Granite Skyes
Volume 17 No. 5, January 2005

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR- by Sylvia Miskoe

January is the month Robert Burns was born so we have two tunes to celebrate
him.  The first is Over the Water to Charlie.  Burns did not write the tune, it
is older and has several names, including Pot Stick.  It is in 6/8 rhythm and
can be a soulful ballad, a sprightly jig for a country dance, a Morris dance,
or a contra dance.  In other words, it is well traveled.  Here it is in the
usual key of D.
  
The second tune is the original melody for Auld Lang Syne.  There is a lot of
information written about the two tunes.  Here is what Susan Christie-Woodward
has to say:

The reason Editor/Publisher George Thomson didn't use the original tune is that
he was a fairly meddling editor.  Burns told him, as he had told James Johnson
the publisher of the Scots Musical Museum for whom all Burns's earlier work was
collected, that he would leave to Thomson the "undoubted right of publishers,
to approve, or reject, at your pleasure."  Unlike Johnson, Thomson took him at
his word so there is a lot of correspondence between them, which is great, but
it also meant that Thomson often substituted his own choice of tune for the
originals that Burns submitted. Result: In 1796, the original tune appears in
The Scots Musical Museum, where it is signed "Z", which meant "old verses with
corrections or additions."  Thomson published it in 1799 with the tune that has
superceded.
 
Burns probably started work on it in 1788 when he wrote to Mrs. Dunlop:

"... is not the Scots phrase, 'Auld lang syne', exceedingly expressive. - There
is an old song and tune which has of'en thrilled thro' my soul.... Light be the
turf on the breast of the heaven-inspired Poet who composed this glorious
Fragment! There is more of the fire of native genius in it than in half a doxen
of modern English Bacchanalians."

One of the tunes Rod played at the Gala is titled Dr. Bob Smith, written by
Stan Hamilton.  Bob Smith was a dancer and teacher in Ontario.  It is the name
tune for the dance The Hamilton Rant.  Stan is a remarkable pianist who was
born in Auchincruive, Scotland.  His father had a dance band, and Stan was a
member.  He also played for SCD classes.  After he immigrated to London,
Ontario, Canada, in 1957, he formed his own band, "The Flying Scotsmen."  Bobby
Frew was lead accordion, Bobby Brown was second accordion and Stan was the
pianist.  They produced six albums of SCD that were the gold standard of dance
recordings and had enormous influence on musicians and dancers.  The band
disbanded in 1979.  Unfortunately, for me, I never had a chance to dance to
them but I later met Stan when he was giving workshops on playing.  I also had
the pleasure of dancing in Mechanics Hall, along with 200 other dancers, with
Alisdair Fraser on fiddle and Stan on piano.  Those two instruments totally
filled the hall.

Bert McCroski is the first alternate tune suggested for The Hamilton Rant, and
I thought it appropriate to include it here.  We have one other Bobby Frew
tune, The Last Day of August (SRS 6.14).  Bobby was born in Terre Haute,
Indiana but moved to Scotland when he was nine.  He moved to Canada in 1957.
He formed his own trio after "The Flying Scotsmen" disbanded.'  He passed away
several years ago but there is a recently published book of his tunes.

The last tune is a little reel called Fiddlers' Fare and it is by Wouter
Joubert.  Country dancing is enjoyed by people all over the world; and
therefore, tunes and dances are composed by people everywhere.  Wouter lives in
Praetoria, South Africa.  He studies music and has a country dance teaching
certificate.  He occasionally sends me tunes for review and this is one.


IN MEMORY OF 
BOB & JANET GIDDENS 
- by  Ed Los

The SRSNH received a contribution in memory of Bob and Janet Giddens from their
daughter, Hazel Raymond.  Janet was active in the SRSNH from almost the
beginning until her passing in 1996.  She was a self-taught piano player who
grew up in Bass River, Nova Scotia but spent most of her years in Brockton,
Massachusetts where she was one of the inspirations for Jerry Holland.  Until
her health failed, she would spend her summers in Nova Scotia playing piano for
whomever wanted to fiddle for her.  Her tiny trailer camp living room in Nashua
boasted a full size stand-up piano and was the scene for weekly sessions of
music and tea.  Janet would be happy to know that her legacy continues to live
within the SRSNH.

CD AVAILABLE

CD's of the Gala are available to members only for a cost of $5.00 each.
Copies will be available at the next sesssion.  If you are interested in
purchasing a CD, but are not planning on attended January's session, please
contact one of the SRSNH Board members.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED 

Looking for a great way to contribute to the SRSNH?

We are currently in need of a member to serve on the Scholarship Committee.
This is a great way to contribute to the SRSNH.  The Scholarship Committee
reviews applications and assigns scholarship awards to members.  The Committee
meets once or twice a year.

If you would like to volunteer your services, please contact Cindy Blaine at
cmbfiddler at yahoo.com


SRSNH SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES IN 2005
 
Could you use a financial grant to further your study of Scottish music?

If so, consider applying for a scholarship.  The SRSNH Board of Directors has
appropriated funds for distribution by the Scholarship Committee to support
qualified members.  Applications are now being received.  The deadline for
applying in the first round of grants is February 28, 2005, and the deadline
for the second and final round is May 31, 2005.

Eligible activies include enrollment in a Scottish music camp, school or
festival, or to study or research traditional music.  Eligible applicants must
have been SRSNH members for at least six months (or be a child of an eligible
member), must be at least ten years old, must have studied their instrument for
at least two years, must not be members or familes of either the SRSNH Board of
Directors or the Scholarship Committee, and must not have received consecutive
grants in the last two years.

To apply, obtain an application form from any of the scholarship committee
members and return it postmarked by February 28, 2005 to Eli Abelson, 100
Eastwood Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801.  Please remember to include appropriate
supporting documents such as brochures, catalogs or programs.

If you have any questions, or to obtain an application form, contact Elias
Abelson 603-431-7092 eafid at aol.com

UPCOMING GIGS

The SRSNH will play at NEFFA in Natick, Massachusetts on Sunday afternoon April
10, 2005 from 3-4 PM, in the Small Hall at Natick High School.  We will use the
Gala music.  The Folk Festival is a weekend extravaganza of music, dance, food.
If you play with SRSNH, you will receive a pass for the whole festival.
Signups begin at the January session

BACK MUSIC

The response for back music was so overwhelming that we printed more.  Music is
available to members at cost and is as follows:

Volume One (Years 1-6):  $16.00
Volume Two (Years 7-12): $15.00
Years 13-16 ( not bound ): $10.00 

If you would like copies of back music and please call or e-mail me, Cindy
Blaine, at (603) 429-3995 or cmbfiddler at yahoo.com

FIRST NIGHT - WOLFEBORO

Just writing to let you and the others know how much my husband and I enjoyed
the First Night concert by your group in Wolfeboro.  It was wonderful and the
bagpiper was outstanding.  Looking forward to hearing your group in the future.
Please add us to your email list for upcoming concerts.
 
Thank you,
Marcia & Dennis Holland

Please check out Evelyn Robert's website for great photos of Wolfeboro First
Night website www.eroberts1.photosite.com/Album6


MINUTES OF THE SRSNH BOARD MEETING
- Cindy Blaine

A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at
 the NH School for Scottish Arts. A CD will be prepared of the Gala and made
 available to all members at a cost of $5.00.  Funds will be available for
 scholarships for 2005.

The next Board of Director's meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, January 19,
2005 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the NH School of Scottish Arts in Manchester,
and is 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 cmbfiddler at yahoo.com

FIDDLE WORKSHOP

Cape Breton fiddling great Jerry Holland will be in Vermont from mid-January
until early April, doing a series of workshops, private lessons, and concerts.
He will be teaching at the Vermont Independent School of the Arts in Sharon, VT
on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning Jan 17th. He will also be doing a workshop
and concert with Kevin Burke at the same location...the Seven Stars center in
Sharon,VT. For registration and information, call Barb or Scott at
802-763-2334.
 
Jerry will also be teaching in Montpelier,VT, at Vermont Violins.  On
Wednesdays, he will be teaching a 10- week session for intermediate/advanced
students from 5:30 to 7pm.  On Thursdays, he'll be teaching an advanced
beginner/intermediate group.  He is also available for private lessons in
Montpelier on Thursday afternoons and Fridays.
 
If you have any questions, please call Beth at 802-728-6351

SRSNH OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES, & VOLUNTEERS
Music Director:  Sylvia Miskoe (May 2006)
Board of Directors: 
Marianne Taylor, President (May 2006)
Don Young, Vice President  (May 2006
Ed Los, Treasurer  (Term expires May 2005)
Cindy Blaine, Secretary (Term expires May 2005)
Len Buswell, Member at Large (May 2006)
Nancy Normand - Member at Large (Term Expires May 2005)
Connie Eppich - Member at Large (Term Expires May 2005)
Scholarship Committee:  Susan Willoughby, Chair & Elli Abelson (Vacancy)
Memberships, Email Newsletters: Barbara McOwen Webmaster: Terry Traub
Mailings; Denise and Jim Robinson
Back Music: Cindy Blaine 
Newsletter Editor: Cindy Blaine 
Photographer: Evelyn Roberts
T-shirts: Bruce Cobb 
Refreshments: Calvin Gardner 

SRSNH EVENTS

NEFFA.  Sunday afternoon April 10, 2005, 3-4 PM, at Natick High School, Natick, Massachusetts

CALENDAR
 
January 19, 2005, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. - Robert Burns birthday bash with
biography, poetry, songs & instrumentals by Kate Chadbourne, Leslie Holmes,
Michael Penzak, Tyler Buck, Libby Franck, David Ingle and others. A special
program of "The Outspoken Word" at David Langšs Art Studio, 25 Washington Ave.,
corner of Cochituate St. (off Rte 27, South of RR tracks, Natick Center). Info
at 508-879-0361 or lake at gis.net

January 21, 2005, Friday at 7:00 p.m. Cape Breton Ceilidh, with Glenn Graham
(fiddle), Janine Randall (piano), Doug Lamey (fiddle), Cliff McGann (guitar),
Four on the Floor (dancers). Yellow School Center for the Arts, 7 Central St,
Byfield, Mass (Rt 95, Exit 55, near Newburyport). $15. Info:
margaret.morrison at comcast.net

January 22, 2005 Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Glenn Graham House Concert. Glenn is a
Cape Breton fiddler, composer & step dancer, nephew of Kinnon & Betty Lou
Beaton, cousin of Rodney MacDonald. He lives in Judique and teaches in
Halifax. Come and meet and hear this "real all-around nice young man" in a home
atmosphere. Refreshments. $10. Location: Here! at 146 Washington St, Arlington,
Mass. Info: margaret.morrison at comcast.net, bmcowen at comcast.net

January 30, 2005, Sunday at noon: Robert Burns Birthday Party. A unique and
memorable event put on at the Amesbury Playhouse Dinner Theater. Scottish Feast
with entertainment by Highland Dance Boston. $30. Info:
www.amesburyplayhouse.com/schedule.html


 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 at 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, NH 7:00 to 10:00 pm.  603-229-0083.

Wednesdays - Canadian Jam Session: We play a mixture of French and English
Canadian fiddle tunes as well New England tunes and other tunes we feel like
playing. $2 donation requested to cover the rent. Second Wednesdays from 7:30 -
10:30 at the Durham, NH Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (corner of Madbury
Rd. and Woodman Ave.).  For information/directions: Peter Yarensky,
603-664-2513 or peter.yarensky at unh.edu.

Wednesdays - Fiddle on Wednesday - open jams - alternate between Ashland, NH
(Booster's Club) and the Gordon-Nash Library, New Hampton ( 7 PM )

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

1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays-Scottish Country dance, 7-9 pm, Church of the Good
Shepherd, 214 Main St., Nashua, NH.  $3.00 More info: Loren Wright
603-891-2331, nashuaSCD at comcast.net, or http://homepage.mac.com/lonwright/NashuaSCD

4th and 5th Wednesdays-Scottish Country dance, 7-9 pm, Chandler Library, 257
Main St., Nashua, NH.Free More info: Loren Wright 603-891-2331,
nashuaSCD at comcast.net, or http://homepage.mac.com/lonwright/NashuaSCD

Wednesday "Slow Jam" - Concord Community Music School - 7:30 - 9 PM voluntary
donation; info: 226 1966 or cordway at ccmusicschool.org

Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic 7:30 PM - Green Martini - 8 Pleasant Street
Extension, Concord, NH (host: Duane D'Agnese

1st Thursday of every month: Dover, NH City Hall - Contra/square Dance with the
Peter Yarensky & Sarah Mason calling and teaching, music by the Lamprey River
Band. Beginners welcome; all dances taught. Guest musicians and callers
welcome. 8:00 - 10:40, $7; students $5. For information/directions: Peter
Yarensky, 603-664-2513 or peter.yarensky at unh.edu.
Upcoming dates February 3.

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

Fridays - Press Room, Portsmouth, NH - Irish Music sessions (open) - 4:30 PM or
so to when the music upstairs starts (9 PM)

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, NH Open band. Frank
Woodward 603-487-2480

1st Saturdays - Contra dance 8-11pm, Town Hall Petrborough, N.H.  For more
information: (phone): (603) 525-3883, (603) 525-4432; Email: fiddleheads at adelphia.net

Saturday afternoon - play fiddle with John Campbell at his home in Maynard,
MA. 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.

Second Saturdays Dance - Gilmanton, NH Town Hall (Academy Building)
(intersection Rtes 107 & 14) - 8 - 11pm.  info: (603) 267-7227; Sept. 11 -
Music: Bill Perry, Patrick Horning,

Dave Medritz; Caller: Byron Ricker; Oct. 9 Old New England, Caller: Don
Primrose; November 13, Randy Miller & Friends, Caller: Sue Hunt; Dec. 11 - Two
Fiddles, Caller: Dudley Laufman

2nd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8-11pm, Francestown, NH Town Hall.  Frank
Woodward.  For more information, call 603-487-2480 or NHdancecaller at aol.com

Third Saturdays - Dance - East Concord, NH Community Center 8PM info:
dwh at nhvt.net

4th Saturdays - Contra dance, Kingston, NH, 8:30 pm - various bands. $7,
603-750-7506.

Saturday Jam Session - Acoustic Outfitters - Stratham, NH (778-9711
www.aomusicshop.com) from October to May 1st and 3rd Saturdays. 2-5PM

A REMINDER: Deadline for February articles is February 1, 2005.  No calendar
dates before February 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 by 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 at yahoo.com in text only format. Email subscription is
free; send request to bmcowen at comcast.net

The SRSNH Web Page is maintained by Terry Traub, http://www.srsnh.org