Due South!

Jamie and I made the trip to Portland this past week for the Oregon Piper's Society meeting. Workshops, recital and judging the OPS competition beforehand, we also managed to squeeze in a band practice with the Sir James MacDonald Pipe Band who we both work on an ongoing basis. Headed up by Jeff and Robbi Brewer, they are a fine group of youngsters who are competing at the Grade 3 level and gearing up for a good season ahead.
The drumming workshop that I ran on the Saturday (while JP worked with the SJMPB pipers) brought out some new faces for me. Bringing a wide range of skill and knowledge, there were representatives from the River City, Clan Macleay and Olympia Highlanders Pipe Bands. These people showed a passion for learning and for the music itself. It was a joy to work with them all.
Thanks very much to the OPS for hosting us and the Gillies family for allowing both of us to stay with them. As well as for the wicked curry feast on Sunday night!
Neil....we have replaced your helicopter....
-Jacquie

Miscellaneous...

In January 2008, pipesdrums, published a review of the eagerly anticipated RE:CHARGED CD from the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, written by James W. (with a few cents worth from James P. and me). James W. is a huge fan of these guys and gals and rated this live concert CD the highest possible rating of 5 out of 5 gracenotes. Definitely worth a listen.
Only subscribed members to the pipesdrums website can access this article, but if you're interested, the title of the article is: "Charge of the Light Music Brigade", and is archived under the Reviews section.

If you're in the mood to read more....
James P. contributed to "The Reedmakers" series featured on http://www.pipesdrums.com/ back in April 2007, alongside other master reed makers: Colin MacLellan, Murray Henderson and John Elliot. It provides tips on getting longevity out of a reed and includes James P.'s top 5 tips for preserving the life of a chanter reed.
It's archived under the Articles section and is titled, "Part 2: How to Maximize the Life Span of a Chanter Reed".
-Jacquie

More coverage...

From television to newspaper, here is the latest publicity for James Patrick.



-Jacquie