Granite Skyes
Volume 15 No. 3 December 2005 
SRSNH 2005 Upcoming Gatherings:  
Dec 18 
Jan 29 
Feb 26  
Mar 26  
April 30  
May 28   
June 25
1-5pm.  Free admission!  All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome; with
potluck refreshments.


NOTES FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

This month we have an air, two reels, one old and one new, and a pipe march.
The air is Miss Graham of Inchbrakie by Nathaniel Gow.  It caught my ear as I
listened to Gordon Simpson's playing on his CD, 'Fiddle'.  Airs can be fun to
play.  They are slow and you can create lots of dynamics.  They are meant to be
played with great passion.

The first reel, Mrs Hepburn Belches of Invermay, was composed by John Bowie,
1759-1815.  I first saw it listed only as Mrs Hepburn Belches, an intrigueing
title to say the least.  I was informed that 'Belches' is a very old Scottish
name.  Recently I learned the whole title and now it makes sense.  Bowie was
from Perth and had a music shop there.  He dealt in instruments and printed
music, composed a small number of tunes, and, with his brother, gave balls.

The second reel, Mrs Ella Wilson, is composed by Muriel Johnstone.  Ella Wilson
was the bridge partner of Muriel's mother.  It is written in the Key of D, but
I have found it fun to play it in G.

The pipe march is titled General Eisenhower's Welcome to Culzean Castle.  Its
composer, George MacIlwham, is a flautist with the BBC Scottish Symphony
Orchestra. He is also a piper of some repute, and has written a number of
orchestral pieces which are strongly influenced, especially melodically, by his
deep interest in traditional music.  Culzean Castle is located on the coast of
South Aryshire and SRS visited it in 1996.  The top floor contains the
Eisenhower apartments where General/ President Eisenhower stayed on numerous
occasions.

In October I included Andy DeJarlis Jig which Barbara McOwen sent to me as a
Sizzling Scottish Session tune. This month I learned a lot about the tune and
Canadian history.  The full name of the tune is Andy DeJarlis' Scottish Jig.
Andy was born in Manitoba in 1914, died 1975. A prolific composer, recording
artist, champion fiddler and band leader, he combined his Metis heritage with
the demand for Don Messer style music.   The Metis, pronounced Meh-tee and
meaning 'mixed', are the Canadian descendants of the fur trading Scots, French
and English and their Indian wives. Many of them live in western Canada. When
the French, English and Scottish fur trade was developed in Canada in the 17th
and 18th centuries, many of these men married Indian women, a practice
encouraged by the trading companies.  A lot of the Scots were originally from
Orkney and they brought their music.  The children, grandchildren, etc of these
unions were called 'Metis', pronounced Meh-tee, meaning mixed.  Some of the
families returned to Scotland and Orkney, others continued to live in Canada.
Their fiddling culture has survived mostly in the Canadian provinces of
Saskatchawan, Manitoba and Alberta and is recognized as a unique style, known
as Metis.

Gala Report

The guest star this year was Scottish pianist and composer, Muriel Johnstone,
highly regarded for her arrangements for Scottish dance and for many stunning
new compositions in the Scottish style. Also we had Highland Dance Boston
dancers and of course, the SRSNH ensemble of fiddles, winds, harps, strings and
accordions. The house was over three-quarters filled, and lively! We have
received many Gala comments, here they are:

"The Gala was a heck of a lot of work but worth it!  The show went very well
thanks to the efforts of a really dedicated Music Director, Artistic Director,
Ticket Manager, House Manager, Stage Manager, MC, performers and so many others
that supported what we do.  Special thanks to TD Banknorth, trustee for the
Gertrude Couch Trust which gave substantial financial support to our concert
this year." (Sandy Lafleur, who produced the Gala also played guitar. Thank You
Sandy!)

"Hello Marianne and Sylvia,
What a splendid concert you put on.  We thoroughly enjoyed the whole
performance.  Muriel was great, as always, but the way you showcased all the
home grown talent was super too.  You managed to good balance and lots of
variety.  And all performances were so polished. You must have all worked very
hard indeed. Well done." (Morven Troost)

"Dear Sylvia,   I just wanted to tell you how much I always enjoy the SRSNH
performances and particularly the one last night.  Of all the Scottish music
I've heard, the SRS reels and other music are just out of this world!  And it's
surly a tribute to you personally because you clearly inspire the group and the
audience with your amazing playing and your warm and happy personality which
shines through.

Sylvia, the SRS music is so great that is should be put on CD's and sold.  But
when I've asked in the past I'm told that the group does not do that.  This is
a terrible shame-I so badly want a recording of your concerts and I'm quite
sure others do too. With all those microphones around the stage last night,
didn't SRS have anyone record the concert?  I'd sure appreciate it if you could
inquire about this for me.  Thank you very much.

And thanks again for such an enjoyable evening! Best regards," (Peter French,
Wolfeboro)

"Hi Sylvia - As always, we really enjoyed the concert last Sunday.  I don't
remember a Scottish ballet before - it was truly elegant!  Also, I don't
remember a Child's ballad being done before either.  As I especially enjoy them
and have read all the Childs books, I was glad to hear one included.

Going home, Mary said that you, MaryAnn, and Muriel were having a grand time
during the final number.

Thanks again for all the work you put into these concerts."  (Jon Thunberg)

"Hi Sylvia, I'm getting unsolicited rave reviews on the gala, including from my
British neighbors who know their strathspeys!  By the way, I take back what I
said about Snouts and Ears.  It was great as an ender." (Betsy Woodman)

"There was so much energy and I love the big sound.  It is just as I envisioned
when I helped start the group." (Evelyn Murray)

"The group is wonderful, there is so much talent and they all play together
beautifully.  They listen to one another." (Muriel Johnstone)

TO ALL THE SRS PERFORMERS WHO MADE THE GALA GREAT!
"This is just a note from the "Pres", to thank all of you who created such a
wonderful Gala this year!  Your hard work to make the staging was so successful
and particularly impressive; that the back two rows were willing to sit there
while we practiced the "on and off" timing was just amazing;   I am so grateful
to you all for your forbearance!  Let's all give special thanks to Stephanie
Gardner, who put is through those paces with such patience and precision.  The
music was super - and Sylvia saw to that.  But all that movement on stage keeps
the audience alert as well - and you did a wonderful thing when you made that
happen."  (Marianne Taylor)

First Night

There is still time to sign up and play for First Night in Wolfeboro, NH.  We
will use the Gala music and there will be a rehearsal at my house, date to be
announced later.  We are scheduled to play at 9 pm for 50 minutes in the same
church as we had last year.

Send me an email or sign up at the session on the 18th.

SRSNH Annual Meeting (5/29/05)

Marianne Taylor called the meeting to order at 2:45 p.m.
Cindy Blaine, outgoing secretary, was absent, so there was no secretary's
report. Marianne thanked Cindy in her absence for all her hard work. She also
acknowledged Ed Los, outgoing treasurer, for his ability to bring clarity to
all the numbers involved in keeping our books straight.

The Treasurer's report was accepted as written.

Some discussion ensued regarding scholarships. It was noted that, because the
Gala did not bring in much money this year, there is not as much scholarship
money available, although the board still did vote to approve $900 for
scholarships. Two scholarships for $150 each were awarded during the first
round of applications. The final round deadline is May 31.

President's Report: Marianne noted that because of the excellent board she has
very little to do.

Marianne thanked Nancy Normand and Connie Eppich, retiring members-at-large.

Sylvia presented the Music Director's report. There was a record number of
participants at the Highland Games in September. Rod Stradling was the featured
artist at the Gala; attendance was hampered by poor weather and poor
publicity. Wolfeboro First Night was a success; we've already been asked to
play again next year. At the Snowball Dance, dancers outnumbered musicians and
we were asked for encores.

Susan Woodward announced the voting results. All candidates ran unopposed and
each garnered 30 votes. Bob Reed will be treasurer, Connie Eppich, secretary,
and Betsy Woodman, member-at-large.

The trip to Scotland for June, 2006, was discussed. It will be limited to 30
participants, cost not to exceed $2200/person. We are exploring the idea of
working with Go-Ahead Vacations. Susan Woodward noted that the trip will be
over the summer solstice and flowers will be in full bloom. Sylvia noted that
Rod Stradling might be able to accompany us.

Brian Mokler announced that June 24 is the opening day of the Sanbornton
Farmer's Market. Any member able to perform the Gala music is encouraged to
come and enjoy the market and a pot-luck dinner at the Moklers' house after.

Sandy Lafleur has agreed to produce the Gala again. We must have a house
manager or there will be no performance. The responsibilities include attending
a training session with the City of Concord, overseeing ushers, safety of the
audience, and cleanliness of the theater. It cannot be someone who is
performing. Sandy noted that whoever volunteers would be able to work at other
performances and be paid for them. Mary Mokler has agreed to be in charge of
ticket sales again but needs someone to assist. Susan Woodward will oversee
poster distribution. Alicia Lekas will take care of sending out postcards. We
still need a rehearsal music secretary. Ashley's father may be able to help out
with publicity. Sandy will ask Stephanie Traynor to be stage manager again.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

E-Mail, E-Mail, Read All About It!

Would you like to be part of the SRSNH's exciting move into the technology era?
Would you like to receive your music and newsletter earlier each month?

Sign up to receive your monthly mailings via e-mail! We're in the early stages
of organizing a faster, easier method of mail distribution. For those of you
who are afraid to make the paperless jump, don't worry, you will continue
receiving your mailings through the US Postal Service as well.  If you are
already in tune with the techno world, and wish to receive your monthly mailing
via email only, just let me know!  Your e-mail address will be kept for the
SRSNH's use only. To sign up, please e-mail me (Denise Robinson) at:
fiddledee at comcast.net  

>From Paul Ukleja
I want to thank SRS members for all the support they gave me for my
cornetto-playing at the Gala. Those of you that would like to hear the
clavichord, fortepiano, cornetto and other historical instruments played in a
beautiful and appropriate setting may be interested in an upcoming concert in
which I am taking part:

Concert, music from the Court of Salzburg: Judith Conrad, Clavichordist,
Fortepianist, with the Delight Consort; Sunday, January 8 at 3 PM at the
Loring-Greenough House 
12 South St., Jamaica Plain. 
Info:  http://home.mindspring.com/~judithconrad/index.html
Directions: http://www.lghouse.org/ 
Donations are $15 (non-members). Space is limited; call to reserve
(617-524-3158).

The Delight Consort is: Judith Conrad- Director, fortepiano, recorders and
sackbut; Paul Ukleja- recorders, cornetto, rackett, tinwhistle; Jagan Nath
Singh Khalsa- violin; Harold Fortuin- Fortepiano, percussion; Dennis Ferguson-
recorders, crumhorn Erik Thompson, recorders, cello. They play music of Paul
Hofheimer, George Muffat, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

SRSNH EVENTS CALENDAR

Concerts at St. Mary's High School, 27 Bartlett St, Westfield  (Produced by Meg
and Dan Sullivan; the "Music for Music Concert Series") All shows start at
7:30PM with doors opening at 7:00 Call 413-562-6569 for reservations and more
info. All tickets are $14 in advance $18 door Kids (12 to 6) $6 and $9 under 6
years old free.

- December 17, 2005: 7:30PM SAM AMIDON and KEITH MURPHY perform on fiddle and
  mandolin and with vocals. They perform music from Ireland, Scotland and
  Eastern Canada. 

- February 18, 2006: Cape Breton Style fiddler ZOE DARROW and THE FIDDLEHEADS.

- March 18, 2006: From Prince Edward Island.. J. J. CHAISSON on fiddle and
  KEVIN CHAISSON on piano.

- April 22, 2006 NYC Irish traditional at its best! MARIE & MARTIN REILLY &
  friends.

- May 20, 2006: A CAPE BRETON CEILIDH with DERRICK and MELODY CAMERON...

Concert, music from the Court of Salzburg: Judith Conrad, Clavichordist,
Fortepianist, with the Delight Consort; Sunday, Jan 8,  3 PM, 12 South St. (the
Loring-Greenough House), Jamaica Plain. $15 (non-members) to reserve
(617-524-3158). Info:
 http://home.mindspring.com/~judithconrad/index.html
Directions: http://www.lghouse.org/ 

Brookfield Fiddle Retreat
Just wanted to let interested parties know that Jerry Holland and I will be
hosting a weekend fiddle retreat February 24 in the historic Pond Village
section of Brookfield,VT.  We will be staying at a beautiful home, with a big,
open room for music workshops and dancing.  Check-in will be at 1pm on Friday
afternoon, and we will end Sunday afternoon at 3pm.  Nearby trails abound for
snowshoeing, hiking, or whatever the weather encourages (during those odd
moments when you feel your head is going to burst).  Cost is $250/person or
$220 if you send non-refundable $100 deposit by January 1st. (Great holiday
present for a loved one).  Meals from Friday evening to Sunday lunch are
included.  For more information or to register, call Beth Telford at
802-728-6351.  Mailing address is:1060 Bent Hill Rd, Braintree,VT 05060.  This
is for adults, teens, and younger (if accompanied by an adult, or by permission
of instructors).

Reoccurring Events

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.

2nd Sundays - English dancing, 5:30-7:45pm, Presidential Oaks, Pleasant St,
Concord NH $6, or $5 for ECDSNH members.  Judith Ackerson 603.934.2543 or
jnoska at cyberportal.net. http://people.star.net/blw/dance/english

1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays-Scottish Country dance, 7-9 pm, Church of the Good
Shepherd, 214 Main St, Nashua NH.  $3.  Also, 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

3rd Sundays- Gaelic Club, 3-7pm, Canadian American Club, Watertown MA FROM
Cassie Hansel, Peggy Morrison, 978-858-3792.

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

Tuesdays - Irish/Celtic Sessions at The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern, 132
North Main St Concord NH 7-10:00 pm.  603-229-0083.

Wednesdays - Canadian Jam Session: A mixture of French, English Canadian and
New England fiddle. $2 donation. Second Wednesdays 7:30-10:30 at the Durham, NH
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (corner of Madbury Rd and Woodman Ave). For
info directions: Peter Yarensky, 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 (7PM)

Wednesday "Slow Jam"- Concord Community Music School; 7:30-9PM voluntary
donation; info: 226.1966 or cordway at cmusicschool.org.

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

1st Thursday 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. Info/directions: Peter Yarensky,
603-664-2513 or peter.yarensky at unh.edu.

Fridays - Press Room, Portsmouth, NH - Irish Music sessions (open) - 4:30-9:00
PM

Fridays - Seacoast Scottish Country Dance class, Greenland Parish Hall on Rte
151, Greenland NH, 7:30-9:30 pm, thru 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 Peterborough, N.H. (phone):
(603) 525-3883, (603) 525-4432; Email: fiddleheads at adelphia.net.

Play fiddle Saturday afternoon with John Campbell at his Maynard MA home. For
specifics,  John 978-897-7031.

Saturday Afternoons, Arlington Comm. Traditional Music Sessions, from 3:00 to
6:30 pm at the Fox Library, corner of Mass Ave and Cleveland St in Arlington,
MA.  $1. Call 781-643-3603 for further info and dates.

Second Saturdays Dance - Gilmanton, NH Town Hall (Academy Building)
(intersection Rtes 107 & 14) 8-11pm.  info: (603) 267-7227; Dec 11 - Two
Fiddles, Caller: Dudley Laufman

2nd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8-11pm, Francestown, NH Town Hall.  Frank
Woodward.  For info: 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
ww.aomusicshop.com from October to May 1st and 3rd Saturdays. 2-5PM

Granite Skyes is published monthly (10 issues) between September and June bythe
Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire. Subscription $8/yr ($18
overseas). Individual domestic memberships cost $20/yr; please inquire about
other rates. Edited by Jack Langley. Email subscription is free; send request
to bmcowen at comcast.net.

All items welcome, depending on space available; If you have something to
include in this news letter, you can email or phone.  Deadline for submissions
is the 1st of the month.  If the submission is still relevant it will be
considered for the next issue.

Jack Langley
26 Buttonwood Drive
Hollis NH 03049
603.465.4022
jackieaxe at earthlink.net

SRSNH 2005 Next Gathering: 
Sunday December 18, 2005 
1-5pm.  Free admission.  All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome; with
potluck refreshments.

Annicchiaricco Music Theater: 1 Thompson St. at South Main St.  Take I-93 to
Exit 13 or 14.  Take South Main St to Thompson, 2 blocks south of Pleasant St
(Rts 202/9), 1 Block north of the Capital Center for the Arts.  Free parking on
the street.  DO NOT PARK IN THE RESIDENT'S LOT.