Strathspey and Reel Society of NH
Granite Skyes
Volume 18, Number 1
September, 2006

NEXT GATHERING					Approximate Schedule:			
	Sunday, September 17, 2006			 1:00-3:00 Current Tunes
	1-5 pm, Annicchiaricco Theater		 3:00-3:30 Refreshments			
	1 Thompson Street                    3:30-5:00 Requests and Solos
	Concord, New Hampshire

Free Admission! All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome!

Due to confusion about which volume and number we are currently publishing, I
have taken the liberty of renumbering. This issue will be Volume 18, No. 1,
September 2006.

Notes from the Musical Director
 
Welcome back for another year! We had a wonderful trip to Scotland and met many
fine folk. I urge others on the trip to write some of their memories for future
newsletters. It is hard for me to single out one special time.

I was deeply touched that people I have met previously made the effort to come
and hear us. Jessie Stuart of Elgin drove 3 hours to see us in Stirling; Gordon
Simpson and George Meikle, my teachers at St Andrews, had dinner with us in
Glasgow and stayed for our performance; and Nick Broadbridge visited us in
Edinburgh, met us at Lanark and came to hear us in Ayr.

A special concert moment came in Taynuilt. Our program included Caroline's
Polka and Mrs. Jamieson. At the end of the performance, we were introduced to a
little elderly lady who said her name was Caroline and her family name was
Jamieson. Her friends told us that she had just celebrated her 90th birthday!
 
"The New Hampshire Strathspey & Reel Society's Return to Scotland" is a
rollicking two-step. Bill Cook, leader of the Stirling Fiddlers, composed it
for our trip, complete with harmonies and bass lines. We will learn it in
September and perform it at our Gala.

Mike Hebb has suggested a Strathspey by Robert Lowe, The Warlocks. I asked
Gordon Simpson, a Glasgow fiddler, to comment on it. He says that it needs
emphasis on bars 4, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 15 and if he were playing it he would make
it smooth. Bars 3 and 7 will be easiest if the fiddlers use their 4th
finger. In a purely esthetical comment, Gordon feels it is better as an
alternate tune in a set, not the introductory tune. I will let you make your
own decision on that.

Jack McKelvie of Bedford NH is a nice contemporary Strathspey, written by
Scottish accordionist Bobby More. Jack was an interior decorator from Bedford,
NH and very proud of his Scottish heritage. In the early 1950's, he discovered
Scottish Country Dancing and became totally enamored of it. He danced at UNH,
where I first met him, and often traveled to Boston to dance with that
Branch. He was instrumental in bringing Miss Milligan to the area for workshops
and teacher training sessions. A great supporter all young dancers, he founded
a children's group in Bedford, the Bedford Bairns. When I asked him about
proper dance shoes, he bought me a pair. He made several trips to Scotland,
dancing with different groups and met Bobby More. Bobby wrote the tune for
Jack. Tragically, Jack was killed in an auto accident in 1964. The Bedford (NH)
Middle School bears his name. While shopping for traditional music in
Edinburgh, I picked up a book of tunes by Bobby More. Much to my delight, I
discovered this tune! Bobby was thrilled to hear from someone who actually knew
Jack. It is a small world!
Concord Audi Preview
 
The Friends of the Audi are hosting their annual Gala Preview on Sunday the
17th of Sept. They have asked for a small ensemble of SRS members to play for
less than 10 minutes at about 7:00 pm. We have done this many times. If any of
you are willing to do this, please let me know. It is the same day as our
regular session. We will play two sets. The first is a Strathspey set, Braes of
Breadalbane, Stuart and Kathleen Walker, Mrs Rae Wallace. The second is an
Air/Strathspey/Reel set, Aran Boat, Haughs of Cromdale, and Glenburnie Rant. We
will play these sets at the Highland Games, Loon Mountain. Please call me or
email me if you can do this. We get free ice cream! Sylvia Miskoe,
603-225-6546, smiskoe at aol.com

Gala Concert CD is done

There are still some of the Gala Concert CD’s available for $15 each. They can
be purchased, as long as they last, from Sylvia or at the September
session. This is a much improved difference between the little members-only
self made CD which we had for previous concerts and this one is enormous,
beginning with the recording and mixing level. You could say this one was
"done right". It was professional recording, involved 3 days of mixing
the cuts, professional manufacturing, with professional graphics and
layout. Sylvia says, "It has been an exciting project, and I hope you are
all as pleased as I am." We now will have our own professional recording,
which will be available at the many events we perform at for audience members
to purchase!

NH Highland Games at Loon Mountain

The games will be moving back to Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH and will be held Sept 22, 23, and 24. The SRSNH is again invited to play at the NH Games. Sylvia has negotiated with the Games administration, and the SRS will receive tickets as needed and 2 condos. The SRS asks that anyone wanting to stay at the condo be a member and be willing to play one session for each night's lodging. In addition, the cutoff date for getting housing and tickets will be September 1. On Saturday, we will be playing at 10 am in the main venue, on the large stage, and at 8:30 p.m. in the little hall for the Scottish Country Dance. On Sunday, we will perform again at 11:00 a.m. in the Governor’s Lodge and with the Massed Fiddles at 12:30. Our CD will be available for sale at our performances.  Anyone who wants to sign up can either phone Sylvia at 603-225-6546 or email her: smiskoe at aol.com. Further details about the games can be found at www.nhscot.org 

SRNH Shirts

Is your SRS shirt looking tired, or are you a new member and don't have one? There are still a fair number of SRS shirts left, however they are all size "Large". As of May 31 there are 22 White Polo Shirts (17 with Green Emblem, 5 with Purple) - all Large, and 21 T-Shirts (4 Purple, and 17 Green) - all Large except for 2 of the Green, which are X-Large. Prices are still only $12 for the Polos and $10 for the T's. I will bring some to the next Gathering in September, but it is a good idea to let me know what you want beforehand. Contact Bruce Cobb; cobglas at juno.com or 603.435.6026.


Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, 2006
Submitted by Denise Robinson

I owe many thanks to the SRSNH for awarding me a scholarship to attend the Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School this past August. This was my 4th year attending, and I believe it was the best year yet! 

The fiddle instruction was absolutely superb. One of Scotland’s finest; Douglas "Dougie" Lawrence worked with us on the bowing of the Strathspey in the Northeastern Scottish style. He’s a wonderful teacher and very motivating. New England’s own Anne Hooper used scales and arpeggios in her approach to teaching tunes by ear; her methods were outstanding. Kimberley Fraser from Cape Breton was dynamite! Her fiddle playing had everyone wanting to learn more! We were so fortunate to have Cape Bretoner Troy MacGillivray also along teaching piano. When he & Kimberly played together the whole island ROCKED!

A new element added to the school this year was Ariel Friedman teaching Scottish cello. It was wonderful having cellists there, it added more depth to the music when we had our group sessions. Rumor has it the BHSFS plans to offer instruction for a non-fiddle instrument each year. 

If you’re looking for a place to get away & you want to immerse yourself in Scottish music, you should go to the Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School. There are several hours of instruction each day, parties & dancing every night, great food, beautiful surroundings, and a lovely beach area. And, if you are homesick, you can have your family visit on visitors’ day (thanks to those SRSNH folks that came out this year, it was fun). I guarantee you will make many new friends, learn loads of new tunes, and come home with a great big smile!


Impressions: The 2006 SRSNH Trip to Scotland
By: Mike Vose

Like an overweight, lumbering, and clumsy green linnet
An Aerlingus airbus swooped into Scotland with the SRSNH in it,
To begin an eleven day odyssey of music and touring
That would create wonderful memories both charming and enduring.

McLay’s guesthouse provided the starting point for this Caledonian quest
And, like all trips far from home, the first task was to find food and rest.
With a belly full of chips, weary travelers sought a quiet place to snooze, 
To alleviate the fatigue, and liberate the melodic muse.

The pilgrimage criss-crossed Scotland from west coast to east,
With music, and tours, and occasional beverages fathered by yeast.
With old friends and new, there was camaraderie on many levels,
And the group was treated like royalty, and feted with spontaneous revels.

With cornetto, and spoons, hammered dulcimer and recorder,
Ours was a fiddle orchestra not often heard on this side of the border.
But audiences were pleased to hear the unique sound
And their applause and Hoorays showed that their pleasure was unbound.

The coach rides provided a respite from exploration and rehearsal,
But the clever Hugh soon developed a unique scheme for fatigue reversal:
Discreetly resting his chin on the rim of his bodhran, he took mid-concert naps,
Lulled into peaceful slumber by the rhapsody of sound, perhaps?

The SRSNH players heard good music, too, at McTavish’s Kitchens in Oban
Where Morris Duncan flayed his fiddle as the devil in the kitchen would have done.
While Dave sampled neeps and tatties with the local variety of haggis,
A piper played, a girl danced, and songs were sung by a local laddie.

Good weather followed the players all round the moors and glens,
Which bloomed like a garden, and attracted many a camera lens.
The natural beauty kept spirits high, but Marsha managed to beguile
Every person she encountered with her contagious and radiant smile.

Scotland harbors many hidden gems, one of which is the Isle of Mull.
Though small and secluded, it has attractions that are not dull.
Reached by a short ferry ride from Oban, the Isle boasts Duart Castle,
The seat of Clan MacClean and the home of its chief and his vassals.

The stalwart castle has sat on a windswept, craggy promontory
Since its construction in 1360, though the English were derogatory
When they ruined the castle when they deserted it in 1750
And the Scots waited until 1912 to restore it, being evermore thrifty.

In Edinburgh town, the group played where Miss Jean Brodie once stalked the halls,
And Yla Stevens led the Lothian Fiddles as if Miss Jean was listening from the walls.
She strode into the orchestra to move a music stand so that a player could see her baton,
Because she demanded attention, for she loves the music, and wants it to be spot on.

Our coach driver Jim Smiley was an efficient and well-connected man.
No matter the travel situation, he always had a well-conceived plan.
He took us to his home town of Tarbolton, an unscheduled transit,
So we could see places that most never view when Scotland they visit.

First, we saw The Bachelor’s Club, the debating society founded by Robert Burns,
Where young intellectuals each expressed their exalted opinions in turn.
Then came a rare tour of the Masonic Lodge where Burns had held the gavel,
And a lodge member recited Tam O’Shanter; Burn’s poem about a night’s drinking that began to unravel.

Duart Castle, Rob Roy Centre, Stirling Castle, Falkirk Wheel, and Edinburgh Castle,
New Lanark town, Tarbolton, the Brig ‘O Dee, Culzean Castle, the site of many a battle.
These were places that awed us and that gave us a sense of history and place.
Seeing the hills of Lorne and Kintyre will add spark to tunes so named when we next with music them embrace.

Lest you fear that we deserted the home of golf with narry a round played,
Rest assured that one of us heeded the call, and many birdies were made.
Caledonian golf is best enjoyed if you get off the beaten path,
Although the tough links land will eventually show you its mighty wrath.

So our tour ended happily, though we wanted to stay
After all, isn’t life grand when it is one big soiree!
Back on solid granite, we hope our visit allowed us to inherit
Some wee small measure of Scotland’s musical spirit.
Membership Fees Are Due

Annual memberships expired on September 1. If you have not renewed your membership, it's time to do so. Please send a check for $20 ($32 for a family membership) to SRSNH at 102 Little Pond Road, Concord, NH 03301. Do it right away, you don't want to miss a single issue of Granite Skyes, or your monthly music. 

Editors’ Notes
 
It is with fear and trepidation that I undertake this project. Jack so
succinctly asked, "Are you the next victim?" and I answered, "Guess so." Upon
reflection, I find that I do not feel like a victim. I feel that setting up
this newsletter is a challenge.

If anyone has suggestions for future issues, I will welcome them. The layout
may change a little as time goes by, but I will try to apply the KISS principle
and keep it simple.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with this issue.
The September issue of NHToDo is out. Please check it out. I have an article
that I wrote about the NH Highland Games appearing in it, and of course the
SRSNH is mentioned.

Audrey Marie Danielson

SRSNH EVENTS CALENDAR

Recurring 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. Beginner’s 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.

NOTE: Please check these listings and advise me of any additions, deletions or
changes.
Audrey at dragonfiddle7 at aol.com.


OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2006 EVENTS:

Please send me your listings. Audrey at dragonfiddle7 at aol.com

September 10, 4:00 p.m. Ashburnham Community Church, Ashburnham, MA. Music from
the Frederick Collection. Trio Bella will play Mozart: Opera arias & duets,
canzone, Lieder; Beethoven: Irish & Scottish folksong arrangements. Admission
$10, Children & Students, free.

The Friends of the Audi are hosting their annual Gala Preview on Sunday the
17th of Sept. SRS will play for less than 10 minutes at about 7:00 pm. We have
done this many times. If any of you are willing to do this, please let me
Sylvia know:  603-225-6546, smiskoe at aol.com

September 22, 23, 24 Highland Games at Loon. SRSNH will play on Saturday at
10:00 a.m. in the main venue and at 8:30 p.m. in the little hall for the
Scottish Country Dance. On Sunday we will perform at 11:00 a.m. in the
Governor’s Lodge and with the Massed Fiddles at 12:30..

All items welcome, depending on space available. If you have something to
include in this newsletter, you can email me at dragonfiddle7 at aol.com or phone
at 603-344-9575. Deadline for submissions is the 25th of the month. Afterwards,
if the submission is still relevant it will be considered for the next issue.

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. The newsletter and music is available by email. Contact Denise
Robinson at fiddledee at comcast.net

Strathspey and Reel Society of New Hampshire
Newsletter Editor
Audrey Marie Danielson
513 Alton Woods Drive
Concord NH 03301
603-344-9575
Dragonfiddle7 at aol.com

SRSNH Next Gathering: 
Sunday September 17, 2006  
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.