Strathspey and Reel Society of New Hampshire
Granite Skyes
January 2006

SRSNH 2006 Gatherings:  
Jan 29              April 30  
Feb 26              May 28   
Mar 26             June 25
1-5pm.  Free admission!  All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome; with potluck refreshments.

NOTES FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR
January 2006

Every January we play music associated with Robert Burns.  Burns was born Jan
25, 1759 and died in 1796.  We already have a good number of tunes by Burns and
Susan Christie Woodward has provided a new one with its words.  O Whistle and
I'll come to you my lad was written in 1793.  The tune is an old air by John
Bruce, a famous mid-18th century fiddler from Dumfries.  In 1793, Burns wrote
to Thomson: Is "Whistle & I’ll come to you, my lad" -- one of your
airs? -- I admire it much; & yesterday I set the following verses to it.The
chorus is traditional; the verses are Burns’s.  In 1795, Burns wrote again
asking Thomson to change the last line of the chorus to: Thy Jeanie will
venture wi’ ye, my lad.  According to Burns’ "A fair one, herself the
heroine of the song, insists on the amendment, and dispute her commands if you
dare." Thomson did not change the line.  After you have played the tune a
few times you should discover that the A music is the usual 8 bars but the B
music is 10!  Susan also has provided the words to Rosslyn Castle, one of the
tunes in our repertoire.  The poem is titled Farewell to the Banks of Ayr.
There was not space enough to print these words but if anyone wants them send
me an email.

There are two reels in the Key of E, from Barbara McOwen's collection of hot
session tunes.  The first, MacArthur Road is by Dave Richardson who also wrote
Calliope House.  The second is Hull's Reel by John Morris Rankin.  It is a Cape
Breton tune and this version is from the playing of Roger Treat.  Don't be put
off by the four sharps, you will only use three of them, these tunes do not
contain the dreaded D#.  I have been told that the Key of E is the key of
choice these days for tune composers.

In September I introduced two jigs by Eric Allan, a prolific composer and
fiddler from the Inverness area.  Eric has written a number of pieces arranged
for multiple instruments and I thought The Singing Gate would be fun to try.
His notes speak for themselves.  If people like this approach I will put some
more into our repertoire.

First Night
We played First Night in Wolfeboro.  SRS once more played at Wolfeboro’s First
Night.  This is our 4th appearance.  The church was standing room only, even
the balcony was full.  We played a condensed Gala program as we only had 45
minutes.  (We finished at 46!)  Tim and Kylee Druggan-Eppich each played a solo
tune and Spootiskerry together to much audience applause throughout their
tunes.  Johnny Bassett thrilled the audience with his pipe set which included
many 'bent' notes.  Sylvia thanks every one who turned out for the evening.

Scholarship Report
(from Susan Woodward) Despite steaming humidity, a wall to wall construction
site outside of Shelburne Farms, and faculty changes, my five days immersed in
Cape Breton music and culture was rewarding and stimulated ideas for
performance and further study. Each day offered 5 classes; I chose to take 2 of
beginner Step Dance, 1 of intermediate Bodhran, and 2 of beginner Gaelic
Singing. All three of my choices proved to warrant some adjustment.  Seven days
prior to my arrival, I twisted my ankle but through compulsive care and taping,
I was able to benefit from my dance classes with Bonnie Jean Cutliffe and Betty
Matheson. By Thursday, my purple and yellow foot was able to work in a more
danceable shoe, and suddenly everything became lots easier. A surprise bonus to
these classes was the inclusion of Cape Breton set figures from Sydney and
Inverness, which I plan to adapt to introduce into conta dancing.  Mairi
MacInnes brought her sweet lyrical voice and manner all the way from South
Uist.  After the first class, however, I decided that I would benefit better
from switching to Hector MacNeil’s introductory Gaelic Language classes in
order to understand [BEGIN! to understand] the pronunciation and how this
exceedingly different language works. In addition, trying to tape songs in
Mairi’s class was impossible; so by working on the language and planning to
obtain songs I want from CDs, I am ready to work toward some numbers for
performance. You have to have some real motivation to want to tackle learning
Gaelic.  Fortunately, I am fascinated by languages and how they reflect the
history and culture of their speakers. What could be more intriguing than a
language with no word for "Yes" or "No" ; no verb of possession; and no present
tense for any verb except "to be."  Hector’s amazing and amusing manner kept us
at it diligently every day. Although I had scheduled only one class a day of
Bodhran, I had been especially looking forward to learning from Mance Grady, 
USA Master Player. As it turned out, as he and his family were leaving Cape
Breton, where he had been teaching at the Gaelic 
College, to return to the States to teach us, the engine of their vehicle blew,
leaving them stranded just as our week was about to commence. A local player,
Marty Morrisey, was able to pinch hit, although his familiarity is with Irish
rather than Scottish music. Having especially looked forward to benefiting from
getting to know and learn from Mance Grady, his absence was a significant
disappointment. Our fellow students of all ages were also a great pleasure of
the week. What wonderful people are attracted to making Scottish music. Besides
making an announcement at our final whole group gathering Friday morning, I
papered them with the SRS flyer that describes us and what we do as well as
with flyers and information about our Gala. Thank you, thank you again for the
scholarship that SRSNH provided that helped me take advantage of this excellent
week of study. In appreciation,
Susan


E-Mail, E-Mail, Read All About It!
We are still looking for email distribution people.  Sign up to receive your
monthly mailings via e-mail! We're in the early stages of organizing a faster,
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mailing via email only e-mail Denise Robinson at: fiddledee at comcast.net 

Big Thank You to        TD Banknorth
Our Treasurer Bob Reed announced last gathering, this year’s Gala was a
tremendous financial success due in no small part to a grant from TD Banknorth.
Thank You TD Banknorth for supporting Scottish and Traditional music in your
community. Heh!, maybe next year we can play the Garden!

Volunteers Step Up
There are some changes in the officers list.  Ely Abelsonis is now the
Scholarship Committee Chair and Katie Botsfod is now on the committee.  Betsy
Woodman volunteered for Member at Large through 2007. One Member at Large, is
still at large (still to be appointed); Maybe its you?  Connie Eppich will
continue to be our secretary through 2007.  Thanks to all for stepping up!

Editor’s Notes:
JP Cormier, my favorite guitar player will be playing April 29 at the Museum of
Natural History, Lexington MA.  Other headliners will be Dave Gunning, Terry
Tufts, The Laws, & The McDades.  Ticket prices are not set yet  but should be
about $25.
 
I exchanged emails with Janine Muise Randall who runs the Ceilidh Trail Music
School on Cape Breton Island, in Inverness NS.  Janine is a piano player and
sometime accompanist for the visiting Cape Breton fiddlers when they play the
French Club and Canadian-America Club in Waltham and Watertown. I've visited
the school four times and highly recommend this for a Cape Breton Music
vacation, if that's what you are looking for.  This year, Richard Wood,
Kimberly Fraiser, and Troy McGillvary will be instructing for a week in July.

Here are the details (from Janine):
Well......I can't say that I'm too sad to see 2005 go.  With my father's
passing (Johnny Muise.....does everyone know that tune by Jerry Holland?)
......it's been a sad year for us.  But we also celebrated our 10th anniversary
last summer.....and that's a cause for celebration!

This year our 11th year will also be outstanding because we are bringing back
our 'old' friend and outrageously popular Richard Wood to the Ceilidh Trail
School!  Richard has spent a lot of time in Bosnia & Afghanistan entertaining
the Canadian and US troops over there.  So we are so happy to have him come
back safely and spend a week in Inverness to bring us all up to date on our
tunes/ techniques, maybe some new dance steps too! :0)

Along with him we are bringing back the incredible teacher/fiddler Kimberley
Fraser.  Although she is one young energetic lady...she is quickly becoming one
of the most sought after Cape Breton violin performer/ teacher in the world!
So we are so happy that she could fit us into her schedule again this year.  If
you haven't heard Kimberley or taken classes with her before, this is your
chance to spend an entire week with her on Cape Breton, her home turf.

Our third instructor is Troy MacGillivray!  The hottest new star on the horizon
who is a virtuoso on both fiddle and piano and a terrific instructor.  All of
these leading stars are also amazing piano players!  And they have both agreed
to also teach piano this year.  This was a 'new' idea for me.... Having
musicians who were masters at both instruments would bring new 'insights' into
both the fiddle and piano classes.

Please note we only have one week again this year.  The last time we did this
we had over 120 students.  We will limit the classes this year..... There is
also no guitar this year.  So please check out the website
http://www.ceilidhtrail.com for information, or questions:
info at ceilidhtrail.com

Thanks, Janine (BTW, it’s $425 for the week and $375 children (8 to12)).

I spoke to fiddler Harvey Tolman, also the contact point for the Monday night
Nelson Town Hall Contra Dance.  Lately, they have played Cape Breton.  The band
starts 30 minutes before dancing commences at 8:00. He tells me the gatherings
have steadily grown and they’ve had 40 to 50 people at times. Some names that
play the dance are Frankie Tolman (his wife), Lisa Sieverts (caller), Dan
Primrose, and Roger Teat.  Harvey invited all SRS members to come visit some
Monday night.
 
SRSNH EVENTS CALENDAR

Sat Jan 28 at the "Tupelo" Music Hall in Londonderry NH. The Glengarry Bhoys
will be performing for a Robbie Burns celebration.
2 Young Rd Londonderry $20

Music for Music Concert Series
Concerts at St. Mary's High School, 27 Bartlett St, Westfield MA  Shows start
at 7:30PM doors opening at 7:00 Call 413-562-6569 to reserve or for
info. Advanced Tickets $14, $18 at the door Kids (6-12) $6 and $9 under 6
free.
- February 18, 2006: Cape Breton Style fiddler Zoe Darrow and The Fiddleheads.
 March 18, 2006: From PEI. J. J. Chaisson 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.

Brookfield Fiddle Retreat Feb 24
Jerry Holland and Beth Telford are hosting a weekend fiddle retreat in
Brookfield VT.  Stay in a beautiful home, with a big open room for music
workshops and dancing.  Check-in at 1pm Friday afternoon, ending Sunday at 3pm.
Cost is $250/person or $220 if you send non-refundable $100 deposit by January
1st.Meals from Friday evening to Sunday lunch are included.  For info or to
register, call Beth Telford at 802-728-6351.  Mail: 1060 Bent Hill Rd,
Braintree VT 05060.

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.  Come early and enjoy the
great food! 

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.
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
www.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 (2nd) - Canadian Jam Session: mixture of French, English Canadian
and New England fiddle. $2; 7:30-10:30; at the Durham NH Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship (corner of Madbury Rd & Woodman Ave) Info: 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), 8pm- 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 MA (781-643-3603 for info and dates) Trad Music
Sessions, from 3:00 to 6:30 pm at the Fox Library, corner of Mass Ave &
Cleveland St.  $1

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 778-9711 www.aomusicshop.com
October through May on the first and third Saturdays of the month, 2-5 pm.

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 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.

Strathspey and Reel Society of New Hampshire
Newsletter Editor
Jack Langley
26 Buttonwood Drive
Hollis NH 03049
603.465.4022
jackieaxe at earthlink.net

SRSNH  Next Gathering: 
Sunday January 29, 2005          
1-5pm.  Free admission.  All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome; with
potluck refreshments.  At the 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. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE RESIDENT’S
LOT.