Granite Skyes, Vol. 15, No. 1, September 2002

SEPTEMBER GATHERING
September 22,  Sunday Afternoon, 1-5 pm.
Sylvia Miskoe,  Leader
Annicchiarico Theatre, S. Main St & Thompson St, Concord, N.H.


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

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
-by Sylvia Miskoe

Welcome back everyone!  I hope you all had a good summer and played lots
of music.
Our first two tunes are from the 19th century and both are composed by
J. M. Henderson. J.F. Dickie was born in 1886 in Old Deer but spent most
of his life in New Deer.  He was a respected fiddler but not well known
outside his area.  His forte was playing his own flashy versions of well
known tunes.  I have taken the notes and tunes from the Hunter
Collection.  If you follow the bowing and play the tunes at less than
dance tempo they should work.
The Reel of the Gordon Highlanders is both a tune and a dance.  Jessie
Stuart taught it at this summer's Pinewoods Scottish Country Dance
session.  The tune was composed by PM Stuart D. Samson and the dance was
devised by Aad.L.M. Boode for the Regiment of the Gordon Highlanders on
the occasion of its 200th anniversary in 1994.
We have accumulated a wealth of music over the past fourteen years.
Each month I plan to look back at a couple of tunes.  I will not
re-print them as many of you have complete collections but I will have
copies at the session.
For September we will look at two Gow tunes, Mrs MacDoual Grant and Miss
Mary Douglas on page 1.11.  They make a nice pair.

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
-by Sylvia Miskoe
Scotland has a long proud military history, and one of our tunes this
month celebrates the Gordon Highlanders, who have been part of that
history for over 200 years.  Jessie Stuart sent me some background
information on the Gordon Highlanders. The present Regiment stems
directly from the amalgamation, in 1881, of the 75th Stirlingshire
Regiment and the 92nd (Highland) Regiment of Foot. The 92nd was raised
in 1794 as the 100th (Highland) Regiment of Foot - known as the Gordon
Highlanders - by Jean, Duchess of Gordon, at a time when Britain faced a
war with Revolutionary France. It was numbered 92nd in 1798. The 75th
was raised in 1787 as the 75th Highland Regiment - known as
Abercromby`s - in the county of Stirling to assist the East Indian
Company. On amalgamation in 1881 the new Regiment was named `The Gordon
Highlanders`
In September 1994 the Gordon Highlanders were amalgamated with the
Queen`s Own Highlanders (Seaforth Highlanders) to form a new regiment
`The Highlanders`.  This took place at the old Telford Bridge at
Craigellachie
where the amalgamation was cemented with a dram after the Gordons and
the Queen`s Own marched from either side of the River Spey.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
The minutes of the last meeting were not available at the time of
publication.  We'll have them next time, and if you need them sooner you
can get them from Secretary Cindy Blaine.
Next Meeting:  Tuesday, September 24.  All meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.
at the NH 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.

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 you may do so by contacting Bruce: by e-mail -
cobglas@juno.com, or phone- (603-435-6026).

GALA 2002 PREPARATIONS
by Brian Mokler
It's time to start thinking about the Gala and what has to happen
between now and the final curtain calls.
Music - Sylvia is putting the final touches on the program and will have
the music available in October.  Expect to see some of this past year's
tunes as well as some of the old favorites.  And maybe something new.
Rehearsal schedule - Rehearsals will be from 1 to 5 PM at the Music
Theatre on November 3 and 10 and at the Audi on Nov. 17.  The mandatory
dress rehearsal will again be at Lake Shore Farm on Nov. 30.  We gather
at the Audi at 9:30 AM on December 1 for the final arrangements and
details before the performance.
House Manager - Kevin Meyers will be House Manager this year.
(Huzzah!!!)  An innovation he plans is a crew of volunteers to clean the
Audi after the show - although the musicians will still pick up their
stuff and help put the stage back in order.
Volunteers - We still need several people to help with putting on the
Gala: ushers, stage manager and crew, clean up crew, lobby ticket sales,
and a few other aspects of producing the concert.  This is a great
opportunity for family members or others who aren't playing to help with
the Gala.  These tasks are essential to the success of the concert and
all volunteers, after enjoying the concert from their reserved seats,
will join the performers at Sylvia's for the party afterwards.  There
will be plenty of pizza as well as the usual assortment of potluck
goodies and music.
Publicity - It is essential that we let everyone know about the Gala.
(As of September 1 we are still without someone to handle media
publicity.  Help!!)  Flyers and smaller reminder notes will be available
at the September gathering.  Take lots and make sure all your friends,
family, dance partners, coworkers, and innocent bystanders know how to
complete their Thanksgiving weekend with a bang - or anyway, a skirl.
Ticket Sales - Tickets went on sale September 1.  Some of the good seats
are already taken, but many are still available.  Members can take up to
ten tickets on consignment for sale to family and friends.  See Mary
Mokler at the September gathering for details and tickets.

SUMMER PERFORMANCE
-by Sylvia Miskoe
About 15 SRS members played an outdoor concert in Hillsborough on
Saturday afternoon, July 20th.  The concert was sponsored by the
Hillsborough Recreation Department and held on the side lawn of
Hillsborough House Nursing Home.  Residents could sit outdoors or listen
from the porches of the home.  Neighbors brought their lawn chairs and
even the large pig who lives next door seemed to enjoy the music.  We
played sets from the Gala Concert and Susan Woodward encouraged folks to
sing along to Loch Lomond and Comin' Through the Rye.  At the end of the
concert the audience clapped their thanks and said we were wonderful to
come out and play for the residents; folks who otherwise would not have
been able to hear us.

2001 GALA CD
SRSNH members may order one copy of the 2001 Gala CD for personal use
only.  The CD does not include solos of Jerry Holand and Clan Du.  The
cost is $5.00 for pickup at SRSNH meetings or $6.00 for mailed copies.
Thanks to Joe Vago and Jim Birch for making the recordings for this CD.
To order your copy, sign up at the SRSNH meetings or contact board
member Edward Los at 7 Cheyenne Drive in Nashua, N.H.  We would
appreciate the help of
a volunteer with a CD burner to make copies.

LOON
Here's the schedule for SRSNH at the NH Highland Games:
Sat AM at the governor's Lodge 9-10:30 AM
Sat PM at the competition building, rehearse for the Country Dance 1:45
PM to 3 PM
Sat evening at the Heritage Center, country Dance, arrive no later than
7:45, dance begins at 8:30
Sun AM at the governor's lodge noon - 1:45 PM
The program for the 2 concerts is listed on the web page and is tucked
into the Country Dance music set package  The sets for the Country Dance
are available from Sylvia.

STRATHSPEYS FOR SQUASH SHOPPERS - SECOND HELPING
-by Brian Mokler
Our August appearance at the Sanbornton Farmers' Market was very well
received.  Many people have asked when we will play again.  The final
time this year is Friday, September 20 from 3 to 6 PM.  Call or e-mail
me (286-8211 or SRSNHgala@aol.com) for details, directions, and any
other questions.  We'll have a potluck supper at our house after the
market.

BOB MCQUILLEN - A JOLLY GOOD NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOW
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.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Mike Hebb and Kathy Thompson were the recipients of the spring SRSNH
scholarships.  They attended Gaelic College this summer.  Their reports
on their experiences there will appear in the next newsletter.


ACCORDION FOR SALE
-from Bob Chamberlin
Accordion,black,120 bass, 41 keys, 4 voices, treble range, medium
size,$350 or BO. Call Bob at 603-783-5944.


BONNIE RIDEOUT CD RELEASED
-from Maggie's Music
Maggie's Music announces a new CD title for September 2002 that features
Scottish fiddler- Bonnie Rideout entitled Scottish Reflections (MM226)
This CD is Scottish instrumental music featuring Bonnie Rideout &
Maggie's Music artists. Includes: MacDonald of the Isles March to Harlaw
(march)/ Source of the Spey (Strathspey)/ The Periwig (Reel) performed
with Hesperus early music ensemble on pennywhistle, bass viol and guest
William Taylor on  Gothic "bray" harp; Minstrel of MacDonald's which
showcases Bonnie's use of intricate variations and ornamentations;
Dunblane, an original composition by Charlie Glendinning with members of
world champion City of Washington Pipe Band; and ancient melodies from
the Patrick MacDonald Collection (1784) with four-time National Scottish
Harp Champion Sue Richards.
For more information, tours and catalog,  Contact, Maggies' Music, PO
BOX 490, Shady Side, MD 20764, 410-867-0642(10-4-m-th),
info@maggiesmusic.com.



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.  September 22, October
27.  No November session - come to Gala rehearsals instead, and play in
Gala 2002, Sunday December 1.


CALENDAR
Clan Du -
Saturday, September 21- at Big E in West Springfield, MA.  On and off
all day in the NH Building.

Seacoast NH contradances:
Friday Sept. 13: Kittery, ME Grange Hall - Chrissy Fowler, Heathen
Creek.
8:00 - 11:30, $6, 603-778-7528.

Friday Sept. 20: Kingston NH Town Hall - Smoke and Mirrors. 8:00 -
11:00,
$6, 603-770-7988.

Thursday Oct. 3: Dover, NH City Hall - Country dance with the Lamprey
River
Band, 8:00 ­ 10:40, $6. Guest musicians and callers welcome.
603-664-2513.

Friday Oct. 11: Kittery, ME Grange Hall - Peter Yarensky, Sarah Mason,
Lamprey River Band. 8:00 - 11:30, $6, 603-778-7528.

Friday Oct. 18: Kingston NH Town Hall - Jacob Bloom with Seth Austen,
Beverly Woods and Ryan Thompson. 8:00 - 11:00, $6, 603-770-7988.

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, call for dates.

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, 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, call for dates.

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,
but no fall dates received yet.

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 October articles is October 4.  No calendar
dates before October 15 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.com .  The SRSNH Web Page is maintained by Terry Traub,
http://www.srsnh.org

SRSNH GATHERINGS 2002

- Sunday, September 22
- Sunday, October 27
- No November session -
- Gala 2002 December 1

1-5pm.  Free admission. All ages, all   instruments, all levels welcome;
free, with potluck refreshments.
Annicchiarico Music Theater
1 Thompson St, at S. Main St. Take I-93 to Exit 13 or 14.  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