Learners and Learning

Transcription

1 Volume 3, Issue 3. Ingersoll Pipe Band Our Second Century Learners and Learning Mary Ellen Muterer Band President Learners have been a part of the Pipe Band since Alex Collins was Pipe Major. Before that, under PM Tom Johnston, the band was made up of men who joined already able to play. After Alex took over he opened up the opportunity for younger fellows to learn to play the pipes. He was an excellent piper and teacher, setting up a great foundation for the future of the band. One of Alex s many students was Jim Muterer. Jim decided that he wanted to learn to play the pipes after seeing the IPB on parade. He began taking lessons in At that time the band didn t have the band hall but instead practiced at VMS Public School (Alex Collins was the custodian). As a learner Jim had lessons with Alex in one of the rooms in the basement. Learners would also get into smaller groups and have group lessons with other teachers like Bob Johnston, Jack Little, Bob Collins. The groups of learners and band members would all get together later and play chanters. When learners had progressed on to the pipes they would play with the band upstairs as they played up and down the halls of the school. Jim and Pete McKinley began taking lessons at the same time. After a few lessons, Jim and Pete were a little discouraged with their lack of progress (as every learner gets) and decided that if they couldn t get the hang of it soon they were going to quit. Jim practiced hard that week and by the time his next lesson occurred he thought he could actually hear something that might possibly be a tune. That was confirmed by PM Alex and the rest, they say, is history. Pete ended up quitting that same week (as a lot of learners do). Some learners of around the same time that did persevere and eventually join the band were Jack McGachie and Ross Dunn. Jim moved from learner to band member in Over the years he has played a lot of parades, highland games and at a lot of other band functions. I have been associated with the band since I was born thank you for the flower arrangement in the baby themed vase. As I got older I toyed with the idea of joining the band myself. There were a lot of teens in the band at the time (Barb Sutherland, Doug and Julie Innes, Chris Irwin, Dave Presswell, Brit Archer, Lianne Joiner, Don Manning, Ken Campbell, Robb MacKay) and whenever we got together at pot lucks or picnics or ceilidhs we had a lot of fun. After a band pot luck supper at Bob and Helen Collins, Bob said that my fingers were long enough and it was time to learn to play. Jane also was convinced to start lessons. Joanne decided to start taking lessons because Kim and Tracey MacKay were going to start and our brother Donald joined the gang. We started lessons with PM Bob in Bob was a terrific teacher. He taught so many outstanding pipers over the years. Bob was a teacher who knew what you were capable of and wouldn t let you get away with anything less. He also could pick out who made a mistake on the other side of the circle. As learners we would go into his office individually. Some weeks were better than others (you know how that is). Sometime the Kleenex on Bob s desk would get a good workout from us more sensitive types. You could not fool Bob by getting a last minute practice in before you saw him for your lesson. Straighten your fingers, put your chanter on the table, let s hear that Double D again, clear up those GDE s were all things I would hear in Bob s office. Jane and I moved from learners to members in 1983 and Joanne and Donald in While learners have not been a part of the band since the band was formed in 1910 they have become an integral part of the present and future of the Ingersoll Pipe Band.

2 November 2012 Ingersoll Pipe Band - Our Second Hundred Years Jack Habkirk Pipe Major and Instructor Teaching bagpipes gives me great satisfaction. I get a kick out of watching students attain their goals after much practice and frustration. A Band needs to instruct people in the art, to keep going as a Band when people leave for various reasons. It keeps the Band fresh and alive because you never know who is going to come through the door wanting lessons. The Band does not charge for lessons, so payback comes back to the Band in many different ways. Once a uniform is issued, the learner is expected tp play with the Band at all engagements he or she can. That s the primary payback, but other forms of payback include work parties around the Hall, serving at the Burn s Supper, and all other non-playing functions. Welcome to the Band! Wilson McBeath Instructor Learning is the acquiring of knowledge or skill by the study and practice. In learning the Great Highland Bagpipe a great deal of skill is required. Some knowledge of music is very helpful. The time it takes is about two years on the practice chanter and after graduating to the pipes further time is required. It is often said that it takes about seven years to become efficient. This often depends on the skill of the learner. In our band, starting in 1910, it was necessary to be a player before joining as a Piper or Drummer. It was not a teaching band until 1935 when Pipe Major Alex Collins took charge. He taught many people as did Ehon Goodall who taught drumming. Over the years countless numbers were learners on both instruments. In our ranks we have had all walks of life and all abilities. At the present time we have a learner who is an expert in the fiddle, another who is a classical violin player, two who play piano and another two who are highland dancers. At present we have eleven learners on Pipes. If we get 50% of them fully trained, they will carry on the great tradition of this band established over many years. As a Teacher it is a great pleasure to watch the process of each learner and to know that you have helped them and the Band. I have no idea of how many people I have taught over the years, but one in particular I remember has played at the World Competition in Glasgow Scotland. Chris Radford Drummer Here s the story of Drummers, "Hey buddy, how long does the band play. Oh about half a beat behind the drummers. And "Why does the band only have a 15 minute breaks, so we don t have to retrain the pipers. As you can see the Drum section is the "crazy" glue of the band. We provide continuous education and training, to improve current members and the new learners (students).this 2 of course allows for a constant stream of membership both new and old. This is very important for the band, keeping fresh ideas and people coming into the system. Training is a huge part of our time, with the main drum instructor Dave Haycock. Minor assistance is provided by other drum members with final approval of competence belonging to Drum Major Gail MacKay. Obviously with a consistent flow of new learners, that helps to keep Dave alert and focused (he has aged a bit). As we attend numerous parades and functions, more hands lighten the load. Friendships are developed when we practice which forms a more cohesive music group. Once you learn to drum on snare drums you can learn tenor drumming with Juanita Radford or Base drumming with Dave Kincaid, so no reason to be bored. Learners easily get involved. On your first training night (Thursdays) we will give you a pair if drumsticks to keep and use. You learn how to hold your sticks and practice a basic rudiment or beat. Then go home and practice a few hours that week returning the following Thursday and continuing to progress at your rate of learning. The more you practice the faster you progress with the average learner taking 4 to 7 months and starting parades in your first year. Time commitments for learners are a few hours Thursday nights and practice time at home 1-2 hours per week. Once a member of the band you ll be required to attend parades which is more around November for Christmas parades and less in summers.( If you miss more than 3 practices in a row without

3 November 2012 Ingersoll Pipe Band - Our Second Hundred Years suitable reason your membership will be assessed by the board.) The band travels to local communities for parades and twice a year to the United States of America. We have even gone to Scotland and Taiwan!! In February we are traveling to Cuba to play at a resort, yaaaaa!!!!!!! I started drumming approximately 6 years ago, and it took me about that long to learn anything no, really about the same time frame as mentioned above. I have progressed to lead tip and give minor assistance to Dave when training learners. I started with the band because it was something that interested me years ago and I wanted to wear a kilt. P.S. the band supplies most of the uniform and drum as an added bonus. So of you are interested, see ya Thursday at 8pm. Nancy, Alister and Hamish Matthews It all began on a warm summer evening, at sunset, eleven years ago... A little three year old cried out, What s that? and then proceeded to run outside to investigate. He listened to the sounds from the pipes until the sun dipped below the horizon. This same series of events went on each evening during our stay at the Lake. On the final night of our holiday, at the end of the last tune, this curious child said, I want to do that. The little boy was Alister Matthews and the piper, Wilson McBeath...and so begins our journey with the pipes. It was the ritual of the piping at Hillsborough Beach each night at sunset that became our hook. Of course, when Wilson heard Alister say, I want to do that, he shot into quick action and made it very clear to both parent and child, that when he turned eight, Alister was to come and see him. Like any good pipe band recruiter, Wilson regularly reminded Alister that when he was eight, he would be old enough and big enough to be a piper. Just after Alister had his eighth birthday, he announced, It s time to call Wilson. He seemed keen and of course his younger brother Hamish, who was only six at the time and not wanting to be left out of anything, said, Me too. I remember the first night at the pipe band hall and how foreign it all seemed. As we walked by the kitchen counter, Hamish looked longingly at the drum pads and sticks. Wilson quickly shuffled us past what we later would come to know as, the dark side (hee hee!). Wilson sat us down around a little table in the great room and presented the chanter and book. With an eight and a six year old, rather wanting to run around on the shiny floors versus tackling a low G, I stayed along as well. I realized quickly 3 that if I did not know the fingering or how to play, then I would be of little help. At the end of the 15 minutes, we ended up leaving with not one, but three chanters...funny the things your children get you into! The Thursday nights clipped along and our lesson time went from 15 minutes together to 15 minutes each individually spent with Wilson. After the first couple of years it was decided that two instruments were too much and the boys willingly said goodbye to piano lessons, so that practice time could be given to the chanters. We seem to journey along many little hills, plateaus and sometimes valleys in the process of learning this unforgiving instrument. Eventually and over time, we worked up to a 30 minute lesson each. The first night around the table was quite daunting, but eventually with encouragement and fun comments from everyone, we settled in. As for the pipes, well they have been a labour of frustration and love from the very beginning. Our apologies to all whom we stand next to, in front of or behind, as some nights the sounds that come from us must be beyond deafening. We now know why there is a need for ear plugs!

4 November 2012 Ingersoll Pipe Band Our Second Hundred Years In our six years of Thursday nights we have learned many things. First and foremost, it s a tune not a song, secondly, playing the notes is not playing the tune and finally, holding and cutting the notes makes the tune. We are still working on the last one and some nights I must cling to the adage, It s the pipes, not the piper. Many thanks for all those who helped us learn new tunes, for those that helped us tune, and for those who continue to keep us in tune. Hats off to Jack for configuring our pipes, over and over again. You continue to do this with a smile on your face, fun comments and colourful words to keep the whole tedious process entertaining. Finally, a big thank you to Wilson for his excellent teaching and support through this whole journey. His incredible patience and constant reminder that, Rome was not built in a day, have kept us going. One thing Wilson did forget to tell us that very first lesson was that this instrument will take years to learn and a lifetime to perfect. I have come to the conclusion that this must be a carefully guarded pipe teacher s secret. We are looking forward to participating in our first parade and becoming official members of this wonderful band. In future we would like to foster a connection with the Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band. Our cousins Chris, Duncan, Diane and David Hossack (who initially learned with IPB) have extended an invitation. How does a trip to Arizona sound? Bet we won t have to wear capes, tunics or gloves there! Ready to request Steam Boat and Bonnie Dundee one more time, Veronica Jackson Learner My first memory of bagpipe music came from attending a band tattoo in the Ingersoll Arena. I was probably about 6 years old. My parents took myself and my siblings to see the Ingersoll band and others and enjoy the music. I fell in love with the pipes and ever since then I have always had a yearning to learn to play this glorious instrument. Fast forward about 50 years later: On moving back to the Ingersoll area, after my husband and I both retired from careers in the GTA, I returned to worship at St. James' Church Ingersoll. Over a coffee and conversation with the much esteemed piper, Wilson McBeath, I expressed my love of the pipes. I told him that I regretted not ever following my passion by taking bagpipe lessons. Wilson asked, "What's stopping you from 4 taking them now?" He then went on to proceed to tell me about the Ingersoll Pipeband's mission to teach all students who were interested, regardless of age, the joy of playing the Great Highland Bagpipes. So I jumped in "the deep end of the pool" with both feet and Wilson took me on as a student. That was the fall of 2007, and 5 years later I'm still "swimming". Some days it's difficult to keep my head above water! Having learned the piano and violin in the past, I can quite unequivocally say that mastering the pipes is a formidable task. But despite the up's and down's, and the highs and lows of learning first the chanter and then transferring that knowledge over to the pipes, I wouldn't change a thing. I enjoy the challenge of the music and the camaraderie of IPB members, pipers and drummers alike. I feel very guilty when I don't do my homework. (It must be my teacher reflex kicking in!) So thank you to all my mentors, in particular Wilson, Pipe Major Jack Habkirk and other seasoned veterans for their support and knowledge. I think I will always be a "rookie" in my bagpipe studies but I have gained a wealth of experience along this melodic road.

5 November2012 Ingersoll Pipe Band Our Second Century Present Piping Learners Ron Marshall Collin Marshall Frazer Nagle Duncan McPherson Brandon Melanson Hamish Matthews Allister Matthews Max Chevrier Scott McDonald Jack Ross Miss Mackenzie Cowan Ingeroll Pipe Band Practice Ingersoll Pipe Band Armoury Thursday Evenings Students 7:30pm Members 8:00pm The Mudmen and us by Gail Mackey Well what a great way to let the people of Ingersoll and area know that the Ingersoll Pipe Band can have fun and still put on a great show. It all happened in August as we gathered at the Arena to put on this great event. Dave Preswell had set up the evening with the help of many band members. We were to begin the evening with a fish fry and then finish the night with musical fun. By 6:30 pm the Alymer Shrine Club was ready to supply us with a great meal of perch, fries, salad and rolls. Can you believe it we ate through almost 500 pounds of Lake Erie Perch in about an hour and a half! What a great meal for the 450 people who attended. Following the meal the first set of music was supplied by the Mudmen. The pipers added a unique twist to the Celtic music played by the five piece band. The audience was rocking. At 10:00 pm the members of our band; all 31 of us; played to the shouts and cheers of the crowd. What a feeling to know that the audience loved the band and wasn t shy to show their pleasure. 5

6 November2012 Ingersoll Pipe Band Our Second Century A second set by the Mudmen lasted until midnight with the same enthusiasm as the first set. Everyone enjoyed the entire evening A special thank you to Dave Preswell for all the work he did in arranging the evening. Also a great thank you to all the band members who helped to make the evening a success. IPB Golf Tournament By Don Gale The Ingersoll Pipe Band Golf Tournament was held in Woodstock this year on September 30 th at the Cedar Creek Golf and Country Club. The weather co-operated with the sun, cloud and wind fighting for dominance. Eight golfers (or a reasonable facsimile) showed up to fight for the honour of having their name on the prestigious trophy. December 2012 Parades & Events December 1 Xmas Parade Springfield December 1 Pipe Band Christmas Party December 2 Santa Claus Parade Belmont December 8 Santa Claus Parade Straffordville Unfortunately the actual Low Score was a non-member, so we have to get him to play either the pipes or drums or something. The Longest Drive was taken by C.J., the Closest to the Pin was won by John Lyon, the Low Score was won by Don Gale. Other notables were Chris Radford for getting his first ever Par. Adam Walker as the Rookie. Gail Mackay and Jerry Chevier also played. Thanks to everyone for showing up. 6