003-05:00

October 24th was the 2nd annual Ceol Na Pioba Solo Bagpipe Competition. Even though the planning kept me busy, I got to compete and enjoy the camaraderie.

Lezlie Webster judged this year, which was her first time in Louisiana! Fortunately the weather held off a week before getting nasty!

It was really great meeting Lezlie and having the opportunity to play for her.

Events began a bit after 9:30am with Lyle's rendition of "Field of Gold" which is just the best Piobaireachd out there! (admitted bias)

I began with the 2/4 March, which I was very pleased with. Then the strathspey/reel, which I think has been my best playing of to date. My 6/8 crashed in the 2nd part, but the 1st, 3rd, and 4th parts really sang. I am still beating myself up about that. The Jig was nice too.

More videos are up at www.youtube.com/user/CeolNaPioba.

The results:

2/4 March - Dunoon Castle – 1st
Strath/Reel - Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre – 1st
6/8 March - Salute to Mr. Winston Churchill - 2nd
Jig - The Curlew – 1st

The setup:
Dunbar Poly P-2 drones, Kron ABW chanter, drone reeds are Apps/Naill, bag is the older Ross ex-small zipper without the guts, moose valve.

Dallas Summer Sizzle '09

2009-08-17T02:46:00.002-05:00

The Dallas Solos this year offered piping and drumming workshops, solo piping and drumming competition, and quartet competitions. Not bad from a handful of pipers in a couple grades. Well done Nancy, Eddie, Stew and everyone who had a hand in organizing the event.

I had a blast. Wish I could have stayed longer, but the clock ran up on us. We got back home a touch after 1 am. However, we began the weekend with Seth's drum lesson with Jon Quigg. He got Seth straightened out and set on track. Then Jon, Jimmy Bell, and Chris Apps gave a concert

Saturday afternoon, after the workshops, is when the solos began. Jimmy adjudicated grade 2, 4jr., and pc. Chris had grade 1, 3, and 4 sr.

The competition was held indoors and outdoors - my events were indoors - but space was limited. I began warming up outdoors and tried to find a place inside. A bit before hitting the boards I was able to slip into the exercise room. The chanter sounded good , but by the time I was in front of Chris a few notes were out again. So I played a wee tune to try and bring it back and hoped for the best.

Chris likes to start with the 6/8 which is a nice change up. The 6/8 came out well, though the chanter wasn't really settled. The other tunes went well. I changed my jig and played "The Curlew" for the first time in competition - I was really happy with how I played it too. Oh, and the chanter finally settled for the jig!

The results:
6/8 March - Salute to Mr. Winston Churchill - 2nd
2/4 March - Siege of Delhi – 2nd
Strath/Reel - Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre – 2nd
Jig - The Curlew – 2nd

The setup:
Dunbar Poly P-2 drones, Kron ABW chanter, drone reeds are Apps/Naill, bag is the older Ross ex-small zipper without the guts, moose valve.

Austin Solo Bagpipe Competition

2009-06-09T14:18:00.002-05:00

Wow, finally back from Texas. Austin, Texas. Seth and I hit some major traffic on the way and the car died about 2 hours away from home on the way back. Just out of the city limits of Palestine.

But we’re back now and had a good time at the Austin Solo Bagpipe Competition.

I am still leery of my “Dunoon Castle” so went planning on playing “The Siege of Delhi” for 2/4 and planned on playing my “Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre” S/R set instead of the “Capt. Colin Campbell/Jock Wilson’s Ball” set I played in Batesville. The jig and 6/8 stayed the same.

I was happy with both marches, aside from a couple sticky Ds, but was disappointed with my strathspey/reel. The reel has improved from Tulsa. The strathspey; well, let’s just say I bobbled the football. I lost my focus and went blank on a bar. The drones sounded great though.

Great comments from both Ed Neigh and Mike Cusack with a pair of AGLs to boot!

The results:
2/4 March - Siege of Delhi – 1st AGL
Strath/Reel - Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre – 3rd
6/8 March - Salute to Mr. Winston Churchill - 1st AGL
Jig - Maillag Ferry – 2nd

The setup:
Dunbar Poly P-2 drones, Kron ABW chanter with Apps reed (I think), drone reeds are Apps/Naill, bag is the older Ross ex-small zipper without the guts, moose valve.

What a Suprise!

2009-04-29T03:52:00.004-05:00

A few days after the Arkansas Scottish Festival I received a package from Jimmy Bell of Lyon College. It was a very nice looking piper of the day award! I wasn't expecting this at all and was proud to have the honor. This is my first piper of the day award.

Arkansas Scottish Festival

2009-04-21T01:17:00.003-05:00

Wow, has it been nearly 3 months since my last post?

Unfortunately, the food industry and weekend bagpipe competitions don't go together.

The break from competitive piping didn't do me any good, but I did put on a decent show in Arkansas. I was judged by Chris Apps for the first time and really enjoyed meeting him.

The forecast was for thunderstorms and heavy rain all day. Thankfully, it only sprinkled here and there and held off during the solos. On the way back home was another story!

On the "warm up" deck I began double thinking my tunes. I changed my 2/4 march from Dunoon Castle to Siege of Delhi. I contemplated the same for the strathspey/reel, but did not change it even though I really should have. Apparently I did not learn my lesson from Patrick back in September! My 6/8 is new, but I enjoy the tune so much I was confident in my ability to present it well.

The set-up:
Dunbar Poly P-2 drones, Dunbar Poly Elite ('01/'02 model) with Apps reed, drone reeds are Apps/Naill

Results:
2/4 March - Siege of Delhi - 1st
Strath/Reel - Capt. Colin Campbell/Jock Wilson's Ball - 2nd
6/8 March - Salute to Mr. Winston Churchill - 1st
Jig - Maillag Ferry - 1st

I know what I need to work on and look forward to competing this summer.

Robert Burns Celebration

2009-01-10T00:37:00.003-06:00

St. Andrews Day Celebration 2

2008-12-02T14:58:00.002-06:00

The celebration and concert went well. I had injured my (high G) finger really bad 2 days prior and it was really sensitive. In addition to the bagpipe concert, I also cooked up some of the Scottish delights. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

St. Andrews Day Celebration Concert

2008-10-24T18:21:00.004-05:00

Click photo for full size

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
3201 Centenary Blvd.
Shreveport, Louisiana

12 noon to 3 p.m.
----------------

where is the museum located?

Oklahoma Scottish Festival - Tulsa, OK

2008-09-25T01:35:00.007-05:00

Seth and I were up in Tulsa on September 13th for the OSF. Saturday morning was very humid (94% humidity), but we made it through solos. The results:

Seth:
Grade IV 2/4 March - 1st with Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing by W. Ross

Seth played Dunbar P-3 pipes with Apps/Naill drone reeds and Dunbar Elite 1 model poly chanter with Soutar reed.

Me (Alfred):
Grade III
Piobaireachd - 1st - The Carles with the Breeks
2/4 March - 1st (AGL) - Dunoon Castle by Donald MacLeod
S/R - 1st - Ewe with the Crooked Horn & Bessie MacIntyre
6/8 - 2nd - John MacColl's Farewell to Argyll Squadron

I played David Booth drones (Dunbar P-2 stocks) with Selbie tenors, Apps/Naill bass and Kron Medallist ABW chanter with Soutar reed.

My piobaireach gave me a feckle (I just started learning it 2 weeks prior), but I did get through it. I know, competitions are not the place to "practice", but no one else was competiting so it was a good opportunity to get some feedback from Patrick Regan (Patrick, I really enjoyed our piobaireachd discussion!).

Ed Neigh judged the S/R event and shared with me some reel insight from the great Donald MacLeod. (honestly, no pun intended)

Ed Krintz judged the march events and gave me an excellent sheet with pointers to improve even further. I goofed the 4th part of my 6/8. The 2/4 went better and I received a "above grade level" (agl).

Overall, solos went great then it poured. If you weren't wet yet from the constant drizzle and humidity, you were now!

Dallas Solo Bagpipe Competition

2008-08-09T18:43:00.003-05:00

Just back in from Dallas and the results are:

Grade 3
1. Piobaireachd - 3rd
(Struan Robertson's Salute)

2. 2/4 March - 2nd
(The Siege of Delhi)

3. 6/8 March - 1st
(John MacColl's Farewell to Argyll Squadron, Scottish Horse)

4. Strathspey/Reel - 1st
(Ewe with the Crooked Horn/Bessie McIntyre)

5. Jig - 1st
(The Mallaig Ferry)

There were 3 total competitors.
Bagpipe Setup were Boothe drones with Selbie tenors and Apps/Naill bass (blue), Kron ABW Medalist chanter with Soutar reed and Ross small zip bag.

Photos from Aug. 2 Concert

2008-08-07T23:53:00.004-05:00

Here are some photos from the concert last Saturday. Thanks Mike.

(After the concert)

August 2 Conert

2008-08-03T23:08:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday, August 2, 2008, I played the pipes at the Shreveport Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. The concert was to help raise funds for the museum. Below are some videos and a poster from the event.

(poster)

For those interested: The pipes are Boothes with ABW Kron Medalist (brand new) with Soutar reed. This is the second outing for this chanter and is quickly becoming a favorite.

From left to right: Mike McConnell, one of my students, Seth Barrow, & Me. After the concert, we practiced a bit and recored our first go at playing "Amazing Grace" together.

Piping Necessities (Updates)

2008-08-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

My bagpipe tutorial "Piping Necessities for the Beginning Bagpiper" now has a companion book--a bagpipe prescription and staff paper journal. This new book has been designed to "collect" all the verbal thoughts and scribbles used in teaching the bagpipe art. This makes it easier for the beginner bagpiper to refer back on a lesson or recommended exercise (or prescription). This journal is also great for composing tunes and harmonies .
The Prescription & Staff Paper Journal features 50 pages each of prescriptions and blank staff paper pages.

Piping Necessities for the Beginner Bagpiper Tutorial:

Visit www.alfredlbarrow.com/PipingNecessities.html for more information.

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover

2008-05-29T21:50:00.000-05:00

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover graciously welcomed all the competitors at the 1st annual Ceol Na Pioba Solo Bagpipe Competition held in Shreveport, Louisiana (www.ceolnapioba.com). The second EUSPBA sanctioned competition for the state of Louisiana and the first for North Louisiana.
This photo was taken after competing.

(L2R: Alfred, Seth, Mayor Cedric Glover, Brian)

I swear I thought I was smiling!