Srathspey and Reel Society of NH
Granite Skyes
Volume 18, Number 3
November, 2006

NEXT GATHERING Approximate Schedule:
GALA Rehearsals-every Sunday in November 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!

>From the Secretary...

We don't want to lose touch! If you have not renewed your membership this is
the last newsletter you will receive. Sadly, you will not be receiving any
more music. SRSNH policy is that back music is not sent out to those who have
not renewed by November.A limited number of copies of back music for the season
will be available at the sessions while they last. If you want to play in the
Gala, you must be a member. - Connie Eppich

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

GALA SCOTTISH CONCERT

November is the month we do not send out music. The Gala music is quite
enough. Since I'm not discussing the tunes of the month, I thought I'd discuss
how the Gala is put together.The approximately two-hour program is a mix of
music played by the entire ensemble, music by the Guest Artist, a bit of
singing, a bit of dancing, and if there are young folks available, a set
featuring them. There always is a set of Strathspeys and one of Reels. After
all, we are The Strathspey & Reel Society of NH. The Reels can be old or
contemporary and they can be 16 bars or 32 bars. The Strathspeys can also be
old or contemporary. I can't remember the last time we played a retreat march
so this year is a good time to include a set of them. Ditto for slip (9/8)
jigs. The Finale piece generally begins with something slow, moves to quicker
time, and ends with a bang. The ensemble gets between 50 and 60% of program. The
Guest Artist is allocated four sets and is asked to keep each set under six
minutes. Six minutes gives him or her time to create but does not become too
long. Audiences glaze over after six minutes and as Jerry Holland says, "You
stop when they still want more." Our guest artists time their sets right down
to the last five seconds! Once the basic framework is outlined, the creative
part begins. Where should each set be placed? What music have we learned and
enjoyed this past year? What can be different from the past two years? For the
individual sets, how can they be creative so we do not sound the same for every
tune. It's a big process, from start to finish. Rehearsals for the GALA on
November 26th will be on Sundays, Nov 5, 12, 19. These will all be at the Music
Theater. The dress rehearsal will also be the tech rehearsal and will be at the
Concord City Auditorium. This rehearsal is mandatory and on Saturday the
25th. All practices will begin at 1 pm. Having a piper as our guest artist
will be exciting. Stuart and I have been exchanging emails about tunes.

In December, we will not have a session. The last Sunday is New Year's Eve and
we are performing in Wolfeboro, NH. The next to last Sunday is Christmas Eve,
not a good time for a session. The Music Theater is booked with another group
the 3rd to last Sunday. We will send out music. - Sylvia Miskoe

THE NOVEMBER 2006 GALA

I just submitted this piece of deathless prose to our local newspaper (monthly,
next comes out Nov. 1) Anything else you want me to say about SRSNH? I'll pass
it on to the editor.He also wanted a picture, so Evie sent me a black and white
version of the one of the Web site. She'll get the photo credit.Just a reminder
that if you have an SRSNH member in your town, it's just the kind of thing they
love in the local newspaper and it's good free advertising for the Gala. There
was a nice piece about Bruce in the Pittsfield paper last year or the year
before.

I was unloading my recycling at the Transfer Station and a fast Scottish reel
was blaring from my car. A woman came running over and said, "I love that
music! What is it?" I explained that it was the Strathspey and Reel Society of
New Hampshire's first CD, just released this summer. "And we'll be having our
big annual concert in November," I added. "Oh, will it be in the paper?"
"Sure thing." I said. (So here we are.)

Then I went on to R.P. Johnson's and same thing happened there, and the next
week yet again, this time in New London! The CD that has been helping me get
through my errands was recorded at the SRSNH's 2005 annual Scottish Gala
Concert held in Concord. There were lots of friendly Andover faces in the
audience last year, and I hope even more will come to the 18th annual SRSNH
Gala Concert, Sunday, November 26, 2006, at 2:30 pm at the Concord City
Auditorium, corner of Prince and Green Streets, Concord, NH. Bagpiping
sensation Stuart Cassells, Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the
Year, is our guest artist this year. Dancers from the New Hampshire School of
Scottish Arts will lend color and excitement to the show, too. The SRSNH
ensemble will perform traditional favorites and also more recent pieces,
including a very lively one composed for us by Bill Cook of Stirling, Scotland.
(The CD will be for sale at the concert, too.) Call 603 437-3497 for tickets or
email srsnhgala@yahoo.com. The auditorium is wheelchair accessible.

SRSNH is a non-profit organization dedicated to learning and playing Scottish
music. Monthly meetings are in Concord, and membership is open to musicians of
all ages, instruments, and playing levels (and to listeners also.) Next year
you might be up there on the stage, too. In the meantime, you can play the CD
in your car while doing your errands. For more information, visit
www.srsnh.org

- Betsy Woodman

First Night Concert

Wolfeboro, NH has invited SRS again for its First Night celebration. I will
have signup sheets at our sessions and rehearsals. Bob Reed is producing the
concert, he will answer questions. I will select portions of the Gala program
for us to play. It's a fun evening so come. - Sylvia Miskoe

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
JUNE 24, 2006

At 3:00 P.M., Don Young called the meeting to order. There were 32 members
present. It was noted that the President, Treasurer and Secretary were not in
attendance. Bob Reed will submit the financial report at the July board
meeting. The President's annual report was distributed and read by Don. In it,
Marianne highlighted the following: Jerry Holland's session, the Highland
Games, the Gala, production of the CD, and the Scotland trip. She also
remembered Cal Gardner, our former tea man, who passed away during the
year. Marianne thanked all the officers and board members for their hard
work.The Music Director's report by Sylvia highlighted our highest attendance
year, the recording of the Gala concert and the Scotland trip. When asked,
Sylvia reiterated her desire for someone to eventually take over her position,
but she emphasized that she wants it to be a smooth transition. In the absence
of Marianne, Vice President Don Young presided over the meeting until after the
election of officers. He charged the next elected officers to familiarize
themselves with the by-laws and to act accordingly; to have as a goal the
search for a music director and for everyone to attend meetings and support the
organization as much as possible. In light of the interest in Scottish history,
he suggested reading Massacre at Glencoe by John Prebal, which gives a clear
understanding of Scotland. Mike Vose commented on the importance of volunteers
over the past 18 years and his wish for everyone to answer the call to do
so. He extended thanks to the existing board members and the other
volunteers. He then proceeded with the election results from the 32 ballots
submitted:

President - Marianne Taylor; Vice President - Audrey Danielson; Member-at-large – Marge Swope.

Audrey took over the remainder of the meeting.
Old Business:

A motion was made and seconded to table the secretary's and treasurer's reports
until the September meeting making them retro-active to this meeting. All were
in favor. Susan Woodward suggested that in making future copies of Vols. I and
ll and creating Vol. lll, there be some way to include corrections to the
masters. For Bob Reed, George stated that Bob would like a board meeting in
July in order to start the year smoothly; someone should contact the members.

New Business:

A discussion came about regarding Sylvia's future replacement as music
director: Justine made a motion, that she later withdrew, in which she
suggested having 2 - 4 people conduct the various sessions next year with an
announcement in the newsletter (Sylvia would remain music director). There was
clarification that the board has the say regarding the music director; Susan
suggested looking outside our group; an apprenticeship of only a couple of
people was suggested; there was a suggestion of an asst. director to which
Sylvia commented that she and Marianne have swapped roles anyway; Len said
there should be guidelines to setting up a search committee for when Sylvia
wants to retire; question of training under Sylvia vs. someone knowledgeable
coming from the outside. Susan suggested a resolution to this issue which Don
formulated urging the board, at its July meeting, to make this issue top
priority and to get such a search started. All were in favor of the resolution.

Again, for Bob Reed, George requested that the treasurer's report coincide with
the fiscal year. It was suggested by Mike Vose to have Bob take it up with the
board, as it would require a by-law change. In finality, George made the
motion, that was seconded and carried, that the meeting re-convene in
September.

Respectfully submitted by,
Linda Amundsen
September 17, 2006

The 2006 annual meeting was reconvened. However, in the absence of Bob Reed,
treasurer, it was moved, seconded, and carried, to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Connie Eppich

Treasurers Report through August 31, 2006:

Total Inflows: $39,154.39
Total Outflows: $40,125.48
Net Inflows/Outflows: $( - 971.09)

MUSICAL TIDBITS
Tam Lin Balladry
Though Tam Lin can be approached as a faerie story, it is also a ballad, and has as much of a musical background
as a mythological one. There are two very different types of music generally referred to as Tam Lin. One group
of songs is associated with the ballad of Tam Lin, and is meant to have words. The second group is a set of
unrelated reels, and is meant to be danced to, often with a lot of whooping and yelling.
I forbid you, maidens a',
That wear gowd on your hair,
To come or gae by Carterhaugh,
For young Tam Lin is there.

Google the Tam Lin Balladry Site to find the music and more information.

FUN FACTS

Halloween is generally thought to date back to 700 B.C. to the Celts in rural
England, Ireland and Scotland. On November 1, the first day of their new year,
the Celts celebrated a festival called Samhain (sow-in), which signified the
end of the harvest season, the onset of winter, and a day of the dead.

SCOTTISH JOKES
Proving that we Scots do have a sense of humor

A man went into one of the many pubs on Rose Street in Edinburgh and ran an eye over the huge
selection of malt whiskies on display.
"I'll have a dram of that, and that, and that, and that," he said pointing.
The barman duly set four glasses in front of him. With great speed, the man drained each glass in turn.
"You were in a hurry," commented the barman.
"So would you be if you had what I have," said the man.
"Oh, what's that?" asked the barman.
"Nae money," came the answer.

.- submitted by Mike Vose
OUR CONDOLENCES

Long time member Winnie Little lives in Orleans, Mass. She writes that both her husband
and her son passed away this summer. She misses coming to the sessions but the newsletter
and music mean a great deal to her. Winnie, please accept our sympathies and remember
how much playing the music helps you.
- Sylvia Miskoe
- -
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@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@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@unh.edu

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

The 2nd Saturday contra dance in, Francestown, is cancelled until further notice.
Frank Woodward. For info: 603-487-2480 or NHdancecaller@aol.com.

Third Saturdays - Dance - East Concord, NH Community Center 8PM info: dwh@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.
GraniteSkyes@aol.com

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006 EVENTS:

Sunday, November 26, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire
presents its 18th Gala Scottish Concert at the Concord City Auditorium with Stuart Cassells,
piper & Scottish Dancers of the NH School of Scottish Arts & the SRSNH Ensemble. For tickets
telephone (603) 437-3497 – E-mail: srsnhgala@yahoo.com.

Saturday, November 18, 2006- From Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Canada,
Kimberley Fraser will be presented in concert at The Captain Charles Leonard House,
663 Main St., Agawam, MA. Kimberley is a well known Celtic fiddler, piano player and
step dancer and she will present an event of Cape Breton traditional fiddle music.
Call 413-789-9287 to reserve tickets.
''''

All items welcome, depending on space available. If you have something to include in
this newsletter, you can email me at GraniteSkyes@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@comcast.net

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

SRSNH Next Gatherings--Practice for the Gala:
Sunday November 5, 12, 19, & Saturday, 25, 2006, which is a Tech Rehearsal
at the Concord City Auditorium. The Sunday Rehearsals will be at the Annicchiaricco
Music Theater from 1-5pm. Free admission. All ages, all instruments, all levels
welcome; with potluck refreshments. The address for 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.

>From the Secretary...

We don't want to lose touch! If you have not renewed your membership this is the last
newsletter you will receive. Sadly, you will not be receiving any more music.
SRSNH policy is that back music is not sent out to those who have not renewed by November.
A limited number of copies of back music for the season will be available at the sessions
while they last. If you want to play in the Gala, you must be a member.
- Connie Eppich