Cowichan pipeline connector vol. 3 - April 6, 2020

*****SPECIAL DRUMMERS’ EDITION***** “It’s not just about pipes you know” - anon

Folks – I thought I’d dedicate this newsletter to our drumming colleagues. I must confess that, for many years, I

have participated in the healthy rivalry and banter that exists between the two corps. I have heard drummers

referred to as woodpeckers and a wind break for the pipers’ backsides. However, remember the whole is

greater than the sum of its parts and we wouldn’t be a pipe band without our amazing drummers. So let’s

collectively give thanks to all of our skin beaters! Keep smiling! - rodB

Top pipe band drummers of all times?

Alex Duthart. No one has had a bigger impact on pipe band drumming than Alex Duthart. He essentially invent-ed modern music for the pipe band snare, adapting con-cepts from Swiss-style drumming, and composing some of the most musical scores ever. He is to drumming what GS, Willie Ross, Angus MacKay, and Donald MacLeod were to piping. [Drummers, you likely have no idea who these piping legends are—right?]

Jim Kilpatrick. While he is by a wide margin the most suc-cessful competitor in pipe band drumming history, with solo and band records that may never be topped, Kilpat-rick would probably be the first to admit that he trails his teacher, the legend that is Alex Duthart.

Reid Maxwell. He’s won the World Pipe Band Champion-ship Sash numerous times, and with two different bands. Maxwell has won World Drum Corps championships in four decades.

DRUMMING LINKS: If you are bored and you want some drumming/pipe band drumming entertain-ment, check out these links:

1. Simon Fraser University Pipe Band performing their Drum Salute at the 2015 Pre Worlds Concert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqmNZpij24 2. Simon Fraser University Pipe Band - Drum Major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCgeye4pkfw 3. Tuning of bass and tenor drums with Tyler Fry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wwwZyh5_wY 4. Steven McWhirter solo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGq9nBIaNX0 5. 12-Year-Old Pipe Band Drummer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-qDKeJ68lw

A message from your Drum Major: If you are self-isolating or just plain bored, mind how much you eat. You want to fit into your uniform when the band gets back into action. Be parade ready! - Bob

Right: Classic piper-drummer stare down.

My money is on the drummer who appears to have

the piper wrapped around her little finger.

"There's only 2 rudiments on the

drum, you know? There's either a tap

or a roll. And all these

embellishments come from either a

tap or a roll."

--- Alex Duthart

Left: Mary has also been busy serenading,

from her front yard, her very own herd of

Heilan coo’s.

A must watch video is a recording of the Piano Guys playing

“This is Your Fight Song” (Rachel Platten Scottish Cover)

It is described as being “Stunningly Beautiful” and was filmed at Eilean

Donan Castle. It features the Wasatch & District Pipe Band and their

amazing DRUM CORPS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOO5qRjVFLw

A MUST WATCH

***REMINDER***

FACEBOOK MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE

To get us motivated, Mark has proposed that we all [yes, drummers, too!] set a goal and plan to post a video, playing, our

respective instruments, to the band Facebook page. Have some fun with this. Play a single tune or a medley, your call!

Dressing up is optional, however, remember this is a visual medium. Photo bombs by the cat/dog/wee child

are entirely acceptable.

Upload and post your video on: THURSDAY, APRIL 9th

Left: Derek and Chuck discuss in detail which tunes they are planning to play for their Facebook video debut.

“We are in the thick of it and we

must hold our line.”

Provincial Medical Health Officer

Dr. Bonnie Henry

A Senior Beginner Piper Addressing the Covid-19

I thought that I would give you a look into a day of isolation of 2 “Seniors”, with one being a Senior Beginner

Piper and the other my wife, Claire, a retired Public Health Nurse (PHN). Being mar-

ried to a PHN is quite interesting in this time of the Pandemic, one is required to

follow all the required protocol. Starting with wash, wash, wash your hands. I am

sorry to say that I failed the PHN Standards, and thus required to go back to square

one. We have adhered to the isolation even though we do not have the virus, but

are “seniors”. I am not even allowed to go to town. I think it is because my PHN

doesn’t want me to buy cinnamon buns! We are, therefore, having a friend (&

PHN) to pick up a few groceries, eggs, milk, but no toilet paper. Being a former boy

scout, I was trying to convince Claire that we can resort to Thimbleberry leaves, or

as Dr. Fred said, “Eaton’s Catalogue”. We, however, are not following the spacing

guidelines. I wonder why?? Our day starts with coffee in bed watching CBC & CNN

TV News and the Covid-19 updates. Claire, with pencil and paper in hand, taking

meticulous notes. After lunch, it is outside in the garden with Claire in the flower-

beds and I working in the vegetable garden. We then come in with Claire working

on her Pastoral Care, and I work on my chanter and pipes working on tunes that I have avoided for years, in-

cluding: Glendaruel and Orange & Blue. This time also allows me to work on my blowing issue. I have even been

going out at 7 PM to join the neighbour to recognize the efforts of our first responders.

In all seriousness, it is important that we all do our part to address and overcome this serious pandemic.

Stay safe!

Wayne, Senior and beginner Piper

THE LAST WORD

Note: If you would like to submit and share a few words of how you are doing, please send your submission

directly to me and I’ll include in subsequent newsletters: rod.booth@shaw.ca

Thanks, Wayne, for being the first!

Wayne and Claire