GRANITE SKYES
Newsletter of the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire
Having Fun with Scottish Music
Volume 13, Number 1 -- September 2000


SEPTEMBER 24 GATHERING
Sunday Afternoon, 1-5 pm
Sylvia Miskoe, Music Director
Annichiaricho Theatre, S. Main St &
Thompson Sts, Concord, N.H.

Approximate schedule:
1:00 - 3:00 September's tunes
3:00 - 3:30 Refreshments & Jamming
3:30 - 5:00 Requests & Solos]


NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
--by Sylvia Miskoe

It is with great excitement and no lack of apprehension that
I start my first session as music director.  I have many
ideas for the coming year: to re-visit some of the music
from the first few years, to have a workshop on Breton music
which will be taught by David Surette, and to introduce
music I have been collecting for many years.  If anyone has
an idea or a tune they would like to see in the SRS
repertoire, please send it to me for consideration.
Our first tune is a march, Loch Ruan.  I learned it from
another accordionist, James Wiseman when I was at Stirling
Summer School in 1998.  Each evening students would gather
in the student lounge for a session. Whenever James would
play this tune, my ears would perk up.  At the end of the
week he told me that I could find it in the 3rd Ceol Na
Fidhle tune book. It makes a great Gay Gordons. 
The next 2 tunes, a waltz and a reel, are by Unst fiddler,
Sam Polson.  Unst is the northern-most island of the
Shetlands.  Their  Fiddle Society, formed in 1965, met
weekly and had a format just like our SRS sessions.   Sam
Polson was one of their leaders and composed many tunes.
When Sam led the tune sessions he never played a tune more
than once; he felt it was unlucky to repeat a tune.  The
Sunday Night Waltz is one of seven waltzes, one for each day
of the week.  Since SRS meets on Sundays, it is appropriate
to play Sunday Night Waltz.  The reel, Oot Stack, takes its
title from Oot Stack, a rock off Muckle Flugga which is the
most northerly rock in the British Isles.  A round of
applause to the first person to identify what makes this
tune unique.

The fourth tune is Lady Elizabeth Cole's Reel by Robert (Red
Rob) MacKintosh, 1745-1807.  MacIntosh is the least known of
the great Scottish fiddlers, a rival of Niel Gow.  He lived,
taught, composed and performed in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and
London.  He often wrote in the flat keys and has a
wonderfully elegant style.  Lady Elizabeth is from his 4th
volume, dedicated to the Duchess of Manchester.  


NEW HAMPSHIRE HIGHLAND GAMES

SRSNH will be playing at the New Hampshire Highland Games at
Loon Mountain on September 16 and 17. We'll play at the jam
sessions at the Governor Adams Lodge on Saturday the 16th
and Sunday the 17th, and at the Scottish Country Dance Ball
on Saturday night.  If you are signed up to play at the
Ball, you should have already received the music in the
mail.  If you haven't, contact Barbara McOwen ASAP.  For the
jam sessions, you should bring the Spring Concerts Sets
booklet  (available from Barbara, if you don't already have
one), plus the following:  Dr. Morrison's Seven Thistles;
Corner House Set (Corner House, Jim Anderson's Delight,
Charlie Hunter); Catchin Rabbits Set (Catchin Rabbits, Last
Day of August, Brumley Brae); Perth Waltz; My Cape Breton
Home; Marianne's Polka; Coilsfield Set (Coilsfield House,
New Claret, Ed Jay's Jaunt); Guizer's Set (Guizer's March,
Perthshire Volunteers, Johnny Cope, Whimsey).
If you're coming  but haven't signed up, or if you signed up
but can't come, please contact Sandy Lafleur
(strumma@aol.com) ASAP.

To paraphrase Grantland Rice,
"When the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name
He marks - not that you won or lost - but how you played at
the Games." 


CALLING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SRS GALA 2000
-by Gail Birch

    This year we are planning a more dramatic presentation than
we have ever attempted before. The theme of the concert, "A
Crofter's Story" will be carried with songs, dances, skits,
and narrative as well as instrumental sets. Julia Lane will
headline as bard and harper, whose talented fingers will
weave the story of the clearances of Scotland on her harp.
Fred Gosbee, a swashbuckling Scot playing flute, whistles,
fiddle, and viola, will join her in making the story unfold
on the stage. Fred is also going to be the music director.
The duo, billed as Castlebay, are really two wonderfully
friendly Maine people of Scottish extraction who have
researched the migration of Scottish music to Maine, and
whose expertise will both entertain and enlighten our
audience - and us, too!

To make this all come together, we need lots of volunteers.
Even if you have never had stage experience before, there
will be a place for you.  The more people we have, the more
visually exciting we can make it. The solo vocal,
instrumental, and dance parts are mostly filled, but we
still need singers for the chorus and more musicians for the
orchestra. We even need a pig!  

Signups will be available at the September gathering, but
there's no need to  wait -call, write, or email and sign up
now. 

Mary Mokler is handling the tickets. All seats are reserved,
and ticket prices are $15, $12, and $9.  If you know any
business you could contact to sell tickets, or if you can
take some tickets to sell yourself, please contact Mary
between 8 am & 8 pm at 603-286-8211 or by email at
mok@worldpath.net  Additionally, we need people to serve off
stage to help with publicity, lobby sales, baked goods,
program assembly, ushering, clean-up, and general go-fors.
With many hands, the work will be light and go smoothly. 
Please step forward and lend a hand to make the Gala a
success!  We need help in all areas, and would love to hear
from you.   Please let me know what you can do ASAP, even if
you do not get to a sign-up sheet: e-mail will do just fine
( gailicwear1@juno.com ). The roster will close October 7,
our first rehearsal date. Music will be available at the
September gathering, if not sooner.

Join the fun and learn a lot by signing up for Gala 2000!
 

MAILING HELP NEEDED

Sabrina Matteson is now coordinating the mailing of the
newsletter.   Many hands make light work - please let
Sabrina know if you would like to help with the October
mailing, or with all the monthly mailings.  You can reach
her at sabrina.matteson@nea.mv.com 


MEMBERSHIPS? AGAIN?
--by Barbara McOwen, Membership Coordinator

Yes it's that time already. September 1st is the SRSNH magic
date. Check the date on your label -- if it reads 9/1/00,
you are now adrift in a very short grace period, so renew
today! Or, if there's been an error, also let us know today.
Our overworked and underpaid mailing staff will send you
many virtual kisses!


SRSNH GALA 2000 REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

October 7, Saturday, 1-5 pm at Annichiarico Theater for a
first run-through of the music.

October 14, Saturday, 1-5pm at Sylvia's for people in
special performances. Groups will brainstorm and block out
their parts or dances.

October 22, Sunday, 1-5pm at Annichiariccio Theater with
Fred and Julia. This one is MANDATORY - Everyone who will be
in the concert MUST attend.

November 4, Saturday, 1-5pm at Annichiaricco Theater. This
will be an optional rehearsal for sections who want to work
on their particular parts.

November 11, Saturday, 1-5pm at Annichiaricco Theater. We
will block out the stage entrances and other movements, and
work on polishing the music. Particular problems will be
addressed.

November 19, Sunday, 1-5pm at Annichiaricco Theater with
Fred and Julia. This one is MANDATORY for all participants.
We will refine the staging, and learn the cues that Fred
will give us for the musical transitions.

November 25, 1-5pm at Lake Shore Farm. This is our last
rehearsal (also MANDATORY) before the BIG DAY. We will run through the
entire program with Fred and Julia. We have the option of
staying and having dinner there as a group - if people are
interested, let me know by the end of October and prices and
menus will be posted. The management may even give us a
group discount. 

November 26: Gala 2000!  We meet at the Audi at 10:00am for
a run-through.  We break for lunch, then assemble for the
concert. After the clean-up is finished, we PARTY!!!!


CAL GARDNER RECOVERING

We are sad to report that Cal Gardner was in an automobile
accident on July 23rd,  and at the time of this writing is
still recovering from his injuries.  You can send him cards
and letters at P.O. Box 392, Amherst, NH  03031-0392.  We
all wish Cal a complete and speedy recovery.


OUR FAR-FLUNG FRIENDS

We have heard from some of the Scottish friends of the SRSNH
recently. 

Bob Sommerville, who helped to organize the Blairgowrie
concert when the SRSNH visited Scotland in 1996, sends
greetings and his new address, rgsommer@lineone.net.  

George Robertson, of the Edinburgh Highland Reel and
Strathspey Society, sent the URL of a Web page about the
EHRSS, http://www.ed.ac.uk/~gar/fiddle/
This is a very good site - check it out!

Kenny Donaldson, a member of Darloch, a ceilidh band whose
performance venues range from Scottish music festivals and
clubs to Azerbaijan and Borneo, writes to invite visiting
SRSNH members to Ceilidh Dancing at  the Golden Lion Hotel
in Stirling, summer Wednesdays from 8 until 10 pm.


REVIEW OF BONNIE RIDEOUT'S SCOTTISH FIRE
-by Stephen G. Brodie Avery

Bonnie's newest offering is a joy to hear.  She has really
done it again, perhaps her best all around album ever.  She
not only displays her incredible talent, but masterfully
showcases her accompanying musicians as well.  There are a
number of slow airs and laments that are hauntingly
beautiful such as "O Onochie O" done with fiddle, viola, and
uillean pipes, and "Lude's Lament" which is intense and
unaccompanied.

J. Scott Skinner fans will be pleased with her set of
"Tibby Fouller O' the Glen/ The Lonach Highland Fling/ Miss
Shepherd/ Dr. Gordon Stables' Reel."  The set starts with
two powerful strathspeys in the North East fiddle tradition
ending with Skinner's variations and followed by two reels
that were also written by Skinner.
    
My two personal favorites are "Grace Hay's Delight" set and
a rousing march called "The 156th Brigade at the Battle of
Romani."  The fiddle and the Highland Pipes play a wonderful
duet amply backed with Jon Quigg playing both the snare &
bass drums.  This one will definitely get your blood to the
boiling point.
    
The CD ends with a lovely unaccompanied contemporary set
written by Bonnie and named after John & Bar Purser from the
Isle of Skye.  "Purser's Air/ Fishing off Ellean Na N'airde/
Drinan's Jig."  She obviously had a very memorable stay
there and it sort of makes me jealous that I missed this
event.
    
This is an album I have been playing over and over again. 
I haven't gotten tired of it yet and I think it will be a
long time before I do.  This one's a keeper.

Personnel:  Bonnie Rideout, fiddle & viola; Jerry
O'Sullivan, uillean pipes & Scottish small-pipes; Mike
Green, Great Highland bagpipes; Al Petteway, guitar; Robin
Bullock, guitar & cittern; Maggie Sansone, hammered
dulcimer; Tina Chancey, viola da gamba; Paddy League,
bodhran, snare, udu & djembe; Jon Quigg, snare & bass drums.
Released on Maggies' Music #MMCD222.  Produced by Billy
Chadwick & Bonnie Rideout.


BERT MURRAY, M.B.E

Bert Murray, of Aberdeen and a longtime member of the SRSNH,
was honored by Queen Elizabeth with the Grant of the Dignity
of an Ordinary Member of the Civil Division of the Order of
the British Empire  "for services to Traditional Scottish
Music."  Joining Bert at the Palace of Holyroodhouse was
Sean Connery, and from the pictures taken after the ceremony
we doubt that even 007 could have been more dashing.  You'll
find  tunes both by and about Bert in the SRSNH collection.
Bert has composed 748 tunes to date, and has been playing
the fiddle for 78 years. Happily for friends of Scottish
music worldwide, he says he "doesn't plan to ever stop."  
Congratulations, Bert, and keep your wonderful music
coming!  


FEED THE HUNGRY MASSES

Can you boil water?  We need help to make the tea and set
up the refreshments at the September gathering.  Cal will,
we hope, be able to come to enjoy the music, but he won't be
in the kitchen.   Come prepared to pitch in with setting up
and cleaning up, and we can enjoy serving Cal for a change.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE 
-- by Carolynn Marsh

Highlights from the summer meetings on  June 14 and August
16 (Note: Members wishing a complete copy of the Minutes
should contact the  Secretary, Carolynn Marsh, at
whimseyhill@aol.com .)  

The BOD has met twice during the summer. Gail Birch attended
the June 14th meeting and further explained her GALA
proposal as well as answering questions. Julia Lane and Fred
Gosbee, two " talented interpreters and composers of
Scottish music" will be the headliners. The BOD accepted a
contract from Fred and Julia.

Nancy Kalinski has joined the BOD as the Member-at-Large
for a one-year term.  A hearty welcome was extended to Nancy
as well as a round of appreciation for the hard work of the
nominating committee in their diligent job at recruiting
potential candidates for all positions. Hearty
congratulations were also extended to Sylvia Miskoe in her
acceptance of the position of music director.  As a point of
clarification, since this is a one-year term it will be
officially designated as Interim Music Director to
distinguish it from the three-year position specified in the
SRSNH By-laws.

Additionally, Elly Abelson has graciously volunteered to
coordinate the E-mail version of the newsletter.

The BOD voted to contribute $100 for the All Instrument
Competition at the NHHG at Loon Mt. The Board also
encourages all members to support the games by participating
in the competition.

The August 16th meeting started on a very positive note as
Sandy reported her conversation with Terry Traub. Terry has
done a great job updating the Website including GALA
information. Check it out at www: SRSNH.org. 

The BOD authorized Frank Woodard to continue to negotiate
housing for us this year at the NHHG. Thanks again, Frank.
Sandy has also finalized the contract for the NHHG
performances.

The scholarship committee is currently considering a new
round of applications. Sylvia Miskoe announced that she would be
resigning from the committee effective in October. The BOD
has asked Don Young to become the new chair of the
scholarship committee.

Updates from Gail on the GALA were shared with the Board of
Directors. Sandy then was to convey the discussion,
including some staging issues, back to Gail. It was noted
that we are still in need of the following:
1)  an advertising manager 
2)  light and sound crew
3)  coordinator for printing of flyers and programs. 
All volunteers or recruitments gratefully accepted.

Finally, it has been recommended that it is indeed time to
overhaul our organizational by-laws. Bob Reed has been
working retyping current by-laws for review by the BOD.
Major issues include:
1)  Status of music director including a revised job
description
2)  Proposed amendments for the nominating committee
3)  Terms of office for BOD members (what about staggered
terms?).
Please send your thoughts about these and any other by-laws
issues to Bob Reed at skprbob@worldpath.net or P.O. Box 305,
Melvin Village, NH  03850.  If you need a copy of the
bylaws, Bob will send you one on request.

There is much to discuss -so join us at the September
meeting on Tuesday, September 19.  All meetings begin at
7:30 p.m. and are held at the NH School of Scottish Arts in
Manchester.   Please contact the secretary if you need
directions.  These meetings are open  to all members.   


CLAN DU

Clan Du, a Celtic band with SRS members Emerald Forman on
fiddle, Myles Matteson on Pipes, and Tyler Matteson on
strings (as well as Phil Selesnick on piano and Mark Record
on drums), will be performing throughout the weekend at the
NH Highland Games on the weekend of September 14-18.  Their
new CD, Clan Du Attitude", is now available for $15 from any
of the band members or by emailing cittern@usa.net or by
calling (603) 736-8185.


NEW GRANITE SKYES EDITOR
--by Ellen Bassett

This is my first edition as editor of the newsletter.  I
hope to continue the excellent work of all those who have
gone before me. Many thanks to Gail Birch and all the
patient proof-readers, fact-checkers, and other kindly
advisors for their help getting this first issue safely
done!   Please send submissions and constructive criticism
to 100 Hackleboro Rd., Canterbury, NH  03224, or at
editorsrsnh@juno.com (send complaints by yak to the Gobi
Desert), and keep your letters, news items, reviews, and
calendar items coming!


SRSNH EVENTS
Gatherings on Sunday afternoons, 1-5 pm, Annichiarico Music
Theater, Thompson & S. Main Sts, Concord, N.H. All ages, all
instruments, all levels welcome; free, with potluck
refreshments. September 24, October 29, November 26.

New Hampshire Highland Games, Friday-Sunday September 15-17,
at Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH. SRSNH will perform Saturday
morning, Saturday night, Sunday afternoon, and additional
events. 

SRSNH Gala Concert 2000, Sunday November 26, 3 pm, Concord
City Auditorium, 39 Green St., Concord, NH, featuring
Castlebay and the SRSNH Orchestra.  For tickets, contact
Mary Mokler, 603-286-8211 between 8 am & 8 pm, or at
mok@worldpath.net .
 

CALENDAR
Clan Du in concert September 15, 8 pm, New Hampshire
Highland Games, Loon Mountain, Lincoln NH, with the
Battlefield Band.  800-358-7268

Contradance with New Boston Fancy, September 15, 8 pm,
Holderness, NH Town Hall  603-536-3887

Fiddlers' Workshop with Alasdair Fraser September 18th at
7:00 P.M at the Fiddler's Loft, at 19 Marshall Rd.,
Kingston, NH. $35.00 per person, includes Dinner Buffet at
6:15.  For more information call Albert Brien at
603-642-5434

Clan Du, Saturday afternoon, September 23, Rochester Fair,
Rochester, NH 

New Boston Fancy, September 23, 12 & 4 pm at The "Big E" 
Eastern States Exposition, W. Springfield, MA, in the New
Hampshire Building.

Clan Du, September 24, 12 & 4 pm at The "Big E" Eastern
States Expositon, W. Springfield, MA, in the New Hampshire
Building.

Dick Gaughan & Brian McNeill, October 5, 7:30 pm, Regent
Theater, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA 781-862-7837

Contradance with New Boston Fancy, October 14, 8 pm,
Francestown, NH Town Hall  603-547-2995

Contradance with New Boston Fancy, October 20, 8 pm,
Holderness, NH Town Hall  603-536-3887

The Exiles , October 21 in Rockland, MA to benefit the
Rockland Emergency Food Pantry. CelticArtists@aol.com .

Music from Northumberland & the Orkney Islands, with Wrigley
Sisters, Pauline Cato, & Tom McConville, October 26, 7:30
pm, Regent Theater, Arlington MA, 781-862-7837

 
MORE WEBSITES OF CELTIC INTEREST

Please send your favorite web addresses to the editor at
editorsrsnh@juno.com.  Here are the adresses we have
received recently:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/~gar/fiddle/ -- The Edinburgh Highland
Reel and Strathspey Society

http://www.craigenroan99.freeserve.co.uk -- a Scottish
ceilidh band

http://www.darloch.co.uk -- a Scottish ceilidh band
www.lochdhu.com/sasnh -- St. Andrew's Society of New
Hampshire

http://www.mv.com/ipusers/celticbeat/index.html -- Celtic
Beat Magazine, with event listings, concert and recording
reviews, and interviews with performers.


REFLECTIONS ON THE ART OF THE DANCE

"My men, like satyrs grazing on the lawns, 
Shall with their goat feet dance the antic hay."
-Christopher Marlowe, Edward II, Act 1 (1593)


SESSIONS, JAMS, DANCES

2nd Sundays - English dancing, 6:30-9:30pm., at the Old
Concord Hospital, Pleasant Street, Concord, NH. $6, or $5
for ECDSNH members. Call Judith Ackerson (603)934-2543, or
jnoska@cyberportal.net .

3rd Sundays - English dancing, 7-9:30 pm., at the Portsmouth
Ballroom. Portsmouth, NH, $6 or $5 for ECDSNH members. Call
Dave Bateman (603)886-5071 or dbateman@net1plus.com .

3rd Sundays - Gaelic Club, 3-7 pm. at the Canadian American
Club, Watertown, Mass. Info: Peggy Morrison, (978)858-3792.
Mondays - Slow jam, 7-9pm+, at Fiddler's Loft, 19 Marshall
Rd., Kingston, NH. $5/night. Info: Albert Brien
(603)642-5434, Fidlerloft@aol.com .
Tuesdays - Scottish Country Dance, 6-8pm., at the Fitchburg
Library, Main St., Fitchburg, MA. Call Gail Birch (978)
597-8016.

1st Tuesdays - Slow Jams, 6-7:30pm. in Cambridge, Mass.
Info: (617)-522-5887.

Wednesdays - Merrimack Valley Scottish Country Dancers, SCD
classes, beginning Sept. 6:  children's class at 6 pm,
adults at 7:30 pm at the Odd Fellows Home, Pleasant St.,
Concord, NH Contact Brenda Janssen, (603) 226-2739.

1st Wednesdays - Jam session, 7pm., at the K of C 
hall, Elm St., Milford, .3 from oval. Info: Sandy Lafleur
(603)673-8497. 

3rd Wednesdays - Swedish fiddle night, 7pm., at the home of
Nancy Kalinski.  Call or e-mail for directions,
swedishfiddler@hotmail.com 

Wed or Thurs - Scottish Country Dance, 7-9pm., in the
Chandler Library, Nashua, NH. Call Loren Wright
(603)891-2331.

2nd and 4th Thurs - Beginner jam, 7-9pm, Fiddler's Loft (see
Monday's info), free

3rd Fridays - Square and Contra Dances presented by Roaring
Jelly, Lexington, Mass. Susan Elberger, Caller, and Debby
Knight, Music Director. To dance or join band, call
(781)-944-3544, www.toc.lcs.mit.edu/~slonim/rjelly.html . 

4th Fridays - Contra Dance, 8-11pm, at the Town Hall,
Milford, NH. Open band. Contact Sylvia Miskoe, (603)
225-6546.

Saturday afternoon - play fiddle with John Campbell at his
home in Watertown Mass. Call John for specific dates and
times (617)924-1837.

2nd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8-11, at Francestown, NH, Town
Hall. Call or e-m for info  Frank Woodward, (603) 487-2480
or yankee@grolen.com .

Saturday afternoons - Community Traditional Music Sessions,
3-7, Fox Library, Arlington, MA., May 27, Jun 10. Info:
Laura at (781)646-7522.   

A REMINDER: Deadline for October articles is Friday, Oct. 6.
No calendar dates before Oct. 15 will be included.


PUBLISHERS MESSAGE
 
Granite Skyes is published monthly (10 issues) between September 
and June by the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire. 
Subscription $6/yr ($10 overseas). Individual domestic memberships 
cost $14/yr; please inquire about other rates. Edited by Ellen Bassett. 
All items welcome, depending on space available; e-mail by the 
1st Friday of the month for inclusion in the mid-month mailing to 
editorsrsnh@juno.com in text only format. Electronic Editor is Elly Abelson. 
Email subscription is free. The SRSNH Web Page is maintained by 
Terry Traub, http://world.std.com/~ttraub/srsnh.


SRSNH OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
Music Director:
Sylvia Miskoe
 
President: Sandy Lafleur
Vice President: Bob Reed
Secretary: Carolyn Marsh
Treasurer: Edward Los
Members-At-Large: 
Ellen Bassett
Nancy Kalinski 


SRSNH GATHERINGS 2000

Sunday, September 24
Sunday, October 29
Gala Concert, November 26
(no November gathering)

Sundays, 1-5pm.
Free admission. All ages, all
instruments, all levels welcome;
potluck refreshments. Angela 
Annichiarico Music Theater
1 Thompson St, at S. Main St.
Exit 13 or 14 off I-93. 
Take S. Main St. to Thompson St., 
2 blocks S of Pleasant St. (Rts. 202/9), 
1 block N of Capitol Center for the Arts. 
Park on S. Main, S. State, or in the lot 
across Thompson St. from the theater. 
Do not park in the resident's lot.


STRATHSPEY & REEL SOCIETY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
102 Little Pond Rd.
Concord, NH 03301
603-225-6546
smiskoe@aol.com
www.srsnh.org