GRANITE SKYES
Volume 14 No. 6, February 2002

FEBRUARY GATHERING
February 24, Sunday Afternoon, 1-5 pm.
Susan Christie Woodward, Leader
Annichiarico Theatre, S. Main St & Thompson St, Concord, N.H.

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


NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
-- by Susan Christie Woodward

So many songs, so little time! Never was that more true. It is
hard to think of a culture with a greater legacy and continuing
tradition of creating songs that people love and pass on. And I can
squeeze in only seven! I chose tunes to please the players as well as
with words a treat to sing.

Robert Burns, whose personality, passions, and peccadilloes are
captivating, also pioneered collecting the songs and tunes of the
people, and in doing so, he not only preserved a rich heritage but gave
the music, along with his poetry, to the world. These four (all written
in his prolific early 30s) are less well known today and represent four
distinct aspects of his versatility.

"What can a young lassie do wi' an auld man?" by its very title
suggests the fun Rhymer Rab had providing his notable "enhancements
and amendments" to old songs. He excelled in presenting feelings and
relationships, especially as experienced by women. His vivid imagery
here expresses the lassie's point of view! In "Where Cart rins rowin..."
he shapes an old song into a love song that serves as a "neyah neyah"
directed at his reluctant father-in-law.

"Highland Mary" also traces back to Burns's activities in 1786,
the year of his despair over James Armour's actions. (Juicy details
available at our Sunday session.) The song became one of the
sentimental hits of the 19th and early 20th century. The final Burns'
song is his masterful reworking of the ancient ballad "The Lass of Loch
Royan." The great 19th-century collector of folk music, F.C. Child,
found earlier versions of up to 35 verses. In just three verses, Burns
brings the poor lass's tale movingly to life.

CARMINA MORTE CARENT reads a granite memorial to Lady
Caroline Nairne, born just 7 years after Burns. Gentile modesty led
her to veil her authorship throughout her life so that her more than 40
songs were frequently attributed to Burns, Tannahill, or Hogg. Her
range of subjects and styles was as wide. I've chosen the "Lord o'
Cockpen" for its insouciant difference from her beloved and far more
famous "Rowen Tree" as well as for its 18th-century feminist spirit
(sullied by 19th-century additions).

Sir Walter Scott's enhancement of an old Ballad echoes his
novels and Jock o' Hazeldean's happy ending provides us an antidote
to Lord Gregory, (not to mention Lucia di Lammermore).

And finally, a tribute to my dad, for whom like so many of his
generation the "pop" Scottish song "Mary of Argyle" was a parlor
standby before the days of radio and television. Its flowing melody
illuminates the ageless popularity of songs that promise lasting love
that is more than "skin deep" in the tradition of Thomas More's "Believe
me if all those endearing...," Burns' "John Anderson, my jo" and "Silver
Threads among the Gold."


LOST AND FOUND DEPT.
A brown velvet chin rest and a metal music stand were left behind at
the January session. Ed Los will bring them to the February session. If
they're yours and you aren't coming in February, please contact Ed.


ORIGINAL TUNE ALERT!!
-- by Sylvia Miskoe

March is the month we will publish ten original tunes. I hope that all
the nearby composers will be present to help us interpret their tunes
and tell us about them.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
There has been no meeting since the last newsletter.
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


SRSNH SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28
-- by Marjorie Swope, Scholarship Committee Chair

For the third year, the SRSNH Board of Directors has funded a modest
grant program to help members learn more about Scottish music by
attending a Scottish music camp, school, or festival or to study or
research traditional music. Eligible applicants must have been SRSNH
members for at least 6 months, must be at least 10 years old, must have
studied their instrument for at least 2 years, and must not be members
or families of the SRSNH Board of Directors or Scholarship Committee.
To apply, simply fill out the application form that members will find
enclosed with this newsletter, attach appropriate supporting documents
such as catalogs, brochures or programs, and send it to Marjory Swope,
21 Long Pond Rd., Concord, N.H. 03301. If you have questions, ask a
member of the Scholarship Committee: Marjory Swope, Chairman, 603-
224-7676, marge@nhacc.org; Lynn McElroy, 603-267-8812; or Gary
Hume, 603-679-5895.


CONGRATULATIONS, GARY
The following is an excerpt of an accolade for Gary Hume written by
Richard Boisvert, N.H. Deputy State Archaeologist:

"It is my solemn duty to announce that Dr. Gary Hume, N.H. State
Archaeologist, will retire as of January 31, 2002. His retirement will
bring to a close a quarter century of service to archaeology and New
Hampshire.

Gary has been with the Division since 1979, serving the
entire time as New Hampshire's first State Archaeologist. He's had a
long and distinguished career with a multitude of stellar
accomplishments. Let me highlight a few. The state now has two
remarkable archaeological preserves, the Gwenndolynn Ann Brennick
Lochmere Archaeological Area (also known as the Drake Site) in
Belmont and the Monson Village property in Milford and Hollis. Each
of these areas is of outstanding archaeological significance and we can
state with certainty that neither would have been acquired or preserved
without Gary's phenomenal efforts at marshalling public support and
financial backing. He has also navigated the state through the complex
and sensitive waters to return the remains of Native Americans from
various state and private institutions to the appropriate Native
Peoples. One of his most significant accomplishments has been the
creation and fostering of one of the nation's most well regarded
archaeological avocational training programs, the State Conservation and
Rescue Archaeology Program - SCRAP. As a result, Gary's impact on
archaeology in New Hampshire (and the nation for that matter) will be
felt for many years to come

We will miss his skills, insight, diplomacy and perseverance in the
unequivocal protection of New Hampshire's historic resources. "


HOW IT ALL BEGAN
George Robertson sent this synopsis of a new book, Edinburgh Highland
Reel and Strathspey Society - A History, which can be bought direct from
Tuckwell Press http://www.tuckwellpress.co.uk/.

The Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society, the first
of its kind, was formed in 1881, "for the practice or promotion of
Scottish National Music, more especially Reel and Strathspey playing in
the old Highland fashion." Until 1949, the Orchestra was composed of
violins (first and second), violas, 'cellos and double basses. Thereafter
the piano was introduced. In the early days the orchestra played the
strathspeys and reels as contained in the Athole Collection and other
publications available at that time, together with Scots airs.

With the great interest in Scottish country dancing which occurred after
1945, the Society extended their repertoire to include sets of Country
Dances arranged by John Robertson and James M. Calder who were
associated, in succession, with the Scottish Country Dance Players and
the Scottish Country Players who broadcast regularly on BBC Radio. From
its early days, small groups of fiddlers from the Orchestra have
assisted at innumerable concerts and fund-raising events. In addition to
the Annual Concerts, many others have been held in the Usher Hall, such
as Fiddlers' Rallies, concerts featuring regimental Bands, the
International Gathering of the Clans, etc. The Orchestra of the Society
is presently under the baton of Jim Ferguson. The Society is currently
in a very strong position, with able leadership and an extended library
of Scottish music.


WELCOME, ISAAC
A new Miskoe is born! Isaac Sawyer Miskoe danced his way into the
world on February 1st, to the great joy of his parents and his delighted
grandmother Sylvia.


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
      Sylvia Miskoe, Music Director
Scholarship Committee:
      Marjory Swope, Chair;
      Lynn McElroy,
      Gary Hume
Nominating Committee: Elly Abelson, Chair
Newsletter Editor: Ellen Bassett
Memberships & Email Newsletter: Barbara McOwen
Monthly Mailings: Sabrina Matteson
Makeup Mailings: Allen Brown
Webmaster: Terry Traub
T-Shirts: Terry Hickman
Refreshments: Calvin Gardner


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. February 24, March 24,
April 28, May 19, June 30.

Scottish Country Dance, June 1, Weston. Mass., potluck supper then we
play for the dance. Details to follow. Sign up with Sylvia Miskoe.


CALENDAR

Benefit contradance for Mary Desrosiers, March 2, Peterborough, N.H.,
7-12 pm. More information to follow (I've been saying that for 2 months,
and none has followed yet -- anyone who knows anything, please contact
the editor!)

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

Crasdant (Concert) with Robin Huw Bowen on the Welsh triple harp,
Friday, February 15, 2002, 7:30 pm, Museum of Our National Heritage, 33
Marrett Rd., Lexington, Mass. Tickets: Advance $16, door $18, reserved
$22. 781-862-7837 or bhockett@music-for-robin.org.
http://www.music-for-robin.org


Cathie Ryan Band with Hanneke Cassel, Peter Barnes, Greg Anderson,
Friday, March 22, 2002, Museum of Our National Heritage, 7 Marrett Rd,
Lexington Mass., Wheelchair accessible. Tickets: Advance $16 , door $19
reserved: $23. 781-862-7837 bhockett@music-for-robin.org
http://music-for-robin.org

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

Pinewoods (Mass.) Scottish Sessions, July 12-15 and July 15-20. Teachers are
Jessie Stuart, Terry Harvey, Norah Link and Robert McOwen. Music by Liz
Donaldson, Hanneke Cassel, Earl Gaddis, Anne Hooper, Mara Beamish, David
Knight, Chuck Corman, Terry Traub, Dan Emery, Laird Brown, Rob Wolanski.
Contact Valerie Wade 781-933-5634 wadepossi@mediaone.net or Gretchen Gates
781-245-7639. Web site: www.rscdsboston.org


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 - Contra dance, 8 - 10:30, callers & musicians welcome to take a
turn. Nelson, N.H. Town Hall, $3 827-3732.

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.

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, 8:00 - Lamprey River
Band, guest callers and musicians invited. $5; Peter Yarensky
603-664-2513.

2nd and 4th Thursdays - Beginner jam, 7-9pm, 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 Comm. Traditional Music Sessions, Fox
Library, Mass Ave & Cleveland St., 3-7 pm, $1 per person, 781-646-7522
or 781-643-3603, February 16, March 9 & 30, April 6 &13, May 4 & 18,
June 1&15.

2nd Saturdays, Contra dance, 8-11 pm, 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, $5

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


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


PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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@ttlc.net 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.