GRANITE SKYES
Volume 14 No. 10, June 2002

JUNE GATHERING
June 30, Sunday Afternoon, 1-5 pm.
Sylvia Miskoe, Leader
Annicchiarico Theatre, South Main St & Thompson St, Concord, N.H.

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


NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
   --by Sylvia Miskoe

The Wee Cooper o' Fife is a song about the subjugation of an uppity
wife. There are lots of songs like that. James Cosh was a Scottish
dancer who devised dances, and often set them to well known tunes.
The interesting thing about the Wee Cooper is that each phrase is 10
bars long. It makes the dance a challenge and it challenges the
arranger in finding complementary tunes.

Ian Robertson is an air by Tom Anderson. Ian Robertson, the person, is
the son of Arthur Scott Robertson, the champion Shetland fiddler. It
can be found in Tom Anderson's book "Ringing Strings." Mike Vose
suggested the tune. It is written in Bb. I understand that variations
of this tune can be found elsewhere, often in the key of A. The SRSNH
has always tried to present the most original and definitive version 
of the tunes selected and I do not feel it would be appropriate to 
publish a variation. However, I realize that nice tunes sometime do 
not get played because they are in a key that is not complimentary to 
the instrument at hand. For instance, not every flute goes down to Bb
below Middle C and individual melodeons can be played in only in one
or two keys. So, I will be happy to print off a copy in a different 
key for anyone who asks for it.

To change from the key a tune has been written in to a different one 
is always a difficult decision. For example, Calliope House by Dave
Richardson was written in E. It sounds best and brightest in that key.
For reasons I shall not get into, I often find it has been changed to 
D and to my ear it has lost its brilliance. I encourage others to 
play it in E.

We will not have another selection of tunes until the September
newsletter so here are two ideas to tie you over the summer. First,
Barbara McOwen has made up a list of well-known tunes that is
included in the mailing. Try them out. Many are part of the SRSNH
Collection. Second, start at the beginning of the music collection 
with tune 1.1 and play as many of the tunes as possible. If one jumps 
out as a favorite tune of the week we can all play it when we get 
together in the fall. Play as much as possible and have a wonderful 
summer!


LOTS MORE MUSIC, A FEW MORE NOTES
   --by Barbara McOwen

A few months ago I made up a list of tunes that are well known among
Scottish fiddlers in the area. Sylvia suggested I include this with 
this SRSNH mailing. I put page numbers by the tunes that are in the
SRSNH collection. Sylvia then suggested I look over the reels and see
whether there are any humdingers missing in our collection. Sleepy
Maggie jumped out at me. It is a thoroughly energetic traditional 
reel in Bm, certainly not suitable for sleeping! I've heard 3, 4, and
5-part versions, but just the two older parts are presented here.
Sometimes people notice that the title "Sleepy Maggie" seems so 
similar to "Drowsy Maggie," another exuberant minor reel (E minor 
this time), that they must be related. However, I find these two 
tunes quite distinct, and consider that Maggie must have been quite an
inspiration! Sleepy Maggie is a tune that turns back into itself, and 
it is sometimes hard to find a tune that can stand up to its driving 
spirit. Often people follow Sleepy Maggie with Largo's Fairy Reel, 
which we already have on SRSNH page 3.9. Another Bm reel would also be
good, such as Ale is Dear (11.1) or The Unlucky Piper (12.22).

I've found Miss Rattray, a D reel that has a wonderful sound to it 
(and being easier to play is a good warm-up tune), and the two tunes 
can be played alternately (adding, dropping or changing pickup notes 
as needed). I mention these things because it's one thing to learn a 
tune, and another to know what to do with it!


BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
Highlights from the June 4 meeting:

The Board voted unanimously to appoint Frank Woodward a
Member-at-Large for a one-year term. Several summer events were
discussed. Terry Mitchell, Recreational Director for the Town of
Hillsboro  requested that the SRSNH play for the Town this summer.
Sylvia will  coordinate this event. Sylvia suggested that the annual
SRSNH picnic be  scheduled on August 25th, 3-7 pm. This picnic will
take place at Sylvia's  house in Concord, New Hampshire. Members
who plan to attend should  bring something to grill, a dish and a
beverage to share.

The SRSNH Gala this year will be held on December 1, 2002 at the
Audi in Concord. The Board is still looking for volunteers to work on
publicity. Members should also be aware of opportunities throughout 
the summer to promote the Gala.

Brian Mokler is looking for members to play with him at the Sanborton
Farmers Market on August 2 and September 20. The gig runs from 3-
6 pm.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 16. 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
cblaine@wadleighlaw.com.


MEMBERSHIP RATES, CORRECTED

Due entirely to mistakes made by the editor, the new membership rates
given in last month's newsletter were mostly wrong. Here are the
correct rates, with my humble apologies:

The new membership fees are:
$20     Individual
$15     Supporting
$25     Overseas
$32     Family
$55     Three year individual
$88     Three year family
$50     Friend
$100    Highlander
$8      Newsletter only
$18     Overseas newsletter


SRSNH SHIRTS
We still have quite a few SRSNH shirts in our inventory; unfortunately
they are all either Large or X-Large. The break-down is as follows: 25
T-Shirts (6 Purple -5 Adult Lg., 1 Youth Lg.), (19 Green - 17 Adult
Lg., 2 Adult X-Lg.) and 42 White Polo Shirts (26 w/ Green Emblem
- All Adult Lg.), (16 w/Purple Emblem - 15 Adult Lg., 1 Adult X-
Lg.). The T-shirts are $10, and the Polos are $12.

Bruce Cobb has the shirts, stored in an air-tight container safely
stowed in his attic. The container is fairly large and heavy, so it
isn't practical to bring to most SRSNH events. However, if you'd like
to order a shirt (and plan to attend the next SRSNH event) you may
do so by contacting Bruce: cobglas@juno.com, or 603-435-6026.


GALA DATES
Mark your calendar now with these important dates for our 2002 Gala
Concert:

Sunday, Nov. 3 and 10 - Rehearsals at the Annicchiarico Music
Theater, Concord, 1-5 pm

Saturday, Nov. 16 - Rehearsal at the Concord City Auditorium
("Audi"), 1-5 pm

Saturday, Nov. 30 - Dress Rehearsal at Lake Shore Farm,
Northwood, 1-5 pm

Sunday, Dec. 1 - CONCERT DAY at the Audi
9:30 am-12:30 pm -- Final Rehearsal and stage arrangements
2:30-5:00 pm -- CONCERT
6:00 on -- Party at Sylvia's


WESTON SCD BALL

SRSNH played for the Concord, Mass, Scottish Dance Group at the
Weston, Mass, Unitarian Church, on June 1. Many thanks to all of
you (22)  who practiced, squeezed onto the stage, and played the 16-
dance program. Before the dance there was socializing over sherry and
soft drinks and a varied pot luck supper. The program had a leisurely
start and when it became evident that it would run well past 11 pm,
two dances were deleted. Susan Christie Woodward sang the words to
Wee Cooper of Fife and Polly Stuart. The dancers thoroughly enjoyed
the music and the organizers were delighted that almost all of us 
could fit on the stage. Let's hope we get invited to play another 
Country Dance somewhere soon!.


PUBLICIZING THE SRSNH GALA
   --by Brian Mokler, Gala Producer

Posters/handbills, word of mouth, and personal contacts are three
important ways of letting people know about our Gala. Another
excellent one is concerts of various sizes and types. There will be
several opportunities this summer to play for different audiences and 
let them know about our music and the Gala. So far we are discussing:
Outdoor concert in Hillsborough, July 20. This is tentative now (early
June) but should be settled by this season's last gathering on June 
30. Sanbornton Farmers' Market. This is held 3-6 pm on Fridays and
includes live music as well as veggies, baked goods, crafts, etc. I
(Brian Mokler) agreed to arrange for Scottish music on Aug. 2 and
Sept. 20 -- strathspeys for squash shoppers. Our house is available 
for a potluck supper (lots of fresh veggies and corn) after the 
market. Please come help on one or both dates! I would appreciate 
having some idea of who is coming so I bring enough folding chairs. 
(603-286-8211 or SRSNHgala@aol.com)

Audi Season Preview Gala, Sept. 8. The Friends of the Audi have an
ice cream social and preview of the season's performances. We have
about 8 minutes to delight the audience with our music. It's a good
chance to introduce ourselves and the Gala to people who otherwise
might not hear about it.

Loon Highland Games, Sept. 13-15. A big weekend with lots of folks
definitely interested in Scottish music! We will play two concerts and
the Saturday night SCD Ball as well as having a rehearsal. And, of
course, we'll be attending workshops, contests, concerts, Scottish
heavy athletics, etc.

SRSNH SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE JULY 31
   --by Marjory Swope, Scholarship Committee chair

Considering an activity other than the beach this summer? This year's
second deadline is July 31 for applications for an SRSNH grant to 
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 came with the
February 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.


NHSSA

The N.H. School of Scottish Arts in Manchester, N.H., offers lessons
in piping, Highland dance, and Scottish fiddle. If you’ve been 
thinking it's time to refine your skills, or to learn something new, 
call the school at 603-621-9949 to see what's available. The school 
is also a good resource if you're looking for a piper or dancers to 
hire.


JULY 4 FIDDLE CONTEST IN NEW BOSTON, N.H.

Last year's Fiddler's Contest was such a great success, it will be
henceforth a central feature of New Boston's long running 4th of July
festivities. The contest begins at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 4 at the
Hillsboro 4-H Fairgrounds in New Boston, N.H. Whether you
compete or  just come to listen, it's a great afternoon of wonderful
fiddling. A total of $650 in prizes will go to winners in three 
categories: under 11, under 18, and open. Contestants are encouraged 
to register in advance, but registration will remain open until 1:30 
at the event. Come enjoy all the events of this historic small town 
celebration from 10:00 parade to evening fireworks.

To register, arrange piano or guitar back-up, and for more
information, contact Frank Woodward 603-487-2480; email
yankee@grolen.com, attn: Fiddle Contest.


NEW HAMPSHIRE HIGHLAND GAMES AT LOON MT

The SRSNH has again been invited to perform at the N.H. Highland
Games in Lincoln September 14 and 15. Tickets to the Games and
overnight  accommodations at one of two SRSNH condos for Friday
and Saturday nights are available to SRSNH members who have been
members for at least  6 months and who play at least one gig for each
night of housing they receive. For tickets and housing, please contact
Sandy Lafleur 603-673-8497, strumma@aol.com BEFORE
September 1st.


ANNUAL AUGUST COOKOUT

Sunday, August 25, 3-7 pm at Sylvia Miskoe's home, 102 Little
Pond Road, Concord, N.H. Good food, good friends, good music!
Bring your instruments, something for the grill, a pot-luck dish and
beverage to share.


HILLSBOROUGH LAWN CONCERT

SRSNH has been invited to give an afternoon concert in Hillsborough,
N.H. on Saturday, July 20. Details are still being finalized, but do 
let Sylvia know if you are interested in playing.


BOB MCQUILLEN - A JOLLY GOOD NATIONAL
HERITAGE FELLOW

Bob McQuillen is finally getting what he deserves – national
recognition for his lifetime of accomplishments in music, as a 
National Heritage Fellow. Congratulations, Bob! Couldn't happen to a 
nicer, or more deserving, guy.

Bob is dear to many SRSNH members, and we have several of his
tunes in our collection -Ralph Page, page 3.20, Tom Anderson's Reel
3.20 Amelia 8.8, and Piper's Leg 6.2. About the Piper's Leg, Bob said
"This tune commemorates a fine concert of Scottish music, held by the
Strathspey and Reel Society of N.H. on 29 Nov 92 at St Paul's School
in Concord, and is affectionately dedicated to Sylvia Miskoe."  The
piper in question is Terry Minogue, who kept time with her leg and had
Bob's rapt attention.

The N.H. State Council on the Arts released the following: "Contra
dance musician and composer Bob McQuillen of Peterborough, New
Hampshire is one of 15 artists in the country who will receive the
nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts in a ceremony 
in Washington, D.C. in September. The National Endowment for the
Arts will present awards to honorees representing 13 states. National
Heritage Fellowships acknowledge a lifetime of artistic accomplishment
and contribution to the community with a one-time award of $10,000
each.

Bob McQuillen is a central figure in the thriving and unbroken 
regional tradition of New England contra dance. New England social 
dances, which include variations of square dancing, contras, polkas 
and waltzes, have been enjoyed in New Hampshire continuously for over
two hundred and fifty years. The Monadnock region has been the
stronghold of this heritage with dances being held continuously in 
towns like Nelson, Fitzwilliam and Peterborough. A gifted pianist, 
accordion player, and tune smith, Bob McQuillen has been contributing 
to the contra dance scene for more than 54 years. He grew up in
southwestern New Hampshire in a music-loving family. After serving
as a Marine in World War II, he returned home and began a career as
an industrial arts teacher for Peterborough. In 1947 he took up 
playing New England dance music as a member of the legendary Ralph 
Page Orchestra. McQuillen attributes his strong rhythmic style to 
Ralph Page's pianist Johnny Tromblay. McQuillen played for Duke Miller
every summer for 26 years at his regular dances in Fitzwillaim. Later,
McQuillen joined Dudley Laufman's Canterbury Country Dance
Orchestra and played with the group New England Tradition.

He now plays with Jane Orzechowski and Deanna Stiles in the group
Old New England.

McQuillen's influence has touched nearly every traditional musician
active in the traditional social dance scene in New Hampshire today
and he generously teaches young aspiring pianists every year. He also
has written and self-published over 1,000 tunes in the New England
tradition, many of which are becoming part of a shared repertoire
among contra musicians, both within New Hampshire and across the
country. In 1997 the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts
honored Bob McQuillen with a Lifetime Living Folk Heritage
Governor's Arts Award and in 1999 Bob represented the State of New
Hampshire at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Biographies of all of the 2002 Heritage Fellows are available online 
at http://www.arts.gov/endownews/news02/Heritage2002.html.
There will be a bash for Bob in Peterborough on September 29, and the
September SRSNH session will be held a week early, on September
22, to avoid a conflict.


TIME TO RENEW?
If you find a blue half sheet of paper in this mailing, your 
membership is about to expire. Don't forget to fill out the form and 
send it back!


YOUR NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors of the SRSNH elected by ballot vote at the
Annual Meeting consists of Sandy Lafleur, President (2 year term);
Bob Reed, Vice President (2 year term); Ed Los (1 year term),
Treasurer; Cindy Blaine, Secretary (1 year term), Bruce Cobb (2 year
term), Member-At-Large; Ellen Bassett, Member-At-Large (1 year
term). All vacant offices next May will be filled with officers 
serving 2 year terms. This will allow for at least half of the Board 
to overlap. Welcome to our newest elected Officer, Secretary Cindy 
Blaine! At the June 4 meeting of the Board of Directors, Frank 
Woodward was unanimously accepted as the appointed Member-At-Large. 
He will serve a 1 year term and has served in this capacity in the 
past.
Welcome back, Frank!


SRSNH OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES, &
VOLUNTEERS

Music Director: Sylvia Miskoe
Board of Directors:
      Sandy Lafleur, President
      Bob Reed, Vice President
      Ed Los, Treasurer
      Cindy Blaine, Secretary
      Ellen Bassett, Bruce Cobb, & Frank Woodward, Members at large
Scholarship Committee
      Marjory Swope, Chair
      Lynn McElroy
      Gary Hume
Memberships, Email Newsletters: Barbara McOwen
Webmaster: Terry Traub
Monthly Mailings; Sabrina Matteson
Makeup Mailings: Allen Brown;
Newsletter Editor: Ellen Bassett
T-shirts: Bruce Cobb
Refreshments: Calvin Gardner, Christina Brown


SRSNH EVENTS
Gatherings on Sunday afternoons, 1-5 pm, Annicchiarico Music
Theater, Thompson & S. Main Sts, Concord, N.H. All ages, all
instruments, all levels welcome; free, with potluck refreshments. June
30, September 22, October 27.

Lawn Concert (still a tentative date) July 20, Hillsborough, N.H., in
the afternoon. Let Sylvia Miskoe know if you're interested in playing,
and details will find you once plans are firmed up. smiskoe@aol.com,
603-225-6546.

Deadline for Scholarship Applications July 31! Contact any member of
the Scholarship Committee for more information - Marjory Swope,
Chairman, 603-224-7676, marge@nhacc.org; Lynn McElroy, 603-
267- 8812; or Gary Hume 603-679-5895.

Sanbornton Farmer's Market, Fridays 3-6 pm, August 2 and
September 20. Potluck supper at the Moklers to follow. Contact Brian
Mokler, 603-286-8211 or SRSNHgala@aol.com.

Picnic and jam- Sunday, August 25, 3-7 pm at Sylvia Miskoe's home,
102 Little Pond Road, Concord, N.H. Good food, good friends, good
music! Bring your instruments, something for the grill, a pot-luck 
dish and beverage to share.

N.H. Highland Games, Loon Mountain, Lincoln, N.H., September
13-15. We play for 2 sessions, once on Saturday and once on Sunday,
and for the Saturday night Scottish Country Dance Ball. For tickets
and housing, please contact Sandy Lafleur 603-673-8497,
strumma@aol.com BEFORE September 1st. Sign up with Sylvia
Miskoe for music, smiskoe@aol.com, 603-225-6546.


CALENDAR
Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music & Dance, June 28-30,
Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont, N.Y., with music, dancing, singing,
crafts, food, & camping; including Scottish singer Norman Kennedy,
New England's own "red-hot contra dance band"  Swallowtail, Tom
Paxton, Margaret MacArthur, and many other musical wonders from
across the globe. 518-765-2815, www.oldsongs.org

Fiddler's Contest July 4, 2002, 2 pm, Hillsboro 4-H Fairgrounds, New
Boston, N.H. To register, arrange piano or guitar back-up, and for
more information, contact Frank Woodward 603-487-2480; email
yankee@grolen.com, attn: Fiddle Contest.

"Folk and Contra Dance Cruise" on the Mount Washington, Monday,
July 8 from Weirs Beach, N.H. Boarding and buffet dinner begins at
6:15 pm, ship departs to cruise Lake Winnepesaukee at 7 pm and
returns at 10 pm. Main deck contra band is Musical Chairs, with
callers Peter Yarensky and Sue Hunt. Tickets $34, include everything
except bar service. For information or reservations call 603-366-
BOAT or www.cruisenh.com

Pinewoods (Mass.) Scottish Sessions, July 12-15 and July 15-20.
Dance teachers are Jessie Stuart, Terry Harvey, Norah Link and
Robert McOwen. Music directed by Liz Donaldson, with 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

Clan Du: Sat, July 20 - Barnstead Parade Grounds, concert on the
Green at 6 pm; Saturday, August 24 - Queechee Highland Games,
Quechee, Vt. at 1 pm; Saturday, September 21- at Big E in West
Springfield, Mass. On and off all day in the N.H. Building.


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 -
done for the summer, will resume in September.

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. 7:00 to 10:00 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, ˝ 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, March 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, - done for the summer, will resume in
the fall.

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 September articles is August 30. No
calendar dates before September 6 will be included

Granite Skyes is published monthly (10 issues) between September
and June by the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire.
Subscription $8/yr ($18 overseas). Individual domestic memberships
cost $20/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.std.com. The SRSNH Web Page is 
maintained by Terry Traub, http://www.srsnh.org.