Mrs. D

With great sadness, we are reporting the death of a true inspiration and mentor, Mrs. Adeline Duncan. A superb, dedicated and passionate Highland Dance teacher here in Victoria, Mrs. D taught every single one of the highland dancers in the Watling/Troy clan, spanning a number of generations.
James W. started taking highland dancing as therapy for an operation which turned into a long standing relationship with both Mrs D and her husband, Ian - eventually resulting in piping lessons from Ian. That spawned many years spent in her studio playing for her dancers as well as a formation of a true friendship.
Her spirit, candidness and pure honesty were always appreciated and have influenced our lives in many, many ways. We can only thank her for the number of years of lessons, encouragement, strength and tenacity.
She will be missed.



-JLT

One of the best things about Portland, Oregon is the music scene. There is always something going on, a band to check out, a 'fest' of some sort or live music at the bar down the street...and tons of record shops as well as the one of the greatest places to shop for something new (or old) to add to your music library: Everyday Music.
I used to have a roommate when, every time we went to the grocery store, he would 'choke' as he put it. Basically, he panicked since there was so much to choose from...you had a list in your head before you walked through the door but with those long aisles bursting with goodness, you can't think straight. That is exactly how I feel walking into a music shop...I need to spend hours and hours in there flipping through all of the titles because I know there is something I'm forgetting I wanted to hear.....and there is something SO good waiting for me in amongst those jewel cases.
I fought through that panic a couple of nights ago and came across recordings of Ustad Zakir Hussain. This man is a wicked Tabla player as well as a film actor, musical producer and soundtrack composer. He was considered a child prodigy and was touring by the age of twelve.
Check out his concert dates....and go!
These Tabla players are true masters of their art. They study for years and learn to sing everything before they even get to touch a Tabla drum (imagine that!). Their playing abilities are always well presented and very impressive...add the vocables into the mix and guaranteed, you'll gain a new found respect for Indian music.

-JLT

School's....not out!

Now is the time of year when not only are the contests in full swing, but the schools/workshops kick it into high gear as well.
CeltFest Vancouver Island (FYI: the Pause button is at the top of the content area and you'll have to press it every time you visit a new page....) has come and gone already with James P. part of the drumming staff, along with the almighty John Fisher. This school manages to bring in instructors from all over in various Celtic disciplines: Bob Worrall, Ken Eller and Alan Walters to name a few for the piping; four time World Champion David Wilton for the highland dancing and this year THE OLD BLIND DOGS, who were on staff teaching Celtic song, bodhran, guitar, penny whistle and piping amongst other things. Check out Ali Hutton, the band piper with his lightening fast fingers playing Gordon Duncan's Thunderstruck.
Keep your eyes peeled on youtube for clips from the CeltFest 2009 concert as there were many performances worth checking out!
Sound Advice, run by Iain MacDonald, has also ended for another year with James P. and Ryan both on the piping faculty. Also on staff were: Doug MacRae, Garth Neel, Graham Brown, Tyler Fry and Doug Stronach. Thanks to the MacDonalds for hosting a wonderful week in Saskatchewan. Seeing as though James W. was born in the Prairies and we still have some of the family living there, it gave James P. and Ryan a chance to spend some time with them!
Of course, Ryan also managed to squeeze in some photo shoots as well.
Both Ryan and Jamie have gone from Saskatchewan to Portland, Oregon (thanks to the PHGA for hosting James P. as a judge this past weekend) where this week will be spent teaching the beginning pipers of the Sir James MacDonald Pipe Band. Thanks once again to Jeff and Robbi Brewer for their wonderful hospitality.
Speaking of Portland, a huge congrats goes out to the Portland Metro Pipe Band for their winning performance in the Grade 3 medley contest as well as challenging up to Grade 2 and placing a well deserved 2nd place. Hear that performance here.
I have been spending some time in the States this week or so and had the opportunity to get some time in with the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band. This band has been in the Seattle area since 1952 and are currently cranking out a competitive Grade 4 and Grade 3 band. Gracious and fun folks, these guys and gals were a pleasure to work with. Thanks for the great day!
Everybody's back at the end of this week on home turf....probably celebrating with a barbeque while awaiting the results from the European Championships on Saturday. Good luck to all!
-JLT

Round Up!

Man, how the weekends roll by quickly when you're having fun!
The BC Highland Games have come and gone and hosted an outstanding Grade 1 contest this year. Alberta Caledonia made the trek westward to delight us with a nice sound and very dynamic drum corps. SFU is gaining momentum as the season progresses with Triumph Street so close behind, it's not funny. Triumph Street are going to do quite well in the Qualifying Round of the Worlds this year if they continue playing this well.
James P. had a great showing in the solos that day with two 2nds in the Piobaireachd and H/J and winning the March contest. Full results for all solo events that day can be found at www.bcpipers.org.
Canada Day passed without much bravado at the Troy household but James W. and I ventured overseas to Port Angeles with the GVPPB for July 4th. The band was hosted by the MV Coho and participated in the local parade. Thanks to the Coho and the city of Port Angeles for such great hospitality.
That same weekend was the Kincardine Highland Games out in Ontario. Hamilton Police pulled out another win in the Grade 2 contest. Congrats guys! They are well on their way to putting in a great performance at the 2009 Worlds.


-JLT