Granite Skyes
Volume 16 No. 2, October 2003

October Gathering
Sunday, October 26, 2003
1-5 pm, Annicchiaricco Theater
Concord, NH

November Gathering -- NONE, go to the Gala!

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
-by Sylvia Miskoe                                           

This month's tunes have been suggested by Rod Stradling. Rod is a fine accordionist who 
now lives in England but at one time lived in Andover Mass. He was a regular at SRS 
sessions. Last summer he was a staff musician at the Pinewoods Scottish sessions and we had a 
great time playing together.
This is what Rod says about the tunes:

The 14th Century Roslin Castle stands on the River Esk a few miles 
south-west of Edinburgh. The tune had appeared in McGibbons 2nd Collection 
of 1746 under the title "House of Glams." Words were put to it by Richard Hewitt of 
Cumberland. This version, from the "Caledonian Companion" is J. M. Henderson's set from the 
"Flowers of Scottish Melody," Volume VI 1752 and came to me through a workshop run by The 
Blue Mountain Band, a well known 
band that has been around since I started playing the accordion (over 30 
years ago).

Astley's Ride and Deveron Reel are both well-known reels but George 
Harrison's Reel was written by Jimmy Shand in honour of his friend from the 
north-west of England. Perhaps the SRSNH membership is not familiar with Jimmy Shand so 
here are some notes.

Jimmy Shand was born in East Wemyss, Fife in 1908 on the 29th of January. One of 9 
children, 7 boys and 2 girls, his father was a ploughman-turned-miner. Jimmy's first employment 
was as a miner but due to the UK General Strike of 1926 he was taken off full-time 
employment. After being offered a job at Forbes music shop when the owner heard him play the 
accordion, Mr Forbes went on to get him his first recording, a selection of 
Scottish jigs, in 1933. He first performed in 1934 on BBC Radio, and then went on to form 
The Jimmy Shand Band in 1945. In 1946 Jimmy married Anne, with whom he has had 3 sons, 
Erskine, David and Jimmy junior. As a household name in the UK he appeared on numerous TV 
shows in the 50's and 60's, working with stars such as Andy Stewart, Moira Anderson on 
shows such as the White Heather Club. His major chart success was to reach No.20 in the UK 
Charts in 1955 with 'The Bluebell Polka. Asked to play for Royalty at Balmoral, he can 
count the Queen and Queen Mother amongst his fans and was awarded the MBE in 1962. Jimmy 
Shand was Knighted in the year 2000. Sadly Sir Jimmy died on the 23rd of December 2000 - he 
will be greatly missed by young and old alike.

The three jigs, Oyster Girl, New Rigged Ship and Long John's Wedding have 
been around for many years and, to my ear, go together well as a set.
od Stradling
Lichfield, UK

DO YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THE GRANITE SKYES EACH MONTH? 

We are in need of a mailer to do our monthly mailing for the newletter.  This is a very 
important job, which  entails making copies of the music and newsletter  and mailing them 
out to members each month.  At the present time, your friendly newsletter editor and 
secretary is doing the mailing as well and needs a hand.  If you are interested in 
volunteering, please e-mail me at cmbfiddler@ yahoo.com.  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
-by Cindy Blaine, Secretary

Highlights from September 23,  2003 Meeting;

We are on track for the Gala, and the contract has been signed for us to perform at 
Woleboro First Night on New Year's Eve.  NEFFA is scheduled on April 23 through
April 25 next year

GALA 2003
- Ellen Bassett

Things are on track for the Gala. 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. Mary and Brian Mokler have 
the tickets and they are beginning to sell.

The rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Sunday, November 2: Rehearsal, Annicchiarrico Theater, 1-5
Sunday, November 9: Rehearsal, Annicchiarrico Theater, 1-5
Saturday, November 15: Tech rehearsal, Concord City Auditorium, 1-5
Sunday, November 23: Rehearsal, Annicchiarrico Theater, 1-5
Saturday, November 29: Dress Rehearsal, Lake Shore Farm, Northwood, NH, noon - 5
Sunday, November 30: Showtime; plan to spend the day, concert begins at 2:30. Party at 
Sylvia's to follow.

To sign up to play, contact Sylvia Miskoe
To volunteer for just about anything, contact Ellen Bassett, 603-783-4261, or 
ebassett@ ttlc.net

A NOTICE REGARDING PARKING AT THE MONTHLY SESSIONS AT THE ANNICCHIARICCO THEATER


For many years we have parked across from the Music theater in a little lot owned by the 
Concord Feminist Health Center. They have changed some of their parking rules and posted 
NO PARKING signs. I have received permission for SRS to use the west side (left of the 
umpster) of the lot for the next six months. The Health Center has requested that those of 
us
using that lot display a sign that we are SRS members. I suggest that
people with multiple instruments, or people with large/heavy instruments
use this lot and that everyone else use the large lot on State Street. You can see this 
lot from Thompson St.


SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The following a report by
Kathy Thompson of Michael Hebb and her attendance at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton 
this summer. 

I attended  a week long session at the Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Cape Breton.  I call it 
Fiddle College but one may take courses in gaelic language and song, weaving , bag pipe 
,small pipes, step and highland dance.  The college is 808 miles from our Vermont home.

 I took three classes  a day in Cape Breton Fiddling.  My teachers were Sandy MacIntyre, 
Kimberly Fraser, and Eddy Rogers.  Sandy's classes appeal to people  who enjoy reading 
music.  He has arranged tunes in his book of traditional tunes in groupings that make good 
sets.      Kimberly Fraser used tunes from Sandy's book but went through the tunes phrase 
by phrase showing how she actually ornaments and bows the notes--how her actual playing 
of the tune varied from the written music.  Her style certainly added life and punch to 
the tunes.  We worked on 'Huntingtone Castle,' the' Warlocks'(Jerry Holland's version),' 
Bog An Lochan,'' Nine Point Coggie' and  'As A Thoiseach' ('Keep It Up'). We worked on 
learning' Malcolm Finlay' by ear.  

Eddy Rogers gets everyone Droning and Droning.  He emphasizes how essential that skill is 
when playing in the Cape Breton style.  We worked on old and newer tunes (some of Jerry's 
and Brenda's)  in his classes.  Some of the tunes will be played by the Cape Breton 
Fiddlers' Association in next year's concert (August at the Gaelic College)   I am a member of 
the association ----they actually welcome anyone with a fiddle to join them.
 
 I took a Stepdance class--again a beginner class--with Bonnie Jean MacDonald.  It was 
fun.  I made it to Friday. 

Many people from the college go to the dances which start at 10 pm-
others stay at the college and jam.  One night instructors perform for the students. 
Another night a ceilidh  is held for the community and tourists.  Students and teachers 
play--this replaced the noon time concert this year.  On Thursday the students perform 
--sometimes as a class or individually.  My husband found a guitar player to accompany him.  
They made quite the duo--Mike and Yukon Pete.  That slow aire they claimed came from the 
Isle of Skye sounded a lot like Pig Ankle Rag to me.  Dara Smith said they would be a hit 
on Cape Breton TV --if they ever quit their day jobs. 
    
Hightlights:  Being able to play more tunes without written music, playing at Rollie's in 
North Sydney, Dean at the sudent ceilidh--NH Welcome to Cape Breton and visa versa, the 
Cape Breton Fiddlers' Assoc concert--Dave MacIsaac, Stan Chapman, Brenda Stubbert, Kinnon 
Beaton, Howie MacDonald , Allie Bennet, Troy MacGillivray, Dara Smith, Melissa Emmons , 
Roger Treat  and Michael and Me?
Rockin' tunes:    MacArthur's Road,  Mortgage Burn, Johnny Muise's, Jack Daniel's.
PS . Someone said "who was that girl"  not because of my playing but because I was under 
65 years of age. 


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 
Bruce Cobb, Frank Woodward & Marianne Taylor, Members at Large 
Scholarship Committee: Gary Hume, Chair;  Susan Willoughby & Elly Abelson
Memberships, Email Newsletters: Barbara McOwen Webmaster: Terry Traub
Mailings; Sabrina Matteson
Back Music: Allen Brown; 
Newsletter Editor: Cindy Blaine 
Photographer: Evelyn Roberts
T-shirts: Bruce Cobb 
Refreshments: Calvin Gardner, Christina Brown 


SRSNH EVENTS

Gatherings on Sunday afternoons, 1-5 pm, Annicchiarrico Music Theater, Thompson & S. Main 
Sts, Concord, N.H. All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome; free, with potluck 
refreshments September 28, October 26, 2003.  

Gala Concert with Hanneke Cassel and the SRSNH Orchestra, November 30, 2003, Concord 
Civic Auditorium 

Wolfeboro First Night  December 31, 2003, St. Episcopal Church, Wolfeboro, NH


CALENDAR

10/18/03
4th Annual Vergennes Opera House FIDDLERS' CONTEST from 1pm to 9pm. Contact 877-6737, 
fvoh@ sover.net, or http:// www.VergennesOperaHouse.org. 
11th Annual Opera House Talent Search at 7:30pm at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls, VT. 
Contact http://www.EnosburgOperaHouse.org. 

The Cleary Brothers at 8pm at the Music Box in Craftsbury, VT Contact 586-7533.

Keller Williams at Higher Ground in Winooski, VT. Contact 
http://www.highergroundmusic.com or 866-468-7619.

10/19/03 - Lui Collins at 5pm at Karen and Pete Sutherland's home in Monkton. Part of the 
Monkton House Concert series. Contact 453-3795 or epact@ sover.net. 

10/21/02 - Leahy at 7:30pm at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Contact 86FLYNN 
or http://www.flynncenter.org.


10/23/03 -Steve Forbert at the Eclipse Theater in Waitsfield. Contact 88-212-1142 x22, 
496-7787 x22 or http://www.eclipsetheater.com.


10/24/03 -Hot Club of San Francisco at 7:30pm at the Music Recital Hall at the University 
of Vermont in Burlington. Contact the Lane Series at Http://www.uvm.edu/laneseries/.


10/25/03
Bonnie Rideout Scottish Trio at 8pm at the Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph. 
Contact 728-6464.

Tim O'Brien with Dirk Powell at 7pm at the United Methodist Church in Middlebury. Part of 
the After Dark Music Series. Contact http://www.afterdarkmusicseries.com/. 

Josh Brooks CD release party at 8pm at the Opera House in Vergennes. Contact 877-6737 or 
http://www.vergennesoperahouseorg. 

10/29/03
Hilary James and Simon Mayer at 7pm at the Cambridge United Church in Cambridge, VT. 
Contact Margo Rome at 644-2233.

10/30/03
Drummers of West Africa at 7:30pm at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Contact 
86FLYNN or http://www.flynncenter.org.


10/31/03
Le Bon Vent (Patrick Desaunay, Taki Masuko, Cristi Catt, Ruthie Dornfeld, James Falzone 
and Jeremiah McLane) at 7:30pm at FlynnSpace in Burlington. Contact Mark Sustic 
mrksustc@ together.net. 

11/08/03 - CANCELLED Chris Wood and Andy Cutting 

11/17/03 the Battlefield Band at Flynn Space in Burlington, VT

12/03 Nowell Sing We Clear at the College Street Congregational Church 
1/2/04 - Pete Sutherland at FlynnSpace in Burlington, VT
1/17/04 Randal Bays and Daithi Sproule at FlynnSpace in Burlington. VT
1/25/04 -  Jerry Holland and Johnny Cunningham at FlynnSpace in Burlington. VT 

2/16/04 -  Les Charbonniers de l'Enfer (Michel Bordeleau, Jean-Claude Mirandette, Michel 
Faubert, Normand Miron and André Marchand) at at FlynnSpace in Burlington


SESSIONS, JAMS, DANCES

2nd Sundays - English dancing, 6:30-9:30 pm., Presidential Oaks,  Pleasant Street, 
Concord, N.H. $6, or $5 for ECDSNH members. Judith Ackerson 603-934-2543, or 
jnoska@ cyberportal.net; http://people.star.net/blw/dance/english.html  
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.
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.
Wednesdays -Wednesday Night Soiree - 7:30 - 10:30 in the Durham Unitarian Universalist 
Fellowship (20 Madbury Rd.; corner of Woodman Rd.). Jam session with an emphasis on fiddle 
tunes of Canada. $2 donation requested. Peter Yarensky (603-664-2513 or 
peter.yarensky@ unh.edu
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  - of every month: Dover, NH City Hall - Country dance with the
Peter Yarensky & Sarah Mason calling and teaching, music by the Lamprey
River Band. Guest musicians and callers welcome. 8:00  10:40, $6.
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, 1/2 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. Frank Woodward  
603-487-2480
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,  All sessions are on 
Saturday afternoons from 3:00 to 6:30 pm at the Fox Library, corner of Mass Ave and 
Cleveland St in East Arlington, Ma. Admission is $1 per person.  Call 781-643-3603 for further 
information and upcoming dates.
2nd Saturdays,  Contra dance, 8-11 pm, Town Hall, Gilmanton, N.H., $5 per person, $10 
family
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, Kingston, NH, 8:30 pm - various bands. $7, 603-750-7506.


A REMINDER: Deadline for November articles is November 1.  No calendar dates before Nov. 
16 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 Cindy Blaine. All 
items welcome, depending on space available; e-mail by the 1st of the month for inclusion in 
the mid-month mailing to cmbfiddler@ yahoo.com 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