GRANITE SKYES
Volume 14, No. 5, January 2002


JANUARY GATHERING
January 27,  Sunday Afternoon,  1-5 pm.
Sylvia Miskoe,  Leader
Annichiarico Theatre, S. Main St & Thompson St, Concord, N.H.


Approximate schedule:
1:00 - 3:00  January tunes
3:00 - 3:30  Refreshments & Jamming
3:30 - 5:00  Requests & Solos


NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
  -- by Sylvia Miskoe and R.P. Hale

Last year we traveled south to Brittany, France, and learned some 
Breton tunes taught by David Surette. Now we will travel further 
south to Galicia, which is the northwestern part of Spain. RP Hale 
contributed these tunes and the accompanying notes, which follow. 
Galician music is considered part of the Celtic tradition. If you 
look at a map of Europe you can see how the sailors traveling south 
from Britain landed in Brittany and in Galicia.

Spanish Galicia is home to one of the most ancient Celtic cultural 
groups known, and the influence remains strong today, manifested in a 
separate Spanish/Celt dialect and a continuation of the artistic and 
musical styles that date back thousands of years. The early Galiciano 
Celts were known for building large communities of round 
stone-and-thatch houses, surrounded by stone walls, that today are 
called castros (Sp./Latin castrum or "city"), and Galicia has some of 
the largest castros ever built. Archaeological findings also show a 
high development of the arts, including the earliest extant examples 
of Celtic knotwork art. As mentioned, Galicia today is home to a 
thriving and active Celtic culture.

Like many of the other Celtic cultures, the Galicianos traditionally 
use the harp, woodwinds, drum, the pipes and voice in their music, 
and they have also incorporated the Spanish guitars, bouzouki, 
salterio or dulcimer, harpsichord and keyboards over the years. 
Galiciano traditional music has a heavy Moorish and Arabian influence 
and uses many of the Middle Eastern modes and forms, that today 
appear too in much traditional Spanish and Mexican music.

The tunes include:

Xiga galiciana, a fast-moving jig (by the way, the letter x is 
pronounced as sh or sch), from about the 17th century, that switches 
from the minor to the major and back again;

El Castro de Viladonga, a multi-part reel originally written for the 
harp and woodwinds, referring to the largest prehistoric castro in 
Galicia; source and age unknown;

El Cantando d'Mar, "The Singing of the Sea", a lovely slow air that I 
first saw as a transcription for the harpsichord, with the notation 
that it in turn was transcribed from an arrangement for the harp, 
probably from around the mid-18th century.

[RP may submit a fourth tune at the last minute, with no time to add 
to the notes, so maybe we'll learn a Galician mazurka at the session. 
--  Ed.]


BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

Highlights from the December meeting:

SRSNH is now fully registered with and certified by the State of NH 
as a charitable organization, thanks to Ed Los' patient efforts. The 
Music Director Search committee is ready to begin its work, welcoming 
Jim Birch as its third member. The Scholarship Committee is preparing 
to start the next round of scholarship applications, and the Board 
voted to dedicate $1200 to scholarships this year. Sandy Lafleur will 
be calling people to form the nominating committee. The post-Gala 
party was discussed, and a donation box for voluntary donations to 
help defray the cost of the party will be available next year.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 13. All meetings begin at 7:30 pm 
at the N.H. School of Scottish Arts in Manchester, and are open to 
all members. Please contact the secretary if you need directions. 
Members wishing a complete copy of the Minutes should contact the 
Secretary at whimsyhill@aol.com


MUSIC DIRECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE

The Music Director Search Committee is ready to begin its work. Jim 
Birch, Ellen Bassett, and Chairman Bob Reed will be exploring the 
many issues involved, and reporting back to the board with 
recommendations. There's still room on the committee, so if you have 
ideas to share please contact Bob Reed (skprbob@worldpath.net or 
603-569-9424).


NEW DATES FOR MARCH AND MAY SESSIONS

To avoid Easter Sunday and Memorial Day weekend, the March and May 
gatherings have been rescheduled. The new dates are Sunday, March 24, 
and Sunday, May 19. Mark your calendars!


SCHOLARSHIPS

As the snow piles up around the front door, the mind naturally turns 
to ---- summer courses and workshops! Believe it or not, it's time to 
apply for summer scholarships. Scholarships are available to SRSNH 
members and their children with at least two years' experience in 
their area of study. Grants can be provided to defray the costs of 
workshops, music schools, research or study in Scottish traditional 
music or dance. To request an application or for further information, 
contact Marge Swope or Lynn McElroy.


THANKS, NHSSA

It's high time we acknowledge our gratitude to our friends at the NH 
School of Scottish Arts. The school provides us with meeting space; 
space for our files, pipers and dancers for concerts, helps publicize 
our events, and in many ways small and great lends support to the 
SRSNH. The Board is especially grateful this month to Lezlie and 
Gordon Webster, for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty 
to provide space for the January board meeting. Founded in 1998 under 
the auspices of the N.H. Gathering of the Scottish Clans, the 
School's mission is to foster and expand the spirit of Scottish 
performing and cultural arts in New Hampshire. If you're interested 
in lessons in fiddle, bagpipes, Highland dance, Gaelic, flute, 
whistle, or harp, call the school at 603-641-9949.


FLOWERS OF THE FOREST
  -- The following was sent by Margaret Lepley on December 18, and is 
reprinted with her permission.

I went to drop off Christmas cookies at the Cuffes' yesterday, 
arriving late (9:30 pm) and expecting to do no more than hand them 
through the door. But there was a small social gathering in progress 
so I was invited in.

Chris & Andrea Friel, Laurel Martin, Saira Austin and other members 
of Tony's session class were there (and the Cuffe clan). Tony's 
students had come over mid-afternoon with a lovely card (a picture of 
a single cream rose bud) for Tony & Cath's 24th wedding anniversary. 
They of course got invited in for tea and then stayed to help set up 
and decorate the Christmas tree ...

Besides the tree there was a fire going in the living room, a 
Christmas carousel powered by candles, tea/coffee/whisky, cookies and 
tiny mince pies. The bedroom door (adjacent to the livingroom) was 
open and there was always someone sitting with Tony. During part of 
the evening Laurel and others went in and played for Tony (Chris & I 
traded off on an extra fiddle). Later we played a bit more in the 
living room, laughed and talked. I left at midnight, but the others 
were still going strong.

What a warm wonderful atmosphere, but with an underlying sadness. 
Tony is slipping away. He hasn't spoken since Sunday when Ed Pearlman 
came down to play for him, and he asked about the name of a tune. 
(How like Tony to have music pull the words out :-) If it has to 
happen, though, it couldn't be in better surroundings.

Margaret

P.S. The above was written earlier today; I've since learned that 
Tony passed on this morning. Is it possible to be sad and yet happy 
at the same time? Sad that it ever came to this, but knowing the time 
was right. Happy that the family had this evening.


SRSNH OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, & COMMITTEES

Music Director:  Sylvia Miskoe
Board of Directors:
      Sandy Lafleur, President
      Bob Reed, Vice President
      Ed Los, Treasurer
      Carolynn Marsh, Secretary
      Ellen Bassett & Bruce Cobb, Members at large
Scholarship Committee: Marjory Swope, Chair; Lynn McElroy
Music Director Search Committee: Bob Reed; Chair; Jim Birch, Ellen Bassett
Newsletter Editor: Ellen Bassett
Monthly Mailings: Sabrina Matteson
Makeup Mailings: Allen Brown
Memberships; Emails: Barbara McOwen
Webmaster: Terry Traub


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. January 27, February 
24, March 24, April 28, May 19 and June 30.


CALENDAR

Celtic Connections Festival, January 16 - Feb. 2, Glasgow, Scotland, 
this year to include Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee, and many, many 
others. Lots of airfare deals out there for those who can travel on 
short notice.

Robert Burns Night, Sunday, Jan. 20th, Corner House in Center 
Sandwich, with bagpipers John and Gayle Newman from Northwood, the 
"Salute to the Haggis" by local storyteller Marion Posner, Scottish 
verse and songs, and a delectable 5 course Scottish meal put on by 
chef/owner Don Brown and his culinary team. Cock a' Leekie Soup, 
Highland Salmon, Fresh Venison, Neeps & Tatties, Tipsy Laird, and of 
course theTraditional Haggis are part of the feast. The festivities 
begin at 5:30 pm. Highland dress or not. The price per person is 
$29.95. For reservations or more information contact the Corner House 
Inn at 603-284-6219.

Robert Burns Birthday Obervance, Saturday, January 26, St. Andrews 
Society of N.H., at Yoken's Conference Center, Lafayette Road, 
Portsmouth, N.H. Social Hour (cash bar) starts at 5:00 pm. Dinner 
starts at 6:15 pm. $30.00 per person. Entertainment: Salute to the 
Haggis by Stephen Avery, Address to the Immortal Memory by Andy 
Melville, Pipers Gordon & Lezlie Webster with Highland Dancers from 
the NHSSA. and Scottish Country Dancing to "Och Aye"with Marianne 
Taylor and featuring Anne Hooper, 1998 U.S. Scottish FiddleChampion. 
Traditional Scottish Dinner with Soup, Roast Beef, Neeps & Tatties 
(turnips & potatoes), Dessert & Beverages. For reservations send 
check (made out to SASNH) to Karol Gooch, 276 Haley Ave, Kittery, 
Maine 03904. Questions??? call 207-439-4877 or email 
gooch5050@aol.com. Dress: Highland Dress/Black Tie, Mess Dress, 
Business Suit.

Annual Burn's Night Supper Thursday, January 31, 2002 - at the Inn At 
Jaffery Center, Route 124 (Main Street), Jaffery, N.H. $30 per 
person,includes tax & tip with $5 going to the Monadnock Worksource. 
Tradtional Roast Beef Dinner with Scottish Sides. Haggis. Address & 
Immortal Memory by Stephen Avery. Entertainment by Students from the 
New Hampshire School ofScottish Arts. Wear your Tartan. For 
Information & Reservations call Noel at 603-532-7800.

Robert Burns Dinner and Silent Auction, featuring Tulach Ard Pipe 
Band, NHSSA Highland Dancers, singer Devon MacGillivray, and dancing 
to the music of Steam Heat, Saturday, February 2, 2002, 6 pm- 
midnight, Boston Marriott Newton Commonwealth Avenue at Route 128 and 
the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90), Newton, Massachusetts, $50.00 
per person. Reservations only. Call Marilyn Costello at 508-362-8165. 
Visa and Master Card accepted.

Benefit contradance for Mary Desrosiers, March 2, Peterborough, N.H. 
7-12 pm. More information to follow

Clan Dhu in Concert, St. Patrick's Day, Friday March 15, 
Annicchiarico Theater, 7:30 pm, $10 adults, $5 kids, 603-736-8185

Contra Country Dance Dinner Cruise on the Mount Washington. July 8, 
6:30-10:30 pm; more information to follow.


SESSIONS, JAMS, DANCES

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

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

3rd Sundays - Gaelic Club, 3-7 pm, Canadian American Club, Watertown, 
Mass. Peggy Morrison, 978-858-3792.

Mondays - Slow jam, 7-9 pm+, Fiddler's Loft, 19 Marshall Rd., 
Kingston, N.H. $5/night, Albert Brien 603-642-5434, 
fidlerloft@aol.com.

Tuesdays - Irish/Celtic Sessions at The Barley House Restaurant and 
Tavern, 132 North Main Street, Concord, N.H. 7-10 pm. 603-229-0083.

3rd Tuesdays - sessions with hired teachers, variety of traditions, 
6:30-8 pm, First Cambridge Baptist Church, Cambridge, Mass, donation, 
617-522-5887.

1st Wednesdays - Jam session, 7 pm, Foodee's, in the Milford Oval, 
Milford, N.H. Sandy Lafleur 603-673-8497.

Wed or Thurs - Scottish Country Dance, 7-9 pm., Chandler Library, 
Nashua, N.H. Loren Wright 603-891-2331.

1st Thursdays: Contra dance, Dover City Hall, 8 pm. Lamprey River 
Band, guest callers and musicians invited. $5. Peter Yarensky, 
603-664-2513.

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

Fridays: Seacoast Scottish Country Dance class, Greenland Parish Hall 
on Rte 151, Greenland, N.H., 7:30-9:30 pm, through end of June, 
Laurie Stevens 603-773-9795.

1st Fridays: Contra dance, Windham, N.H. Town Hall, ½ mi. W of exit 
3, I-93; Neil Harvey 603-890-8907.

2nd Fridays: Contra dance, Kittery, Me. Grange Hall (now called the 
Left Banke), 8 pm,various bands, $6.

3rd Fridays - Square and Contra Dances, 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, 8-11 pm, Town Hall, Milford, N.H. Open 
band. Sylvia Miskoe, 603-225-6546.

Saturday afternoon - play fiddle with John Campbell at his home in 
Maynard, Mass. For specifics, John 978-897-7031.

Saturday Afternoons, Arlington Mass. Comm. Traditional Music 
Sessions, Fox Library, Mass Ave & Cleveland St., 3-7 pm, $1 per 
person, 781-646-7522 or 781-643-3603, January 12 (4:30 - 7:00), 
January 26, February 9 &16, March 9 & 30, April 6 &13, May 4 & 18, 
June 1&15.

2nd Saturdays, Contra dance, 8-11, Town Hall, Gilmanton, N.H., $5 per 
person, $10 family, through April or May.

2nd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8-11, Francestown, N.H., Town Hall. 
Frank Woodward, 603-487-2480, yankee@grolen.com.

3rd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8 pm, East Concord Community Center, 
Concord, N.H., $5.

4th Saturdays - Contra dance, Dover City Hall, Dover, N.H. 8:30 - 
various bands. $7, 603-659-7038.


A REMINDER: Deadline for February articles is February 1. No calendar 
dates before February 13 will be included.

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 of the month 
for inclusion in the mid-month mailing to ebassett@cheerful.com in 
text only format. Email subscription is free; send request to 
bmcowen@world.com . The SRSNH Web Page is maintained by Terry Traub, 
http://www.srsnh.org.

=====================================

Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire
102 Little Pond Rd.
Concord, N.H. 03301
   603-225-6546
   smiskoe@aol.com