Being the New Year, I decided I need a change in attitude. Well ... there are several changes that this plump, old, lazy, couch potato needs to make, but let's start with attitude and the rest may fall into place.
I have recently been reading a friend's blog and have discovered that I have been referred to from time to time as being somewhat of a sour puss - that's not a quote, but it expresses the occasional impression. I don't think that is her overall impression of me, but I concede that indeed I probably come across that way many a time, especially when it comes to issues with the Pipe Band.
I readily admit up front that I'm not a great piper. I'm generally inconsistent with my playing skill; probably because I'm inconsistent with my practice. I state this because I am probably in a poor position to pass judgement on anyone or anything having to do with playing the bagpipes. At the same time I can be quite opinionated when it comes to how people treat each other; whether or not expectations seem realistic; and how well run an organization is. That is where I run into trouble.
My friend has been effected by the same issues in the band that I have and yet she remains optimistic and upbeat. In fact, she has suffered through one incident with an influential band member that still makes me angry to think about and yet while I know it upset her, she has treated it with humor and moved beyond it's caustic influence. She's my Pipe Band hero!
So, I will vow to quit being a sour puss this year and strive to remain more positive. That's not to say I won't voice my opinion, but once said I will move on.
... let's see how long this will last?!
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Granpiper's Original Compositions
and Arrangements
Here are some of the bagpipe tunes I've written and some I've adapted or changed the arrangement to. Feel free to use the tunes if you like them, but please copy all sheet music with my name on it. The MP3 recordings are done on a practice chanter or goose.
Please click on the file name to download.
This is how I felt the first year I was in the band ... still feel that way sometimes.
My Bagpipe Story
My bagpipe story started many years ago and has lead me to learn and enjoy playing a wonderful instrument.
I have had many opportunities to perform for weddings, funerals and other occassions that have given me a great deal of satisfaction in providing comfort and joy to others.
This is truely an inspiring instrument and a privilage to play. This blog is a journal of sorts and to be honest I really only care that my grandkids have a record so they can discover that their grandfather loved and had a passion for the bagpipes and their beautiful music.
To the make of a piper goes seven years of his own learning, and seven generations before. At the end of his seven years one born to it will stand at the start of knowledge, and leaning a fond ear to the drone he may have parley with old folks of old affairs.
-Neil Munro
Who knows, but that seven generations from now one of my decendents will have parley with old folks of old affairs.
To Read the details of how I got into playing the Great Highland Bagpipes you can read my story here:
Grandpiper Story.
I have fun playing the bagpipes and that is the main thing for me. Here are some videos of my piping at various events:
Grandpiper Videos.
I have had many opportunities to perform for weddings, funerals and other occassions that have given me a great deal of satisfaction in providing comfort and joy to others.
This is truely an inspiring instrument and a privilage to play. This blog is a journal of sorts and to be honest I really only care that my grandkids have a record so they can discover that their grandfather loved and had a passion for the bagpipes and their beautiful music.
To the make of a piper goes seven years of his own learning, and seven generations before. At the end of his seven years one born to it will stand at the start of knowledge, and leaning a fond ear to the drone he may have parley with old folks of old affairs.
-Neil Munro
Who knows, but that seven generations from now one of my decendents will have parley with old folks of old affairs.
To Read the details of how I got into playing the Great Highland Bagpipes you can read my story here:
Grandpiper Story.
I have fun playing the bagpipes and that is the main thing for me. Here are some videos of my piping at various events:
Grandpiper Videos.
Adoring Fans ... just kidding.
Here are some of the bagpipe tunes I've written and some I've adapted or changed the arrangement to. Feel free to use the tunes if you like them, but please copy all sheet music with my name on it. The MP3 recordings are done on a practice chanter or goose.
Please click on the file name to download.
| Sheet Music | MP3 File |
| An Abhainne Chaillte.pdf | An Abhainne Chaillte.mp3 |
| Carson On Ice.pdf | Carson On Ice.mp3 |
| Alberta Prairie Waltz.pdf | Alberta Prairie Waltz.mp3 |
| Come Come Ye Saints.pdf | Come Come Ye Saints.mp3
Coming Soon |
| The Spirit of God.pdf | The Spirit of God.mp3
Coming Soon |
| Nu Falmer Skoven.pdf | Nu Flamer Skoven.mp3
Coming Soon |
Some favorite websites ...
Joining a Band!!
This is how I felt the first year I was in the band ... still feel that way sometimes.
The Colquhoun Tartan
2 comments:
Let's see how long it will last? Are you really committed to this? :) You can do it. I have faith in you. I have been accused of being obnoxiously optimistic on more than one occation though. I'm going to hold you to it Dad!
I know I've heard that story before somewhere, but I don't remember anybody ever describing you as a sourpuss. You always have a joke or a funny remark about the procedings, or a story to tell about another time when . . . But I like your goal anyway. The world needs more cheerful people, and more people who are cheerful. It smoothes the potholes of the journey.
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