Most Memorable Pipe Band Performances?

[Chris Hamilton]

What are your most memorable pipe band performances that you've witnessed? I don't mean necessarily the BEST, just those that really left a lasting impact.

Here's one of mine:

Celtic Classic, 1988 (the first one). A bitterly cold October day. I'd done my bit with Scottish & Irish Imports -- frozen fingers, thin tone, nothing you could do. Only one band left to play in the Grade 1 contest ... Parlin & District. But they'd been AWOL all day - no one had seen them ...

Suddenly they appear at the entrance to the contest arena looking warm and fresh ... Stalin's Siberian Army to our shivering 3rd Panzer Army in front of Moscow in '41 ...

They struck up, marched into the circle, and walked the contest hands-down. Lovely full tone, clean and confident playing. There was no doubt as to the outcome. We knew we were whipped and accepted our fate with resignation, even admiration.

As it turns out, they'd gotten into the college music building and stayed in there all day, warm and dry. They tuned up, then stepped out for the very short walk to the arena, and the rest is history.

Ah, memories ...

Chris

[Liz]

In August of 1999, I tagged along with the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band to Scotland. The day after worlds, the whole band was definatly not with it. It was a the Perth Highland Games...

The first thing that stuck with me, and everyone around, was when the bass drum harness broke. The bass drummer picked up her bass drum, put it on, and then it just fell off! Luckily the bass drum wasn't hurt.

A little while later, the band went up to the line to compete. I was standing next to Reid Maxwell, the instructor for the drum corp. A little bit into the medley and the lead drummer dropped his stick! As he leaned down to pick it up, in the middle of the slow air, you could hear Reid roaring with laughter. The crowd relaxed, knowing that Reid found the whole situation funny.

Needless to say, they won that day. Of course, they were the 1999 Juvenile World Champions...

[ November 28, 2001: Message edited by: Liz ]

[Caps_Supporter]

I would have to say that my most memorable pipeband performance was Victoria Police's 1998 world pipeband championship victory.

i think that ALMOST all of the bands in that contest were quite good. :D

[Terry Lee]

World Championships 1981 (Aberdeen).

As a young Grade 1 Pipe-Major (SFU's first year in the grade), I was fortunate to witness what playing in Scotland is all about...

The weather was reasonable for the Grade 1 contest until the Strathclyde Police approached the starting line. At that point the heavens opened and the rain came down very hard.

My thoughts were "they have no chance" and, then, each player pulled a white hanky out of their breast pockets. Chanters were wiped off and drumheads dried..

They went on to play magnificently and the rest is history... To play as well as they did in awful conditions was inspiring. What a victory!

The stuff of legends..

Terry. :cool:

[Bernie]

i was only fifteen at the time, but the most memorable pipe band experience i had was at the altamont games in 1996. sfu played an awesome msr, along with a great concert the day after, but a strong mancehester gave them a good run for the money in a challenge-up competition. also, the 78th frasers performance at the worlds and at maxville in 1998 was awesome... specifically the medley!

bernie

[jason]

[Hugh Elder]

Chris,
I think the most memorable one I remember not the best, was when we played at the Orange County Fair in California. We were marching up the street and a whole flock of sheep invaded our band here is the link it made the front page... Bob this might be one for your Hall of Fame folder...
http://www.lascots.org/images/album/las_sheep.jpg

Hugh

[Joe Foley]

Where did you come up with that Hugh? That would not have been so BAAAAAAAD (sorry) if it were not for the 3 day camel ride we had to undertake before getting to that point!

My two most memorable performances:

1997 Vic Police Set& Selection
1999 SFU Set

Joe

[Ken MacKenzie]

In my case it would be the Worcester "A" Class band in 1969 at Maxville. Just the grade should give a clue to those who go back that far.
It was the first time I had ever been exposed to a high calibre band and they were tuning up next to the Black Watch Cadets "C" band I was working with as a low level instructor.
No sound I had witnessed before this came any where near what I heard then and although there were bands that did better on the feild that day, this first exposure to the big sound of that era will always stay with me. It was also the first time I saw "matched" chanters and there were no soles on them. It all seemed very strange at the time.
I don't remeber any of the competitions on the day except our own, we won our grade, but this band in the tuning circle will never die.
Ken

[Bob Boyle]

One of the most memorable for me was in 1995 (I think)...the band was out at the Pleasanton Highland Games that year. Scheduled to appear were SFU (World Champs) -- Field Marshall Montgomery (2nd Place) -- and the Peel Regional Police.

Well clearly this is one of (if not) the best venues to play or watch. Well both SFU and FMM put on spectacular performances....but the highlight of the weekend was Peel's medley. The chances of the judges handing them 1sts against these other bands was probably limited...but they struck up - playing this driving hornpipe -- Big Jimmy driving the tempo and expression and the crowd ERUPTED.....

The medley was unique...aggressive from start to finish -- mixing great tone...unique percussions...a good mix of time signatures....and energy energy energy...

Very memorable...and one of the highlights is that I can listen to it on the Pleasanton CD that they put out the next day!!

Bob Boyle
Midlothian & Metropolitan Pipe Band

[Bob]

Bob this might be one for your Hall of Fame folder...
http://www.lascots.org/images/album/las_sheep.jpg

That is such agreat photo Hugh, it sure brings back a bunch of memories of Costa Mesa..

I'm loving this thread....

One of my favourite / most memorable band performances was the SFUPB at the Enumclaw (Seattle) games, 1999. Their sound was so sweet, so incredible.... I don't think I had ever or since heard a better pipe sound.. Impossible for me to explain, but it was just wonderful to hear a band sound that good....

Close second for me is completely different - an amazingy atmosphere during a band performance.. T&D in Santa Rosa, in 1990?? Big Jimmy swinging the Bass, dancing, dipping.. it was amazing, the crowd really ate it up.. and I have in on video somewhere.. Will have to dig that one out..


Bob

[ December 01, 2001: Message edited by: Bob ]

[Hugh Elder]

You cant tell Bob but if you look at the camera man on the right he's running, those sheep were running too and when they heard the pipes they started kicking and runnig faster... eventually we had to stop playing they were knocking us down.

Hugh

[Alison]

Well, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to join in on this discussion! I am sure that I can't beat Hugh's picture, it sure gave me a laugh, but I'll share anyway. The most memorable performance for me I think was the 1997 performance of Vic Police at the worlds. They got second that year, but wow, were they great! It was my first trip to the worlds and a great first impression of the caliber of grade one bands there.

Alison

[Neil Dickie]

My most memorable pipe band moment was several years (1980 something) ago at the World's Grade 1 medley contest...

I played in the right outside rank, directly behind the pipe major. As we approached the circle I was gawking at judges or the crowd or something, definitely not paying attention.

The PM stopped before turning into the circle but I didn't and I goosed him royally with my chanter. Neither of us made a mistake but I saw one of the judges smirk and I received one of the deadliest looks ever given in a pipe band circle.

We won the medley. The PM was Terry Lee. He's still the PM. I'm not in the band any more.

[Mitch Man]

Originally posted by Hugh Elder:
Chris,
street and a whole flock of sheep invaded our band
Hugh

Yea, it sure looks like a Bahaaaww Pipe band to me! :wink: They filled out the ranks nicely!


JM

[Chris Hamilton]

Originally posted by Ken MacKenzie:
In my case it would be the Worcester "A" Class band in 1969 at Maxville ...

Another one of my memorable ones involved Worcester in 1983 at Syracuse. I believe they were in Grade 2 at the time, but still had a lot of the old guys from the era you're referring to. I was blown away by their sound and their playing of "Lord Alexander Kennedy". For at least one performance, it sounded just like it must have in their late 60s glory days.

BTW, I have an MP3 of Worcester in Grade 1 at the CNE in 1972 - it's quite good. I'll post it on my Sound Clips page sometime.

An interesting sidelight. I was sitting in the Station Hotel in Shotts in 1999 when an old Scotsman said to us, "Ach, you must be Yanks. What are you doing over here?" We told him we were pipers over for the world pipe band championship, and he said "Aye, my cousins were pipers and drummers, they went to America a long time ago." I asked what their names were, he replied, "Oh, you wouldn't know them, it was a long time ago." I persisted, and he said, "Jimmy Kerr, Blair Kerr, John Kerr" ... imagine scene of me prostrating myself on the floor chanting "I'm not worthy!!"

That was pretty cool!

(Jimmy Kerr was the PM of Worcester, Blair was his brother and also a fine piper, John was their cousin and one of the greatest drummers ever in Ontario).


Chris

:cool:

[Jon Maffett]

It was either 1984,85,or, 86 in Chicago. During the days competition I think that S.F.U. was there as well as the 78th. But what got me was the show on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hilton Hotel put on by the 78th. I don't remember if the playing was perfect.....but the sound was huge. Going up the elevator and hearing the music increase in volume then the doors opening and hearing them...Wow. I was about 15 then and the thought of a Pipe band taking over a hotel like that was awe inspiring.

[Iain MacDonald]

A slight correction to "Kiska's" story of bumping into Terry at the Worlds. I was on the other side of the circle, and used to locking onto Terry's hands at the moment of turning into the circle. Imagine my horror to lock on to his hands, and find him on a different note!

He did make a mistake, but like any great performer, he backed out momentarily, and it was not heard. That is a technique that many more players could learn to improve their band's chances.

[Keith Paton]

Originally posted by Jon Maffett:
It was either 1984,85,or, 86 in Chicago. During the days competition I think that S.F.U. was there as well as the 78th. But what got me was the show on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hilton Hotel put on by the 78th. I don't remember if the playing was perfect.....but the sound was huge. Going up the elevator and hearing the music increase in volume then the doors opening and hearing them...Wow. I was about 15 then and the thought of a Pipe band taking over a hotel like that was awe inspiring.

[Keith Paton]

Originally posted by Jon Maffett:
It was either 1984,85,or, 86 in Chicago. But what got me was the show on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hilton Hotel put on by the 78th. I don't remember if the playing was perfect.....but the sound was huge. Going up the elevator and hearing the music increase in volume then the doors opening and hearing them...Wow. I was about 15 then and the thought of a Pipe band taking over a hotel like that was awe inspiring.

Sorry about my last post; my first attempt. Anyway, Jon's story brought back some fond memories from my piping past. The infamous 13th floor Conrad Hilton parties in Chicago were legendary! My best memory involves a similar scenario; party blasting away in the lobby, someone hears the sound of piping, slowing getting louder. The elevator doors open and stepping off the elevator and into the throng of partiers is a piper wearing nothing but a sporran. He marches around the lobby, re-enters the elevator and dissappears. Well, 5 minutes later, the sounds of distant pipes is heard again, and the crowd swells with anticiaption. Sure enough, doors open, piper reappears, does a few laps, and back on the elevator. What a night!

Great thread for us "experienced" pipers with fading memories!

Keith

[bigboomer]

in 1980 the band i was in decided to go the hawaii highland games. not much of a games quite frankly, as we ended up being the only band there (came in second in both events:-)). being connected to the canadian military we manged to secure lodging at hickam airforce base, just outside of honalulu, on the pearl inlet. the base is huge....housing about forty thousand personnel. they have it all right there; shopping malls, bars, etc., etc.. while we were there the austrailian navy pulled into harbour in an aircraft carrier. huge things when you see them up close.

aside from the games we had several other official functions. we played at a dinner at the officers mess. we played at the base elementary school. we did a gig at fort derussy which is right on waikiki beach. we did the performance on the green in front of the fort before thousands of spectators who were quite appreciative of our efforts. this trip, incidently, happened days after a canadian senator , ken taylor, rescued those seven american hostages from the shaw of iran. well, with us being canadian and being in the military it was like we were responsible for that ourselves. we could do no wrong...much less buy our own beer:-)

there were media types lingering around and not shy to take the spotlight, our pipe major, don maxwell, seized the opportunity. he asked if we'd like our picture on the front page of every paper in the world. sheep we were:-) he proceeded to form up the band and point them in the direction of waikiki beach. by the right, quiiiiiiiiick march! two three's and we're marching down the beach and the sun-bathing tourist were scattering. those who chose not to scatter simply got stepped over or stepped on. didn't matter. we marched and played down that entire beach taking the occasional pitstop at some 'private' luau's taking place at the hotels along the beach. uninvited and unannounced we just marched in, cicled up and played, had a mai tai and left. you're welcome:-) next!

i don't remember how many of those we crashed but there were many. we marched til there was no beach or hotels left, only breakwall. into single-file we went and marched along the breakwall with the waves crashing up and the water splashing under our kilts:-)woohoo!!!

we made our way to the main drag and proceeded to play in our very own parade. in those days having the key to the city took on a very different meaning.

with all the mai tai's and blue hawaiin's the night seemed to last forever. i still refer to the trip as having "a good month that week". the next day from behind bloodshot eyes i leafed thru the local newspapers and tabloids and didn't see one, not ONE picture of us on the cover:-). sure was fun though.

nickle night is a whole other story:-).

[Ken Meagher]

Most memorable?? Probably the first time I heard a Grade 1 band when I heard Worcester at the Fair Hill Games in MD in 1974. I think they competed against Denny & Dunipace of Washington DC which was a forerunner of Scottish & Irish Imports and later COW. Worcester won, although I thought it was a close contest. I probably have my cassette recording of this contest still - I listened to it all the way back home in the car on the way back to NYC. I then competed at the CNE in Toronto in August of that year(or was it 1975?) and heard Shotts, Glasgow Police and practically every other Grade 1 band. For this grade 4 band player ( I was playing as a young player with the Kerry Pipers of Bronx, NY), that was quite an eye opener as to what this game is all about. Been striving to get close to it ever since.

[Chris Hamilton]

Originally posted by Ken Meagher:
Most memorable?? Probably the first time I heard a Grade 1 band when I heard Worcester at the Fair Hill Games in MD in 1974. I think they competed against Denny & Dunipace of Washington DC which was a forerunner of Scottish & Irish Imports and later COW. Worcester won, although I thought it was a close contest. I probably have my cassette recording of this contest still - I listened to it all the way back home in the car on the way back to NYC. I then competed at the CNE in Toronto in August of that year(or was it 1975?) and heard Shotts, Glasgow Police and practically every other Grade 1 band. For this grade 4 band player ( I was playing as a young player with the Kerry Pipers of Bronx, NY), that was quite an eye opener as to what this game is all about. Been striving to get close to it ever since.

Hi Ken,

Wow, love to get a copy of that tape if you can dig it out.

The first Grade 1 contest I heard was at the CNE in 1973, but I was way too young to appreciate it. I was more interested in the Ghurkas than the Edinburgh Police! D'oh! :eek:

But after that, at Delco in 1979 there was a contest with Erskine, General Motors, and Worcester (who I believe won) ... and THAT is when I decided PIPE BANDs is what I wanted to do! Hearing it on a record is fine, but live in person it was awe-inspiring to me at the time.

Chris

[Paul Ouellette]

Group :

Here's a cute one...

The last year that the Intercontinental games were held at the Can. Nat. Exibition (CNE 79 I think) I remember sitting at the sideline when Shotts came up to the line.

Brian Hill, a fellow Windsor pipe band member, sat next to me, & as he was into photograpy, (as a secondary intrest to pipes) had one of these big complicated cameras with the long ZOOOOM lense.

Anyway, Brian was moving up & down in the front row of spectaters, (making a pest of himself) & no matter how hard he tried, he could not get a clear shot at Alex Duthart.

About halfway though the medley, Alex looks up, sees Brian with the camera, moves to the right & forward about two paces away from the rest of the drum corps (while playing) & strikes a "regal" pose..chin up & shoulders back.

Brian snaps the shot, waves at Alex, who nods, & goes back into position beside the rest of the corps.

As I recall, they won the drumming, but lost to Dyshart that day.

[Chris Hamilton]

Originally posted by Paul Ouellette:
Group :

Brian snaps the shot, waves at Alex, who nods, & goes back into position beside the rest of the corps.


Now THAT is a hoot. Sounds just the Alex I met.

The last CNE was 1978, if I recall correctly. I've got some MP3s of it if anyone would like me to post them on my Sound Clips page. I'm pretty sure that Strathclyde or Shotts won that one - MSRs. Dysart won in '77 with a bone-crushing rendition of their "Cullen Bay" medley as only they could do it.

Chris

[Ian White]

If my recall is correct, it was in 76, at a small games in Scotland when I first got to see/hear the Police... what struck me was how they tuned up... one by one the players would come up to the P/M and he would tell them what to change and set the drones to the pitch he wanted... then he set his own pipes back on his shoulder. As soon as he started playing they all turned to match him and came together into a circle... not a note out anywhere and a drone sound that was perfect. The performances they put on that day were nothing but perfect and a prelude for what was to come in their future... A couple weeks later they won worlds.

Just dated myself didn't I.

Ian

[Jimmy Bell]

posted November 28, 2001 05:42 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are your most memorable pipe band performances that you've witnessed? I don't mean necessarily the BEST, just those that really left a lasting impact.
Here's one of mine:

Celtic Classic, 1988 (the first one). A bitterly cold October day. I'd done my bit with Scottish & Irish Imports -- frozen fingers, thin tone, nothing you could do. Only one band left to play in the Grade 1 contest ... Parlin & District. But they'd been AWOL all day - no one had seen them ...

Suddenly they appear at the entrance to the contest arena looking warm and fresh ... Stalin's Siberian Army to our shivering 3rd Panzer Army in front of Moscow in '41 ...

They struck up, marched into the circle, and walked the contest hands-down. Lovely full tone, clean and confident playing. There was no doubt as to the outcome. We knew we were whipped and accepted our fate with resignation, even admiration.

As it turns out, they'd gotten into the college music building and stayed in there all day, warm and dry. They tuned up, then stepped out for the very short walk to the arena, and the rest is history.

Ah, memories ...

Chris


It was a dreadful cold day Chris. We were just looking for a place for Gordie to have his tea *)

Jimmy

[Jim Sloan]

Ocala Games last month.
PM couldn't make it and I had the right seat for the first time,very nervous.
We had some great help setting up the band though and were ready to go.
In the circle, everything great,tempo good, my concentration totaly focused at the feet of the bass drummer --- three quarters of the way through the medley, we are gonna take it if nothing happens ---- then #$%$^!!!.
A tenor drumstick comes sailing through the air and hits the bass drummer in the butt and falls to his feet.
It registers somewhere in my mind but I keep on.
First place.
Judges comment, "Watch that tenor stick, nice recovery".
Investigation found a frayed and seperated strap that saved the tenor drummer from being banned from the beer tent.

Jim

[Chris Hamilton]

Originally posted by Jimmy Bell:
posted November 28, 2001 05:42 PM
It was a dreadful cold day Chris. We were just looking for a place for Gordie to have his tea *)

Jimmy

Yeah, knowing Gordie you guys were tuning up at the Bada-Bing.

Chris

[Adrian Melvin]

Neil,
It is amazing how there is never a 12 foot hole in the ground near a pipe band circle for you to jump into when things like that goosing happen!!

[Mitch Man]

Originally posted by Keith Paton:


The infamous 13th floor Conrad Hilton parties in Chicago were legendary! My best memory involves a similar scenario; party blasting away in the lobby, someone hears the sound of piping, slowing getting louder. The elevator doors open and stepping off the elevator and into the throng of partiers is a piper wearing nothing but a sporran. Keith

Did you know who that piper is.? :D

JM
BTW, the Frasers never went near the 13th floor!
That wasn't their cup of tea, it was the Toronto & District PB!

[Jim McGillivray]

Worcester Kilties, Maxville, 1971. First year of medleys, and Worcester's last North American Championship.

Shotts and Dykehead, Meadowbank, 1974, the most amazing pipe band sound I've ever heard

Scotia Legion (P/M Barry Ewen), Antigonish, 2nd day, 1981; I was judging and took a lot of flack for putting them first by a mile that day

78th Fraser Highlanders, Cambridge, 1986(?)

Toronto Police, Maxville, 2001; how they ended up second that day I'll never know.

I know there have been more that equalled these, especially by the Frasers, but for some reason -- my mood, or the circumstances -- these ones stick out. I regret having had so few chances to hear Strathclyde Police, SFU, City of Victoria and Victoria Police. I'm sure I missed some real dandies.

Jim McGillivray

[alexblack]

Cowal Games in 1990

I was 8 at the time and this was my first Pipe Band event, I carried the banner for the then phenominal Dunoon Grammar School. My uncle was playing for 100 Pipers Pipe Band Whiskey, and it was pouring, afterwards my Grandpa gave me his old sticks. When we got home that year the only thing I asked for was to be in a Pipe Band, I want to play the drums, but my parents felt I did not have the attention span needed(quite frankly I still don't) but here I am almost ten years later, I just returned from competing at cowal myself, I don't think I'll ever forget that experience, I had no idea what a reel, jig or 6/8 was, wasn't quite sure what a properly tuned drone was, but, I didn't care, all I knew was I liked it, and at the time it was all that mattered

[FANATIC PIPER]

:) Every now and then a band steps up the level that extra degree and sets a new level standard, one as mentioned before was Victoria Police in the mid 90's. Another , although they didn't seem to maintain it was Field Marshall Montgomery at the European Championships at Ayr this year. I had been on with my band early on in the programme and had been listening to the other grade 1 bands performances, then F.M.M. came on last and executed a performance that would have won the worlds hands down. The crowd knew, and the band knew it, the had it in the bag and were awarded first by every judge. I just wish I'd had my minidisc recorder with me. :wink: Inspiring stuff

[Curt]

Man, you folks are lucky to have seen such great and interesting performances. Would be nice to hear some more.

Curt

[SerialKilter.]

A Pipe band brawl with patrons in a bar last year in butte. All because of a couple of drunks and their buddy's who ruined it for others who were enjoying us. Have you ever seen a pipe band in kilts performing a dog pile while beating up on people?. We protect the woment in our band.

Of course, that was my old band. :thumb:

[John Miner]

One of the most memorable pipe band moment for me and also a turning point was at the 1999 Pleasanton games. This was my first experience hearing SFU compete in person. Somehow me and my friend Ian Crane managed to slip through the massive cround and found about two sqaure feet to crouch right behind the ropes lining the circle. When the band struck up with Lord Alexander Kennedy I was literaly blown away by the power and crystal clear beauty of those Sinclar chanters. The circe was so large I could have reached out and touched the players. Their playing was stunningly perfect, having swept the worlds only a few weeks earlier. From that moment on I knew that I was going to do whatever it takes to be a great player. Thank you SFU! Luckily, since then I have had many more chances to be inspired by this amazing band.
John

[JRM]

I can't remember the year, but it was the re-incarnation of the GM band under Bill Livingstone which eventually morphed into the 78'th Frasers from Toronto/Whitby. First year, first games I and many others heard them at, and they struck in with that Mason's Apron medley and that awesome multi-part harmony. They toned it down in subsequent years (toned it down too much in my opinion), but it gave me and many others goosebumps. Another year when Scotia Legion came to Maxville. Nice sound! Spent a few hours in massed bands trading quips with this guy named Neil Dickie. I didn't know him, he didn't know me, I was just a kid, but he was funny and it relieved the boredom of massed bands speeches.

The only other time I recall feeling that rush of excitement was the first time I played in a grade 1 circle. Shivers & absolute joy.

[Christoph Kresse]

Originally posted by Chris Hamilton:
What are your most memorable pipe band performances that you've witnessed? I don't mean necessarily the BEST, just those that really left a lasting impact.

Here's one of mine:

Celtic Classic, 1988 (the first one). A bitterly cold October day. I'd done my bit with Scottish & Irish Imports -- frozen fingers, thin tone, nothing you could do. Only one band left to play in the Grade 1 contest ... Parlin & District. But they'd been AWOL all day - no one had seen them ...

Suddenly they appear at the entrance to the contest arena looking warm and fresh ... Stalin's Siberian Army to our shivering 3rd Panzer Army in front of Moscow in '41 ...

They struck up, marched into the circle, and walked the contest hands-down. Lovely full tone, clean and confident playing. There was no doubt as to the outcome. We knew we were whipped and accepted our fate with resignation, even admiration.

As it turns out, they'd gotten into the college music building and stayed in there all day, warm and dry. They tuned up, then stepped out for the very short walk to the arena, and the rest is history.

Ah, memories ...

Chris 1. Royal Scots Dragoon Guards pipes and drums (when they were Grade 1 under PM John Bruce),
they performed four weeks before the worlds in 1990 on a market sqaure in northern Germany in full no. 1 dress in really bad weather (heavy rain, stormy and cold) and managed to keep their pipes going with a very good tone. Despite the horrible weather conditions they have played for almost over an hour and practiced for the worlds.
You could see in their faces that they just hated it but they sucked it up and gave their best. Very impressive.

2.SFU concert after the Stone Mountain Highland Games in 2002. After a long break from piping that was one event that motivated me to go the extra mile and to get back to a regular practice schedule. SFU was and always will be one of my all time favourite bands.

CK

[Fergie too]

[Fergie too]

Originally posted by Mitch Man:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Originally posted by Keith Paton:
<span style="font-weight: bold">

The infamous 13th floor Conrad Hilton parties in Chicago were legendary! My best memory involves a similar scenario; party blasting away in the lobby, someone hears the sound of piping, slowing getting louder. The elevator doors open and stepping off the elevator and into the throng of partiers is a piper wearing nothing but a sporran. KeithDid you know who that piper is.? :D

JM
BTW, the Frasers never went near the 13th floor!
That wasn't their cup of tea, it was the Toronto &amp; District PB! </span></div></div>I remember that piper Mitch, I was playing Loch Traigh then.... I think I remember the same piper skinny dipping in Cambridge at the OPP park...?

[SSA76]

Gotta back CapSupporter up , Vic Police 98, freakin awesome performance, thought it was 97, the memory fades. I knew Shotts won the Drum Corps that day. Actually was lucky enough to go to the hotel where they were practicing 2 days before and listen to them. 1st on pads and chanters then out in the parking garage. It was a good learning experience seeing how a grade 1 band does things. Knew it then, they were gonna win it. They were red hot **** smokin. Also lucky enough to sit in over at Scottish Powers practice a couple of nights before. Heard them first then Vic, no contest. Side note on that day,pretty sure it was David Urquell's band (forgive my spelling) one of the drummers heads popped and the sound wave of uhhhhohhhhhh that went over the crowd was ghostly. Up to that point it was a good performance, but everyone knew it was a done deal. What's the odds on that. Does anyone else remember that?

[Jim Roberts]

Field Marshall Montgomery's march-off at the 2002 Worlds.

Runners up: St. Thomas Episcopal and the 78th Frasers (Halifax) playing (separately, of course) in the beer tent at Maxville 2003.

Jim

[m2piper]

not anything from the worlds or such, but playing with Canberra City Pipes &amp; Drums on the great Wall of China in October 2002 was something special. :cool:

[Kent Argubright]

I returned to Pipe Band world in 1997 after a 25 year hiatus. What has stuck with me more then anything else, is how approachable, helpful and connected our small little world has become. People with the knowledge really want to pass it on and make even the lowliest (sp) musician better. A lot of people have reached out to help me and my band, but one stands out and that's SFU. Anytime I see SFU take the field its special to me, very special, because of all the help, encouragement and motivation they have given High Desert.

Thanks guys....for everything.

Doc

[Stephen MacNeil]

1982,Humber College: We (MacNish Distillery) had just finished playing and were leaving the competition area, when Bruce MacLean told us we a had to stay and listen to General Motors (who were at the time placing near the bottom of the grade ) play this cool "new" music. Everyone stayed to listen to them play the Mason's Apron medley. I was only 18 at the time, but thought it was great. When they finished we all kind of turned to PM Gord Tuck to get his opinion,he said "thats a bunch of crap" , then turned and left. They only had 8 or 9 pipers,3 sides and a whole lot of balmorals, don't even remember if it sounded that good, but things did seemed to change from that point on.

[Big Bluto]

Bathgate Highland Games, about 1991 or so....

Polkemmet came out onto the practice field, with a HUGE band. I'm talking about 30 pipers, 10 or 12 snare, bass and 4 or 5 tenors.
They started playing, and they had incorporated a lot of 'jazzy' changes into their medley.
Really made pretty much everyone sit up and take notice!

The other really great memory I have of performances again, was in 1993 or 94, European championships in Stranraer, hearing FMM tuning up prior to going on to compete. Wicked awesome, and a great indication of things to come.
It turned out to be an absolute scorcher of a day, and I think we burst 3 top heads trying to get tone out of the drums.

Boghall &amp; Bathgates medley in 94, Vic Police concert in Ballymena, and the first time I ever heard the 78th Fraser Highlanders journey to Skye, and encores.


The only other one I'm going to mention just now is FMM Medley from the 2004 Worlds.
This particular medley stands out for me because of the tenor drumming - frickin AWESOME stuff!

[Fritz Hoffman]

Wow! so many great posts. I shuffled through my memories of many great moments. one stands out.
Playing with Shotts at the 1978 CNE and being paired up with Strathclyde police for the parade. I remember striking up for the first set of 6/8s and the tone was awsome! 36 pipes and 20 sides in perfect harmony. I was swept away for the entire parade with goose bumps! Anyone who heard that must have been floored. The power of that massive wall of sound will never leave me.

[Matt Buckley_dup1]

The Gathering at Fort Ticonderoga - 1996. Performance by 78th Frasers.

On a gorgeous 4th-of-July weekend evening at Fort Ticonderoga, New York I heard the 78th Frasers perform for the first time. Indeed, I had never before heard a Grade I band live, or even Grade II or III.

The Frasers entered the Fort Ti parade ground one-by-one and in small groups, and began building instrument upon instrument to complete their classic opening set of jigs. I freely confess to tears falling down my cheeks at one point. Holy Mother of God, what a sound !!

Those of you who have been to Fort Ti know of the stunning setting - Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks. Add to the mix the old fort, an achingly beautiful evening and sunset, and the 78th Frasers. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[Curt]

Originally posted by Jim McGillivray:
Toronto Police, Maxville, 2001; how they ended up second that day I'll never know.

Jim McGillivray I was at this event as well. It was the first time I heard grade 1 bands. I was all excited to hear the 4 top bands there and when I heard Toronto that day, I just figured they would win even to my untrained ear. They did not, but I was amazed at that performance.

Great replies. It is nice to hear how these performances are so moving for people.

[Chris Lorince]

I would have to say FMM 2003 Worlds Medley contest.

I was absolutly blow away!!!!!!!!! Their sound flattened the grass. And did I mention that slow air!!!!!!!! :eek:
I am still trying to figure out how Shotts beat them that year.

SFU 2004 Medley at the worlds. Unbelievable harmonies!!!!!!!

2001 Ft. Erie games 78th Frasers Medley!(The Farewell to Erin set).

[Chris Hamilton]

78th Frasers at Maxville in 1998. "Walking the Plank" medley. They had it all - super music, tone to die for, spot-on playing, and ensemble to burn.

Peel Police had a great run that day as well, but the Frasers were too near to perfection.

Pity the Worlds wasn't held there that day, no one else would've touched them.

Chris

[PMT]

1985 World's, Strathclyde marched up to the line playing Capt Lumsden, Sweet Maid of Mull and Heights of Cassino. So relaxed, it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

[Torphinian]

As Lorince said:

"I would have to say FMM 2003 Worlds Medley contest.

I was absolutly blow away!!!!!!!!! Their sound flattened the grass. And did I mention that slow air!!!!!!!! [Eek!]
I am still trying to figure out how Shotts beat them that year."

My wife said she saw the fairies dance when they played this (we had seats in the G1 ring). Listen to the CD, ladies and gents. Hear how the crowd went wild. Why they were placed second is beyond me as well. Sheer magic it was.

Gene

[Scott Niven]

1. Millennium Concert - Shotts, FMM, Vale &amp; 78th Frasers drum corps playing the Duthart Fanfare.

2. Think it was Shotts 2000 medley with the cheeky "boom-cha-cha-cha" ending, standing weay back at the gate to the arena, where the sound seems to come and go with the breeze, but man did the bass come through at the end...

3. Ourselves (Bucksburn) playing on the steps in front Taipei City Hall in Taiwan in 2000 - complete with interview on CNN ;o)

[grant.harbison]

The only time I was lucky enough to go to the Worlds was in 1995. I got there early and sat in front of the grade 1 medley all day... I may have forgotten much of what I saw, but Boghall and Bathgate's attack "E" crunched my ears it was so perfect.

[pipingguy]

Most memorable piping event was at the Crieff highland games in 2003. I was in the front ranks, so I was sure someone would catch me. My reed had fell into the bag. I was playing Hardie's which are small bore pipes, and it was impossible to make the synthetic reeds fit in properly, and I couldn't get my hands on a boring tool. Anyway, I was soooo frightened. I thought the P/M was going to kill me. The band ended up doing not bad, if I recall correctly. The judge just wrote down that someone was blowing unsteady........Something that always makes me remember to keep my pipe maintenance up to par!!

[S.A.P.C. P/M]

Gotta agree with the Tone Czar, Mr. Hamilton, on the 1998 78th's "Walking the Plank" Medley at Maxville. What an incredible performance, indeed! Peel was very good that day as well, and if i'm not mistaken won ensemble in that contest. Not to seem like i'm too North Ameri-centric here, but SFU's MSR at the Worlds in 1988 was incredible as well, and in my opinion set a new standard in tone from that day forward. I remember that the drone sound was like something from another world! I also recall a very good Medley performance from the old (?) Toronto and District at Bridge of Allan the week before that. My wife and I were at the Scottish Championships in Aberdeen in 1996 and that was her first time to see a Scottish Grade I competition (she was actively competing in Professional Tenor Drumming at that time, before we started our family). I remember the look on her face when the RUC came out with a large and very hot drum corps. They were first on that day. I remember she said "That's just incredible." I remember telling her, "Hey, that's just the first one!" Shotts was also good that day, and won the contest.

aaaahh, the good 'ol days!!! Makes me feel old to think that most of my current students weren't even alive then!

Best to all,
Bill Caudill

[James Parker]

My most memorable was the first competition Red River pipes and drums, then known as Strathruadgh, went to competition in Batesville, Arkansas. The band had three tunes, all from the green book, College of Piping Tutor. To make the time limit, we had to play our slow march realllly slooooooow! We marched on the field dressed in all different tartans, Jacobite shirts, spats, and horse hair sporrans. Marched in proud, did a circle in a way no one had seen before, an awesome spectacle of precision marching. Drum roll and a strike in like a drunk on a typewriter. Played our three tunes and a cut off that should be used as a good example of a bad example of a cut off. Then excellent reverse exit of our entrance. No doubt the best marching unit on the field that day at any grade! Too bad we were so out of tune; who knows if theme notes were right or not. Got some good comments on our marching, and torn to shreds on playing! I still have all of the pain on video. Saying all that I have to say I have never been so honored as I have been to have the friendships this band has brought to my life. Thank you for all the memories and ones to come!
Just an FYI we are much better now thanks to many people in the piping community, you all know who you are. I would name names, but we are not that good yet! Would never embarrass y'all!

[Daz Gregory]

I remember (just! i was 10) going to the World's when they were held in Nottingham, England in 1977 and hearing Dysart under Bob Shephard play. That was the first time i'd heard a Grade 1 band and i was blown away. They won.

Also Aberdeen in '91 - Polkemmet Coliery's MSR and Boghall's Medley and of course Strathclyde Police. All amazing.Yes i remember the rain!

I'm pretty sure it was the same year but i remember the Grade 1 contest at Cowal. They were playing MSR's that year and Dysart were last to play - Right at the very end of the reel a guy was tossing a caber which ended up a perfect toss and the whole place erupted. Couldn't have picked better timing..Dysart must have thought "yeah it was good but.." and yes they won.

Another good memory was hearing FMM at a pre Cowal concert in Dunoon - awesome stuff

Finally every time i go to the World's i go up to Strthclyde Uni on the days leading up to the competition and always have great memories of hearing the bands practice - great venue, good beer and (sometimes) good weather!

Regards

DAZ

[sirgoat]

1977.
Intercontinental Pipe Band Championships at the CNE, Toronto. We competed in Grade IV early in the morning (and poorly; had no business on the field) and stayed, in the pooring rain, to watch the Grade I's. The band I remember was Guelph: Ed Neigh(?) was P/M and Larry Willis was D/S. I was still in high school and had NEVER seen a Grade I band (I had late beginnings to pipe bands) although Larry had done MY first clinic in March of that year. Guelph was playing their "radical" arrangements with syncopated drum scores and I was blown away. I remember Triumph Street and Edinburgh Police were there but I can't remember the rest. Magic. :eek:

[Daz Gregory]

Just trying to think it was either 80 or 82 at Cowal and the bands were Boghall and the RUC - fantastic medleys.

I almost forgot ( my apologies to those who were playing) the Vale Of Atholl concert at Dunoon. Jim King always has a special style of playing and that Drum Corps was a cracker..

Regards

DAZ

[Bruce]

Standing with Charlie and Art Capperauld, tipping a cold one at Santa Rosa, probably 1990 or 1991 after both of our bands had done their thing and listening to that band sponsored by Noodle Roni, Hamilton, march up to the line and knowing we were about to be beaten like an old rug. Those guys were amazing.

[Bill Gority]

I envy you this one big time Matt.......

Originally posted by Matt Buckley:
The Gathering at Fort Ticonderoga - 1996. Performance by 78th Frasers.

On a gorgeous 4th-of-July weekend evening at Fort Ticonderoga, New York I heard the 78th Frasers perform for the first time. Indeed, I had never before heard a Grade I band live, or even Grade II or III.

-----BITS SNIPPED OUT-----

Those of you who have been to Fort Ti know of the stunning setting - Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks. Add to the mix the old fort, an achingly beautiful evening and sunset, and the 78th Frasers. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[cockneyjocklen]

going back to the post from Daz about 1977, was there playing with Pride of Murray from London if I have the year right, that was when the then leading drummer left a week or so before the contest and I was promoted up, and the first contest was the worlds, dont think we did too well that year but the experience was
well worth it

[Daz Gregory]

Ah the Pride of Murray! Good London band Len. I used to love listening to the Drum Corps when John Moneagle (hope i've spelt it right!) was the boss. A great shame about Jimmy McGinn aswell.I seem to remember you always had a good rivalry with Blue Bonnets. I've got some old tapes somewhere with Pirbright competitions on - happy days.

Regards

DAZ

[McDougall]

One of my favourites was watching Manawatu Scottish Society do a performance at NZ Nationals 2004.

Or maybe SFU's 2004 medley, on cd it still sounded amazing!!!!!

Congratulations Terry, Jack and Reid, awesome music!!!!!

[Accounting101]

Originally posted by Keith Paton:
Sorry about my last post; my first attempt. Anyway, Jon's story brought back some fond memories from my piping past. The infamous 13th floor Conrad Hilton parties in Chicago were legendary! My best memory involves a similar scenario; party blasting away in the lobby, someone hears the sound of piping, slowing getting louder. The elevator doors open and stepping off the elevator and into the throng of partiers is a piper wearing nothing but a sporran. He marches around the lobby, re-enters the elevator and dissappears. Well, 5 minutes later, the sounds of distant pipes is heard again, and the crowd swells with anticiaption. Sure enough, doors open, piper reappears, does a few laps, and back on the elevator. What a night![/QB]Kieth that character was the one and only notorious John Mitchell in his youth! :thumb:

[The Captain]

Gotta love this thread...As a historian, age has its benefits. We are missing so many important pipe band performances.......as Grandpa once said, I wish you were there..........The "sod turning" was done so many years ago...:

No one has mentioned Muirhead's - 1965...66...67...( Pipe Major Jackie Smith and then Bob Hardie),no one has mentioned the Caber Feidh,( Pipe Major Chris Anderson), 2nd to Muirhead's in piping and fifth overall in 1966 at Inverness ( judges under cover), the very first North American band to make an influence in the UK at the World's Championships...the 78th, Vic Police, SFU, the Shotts, FMM, and the recent bands are great and play at a better standard, but don't forget the Edinburgh Cops, Muirhead's, InverGordon, Clan MacRae, Glasgow Police ...and a few others.. and what McGillivary says....Meadowbank,Shotts, P/M Tom MacAllister Jnr,D/M Alex Duthart, 1974 was ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PIPE BAND SOUND IN THE LAST HALF CENTURY ( I was there in the rain....fabulous!)... the best pipe band sound of ALL time...no exception...no argument...absolutely the best...

...the Captain

[cockneyjocklen]

just for your info daz I left the pride as John
came into take over the corps, I was pretty busy with study at the time so I never got back with the Pride,but stayed good friends with most from there. other names you might remember were Jim and John Barnard on tenor and Ron Burton on bass, Ron unfortunately died a few years ago I am told while preparing for the London marathon.

[AJ MacDonald]

I was at Shotts for the European Championships, standing behind Bob Hardie and Capt John McL during the grade 1 competition. Shotts won that day going away with an amazing sound. After copping the trophy they marched downtown and I went along with them just behind the drums corp, which featured Alex D, Jim K, Bert Barr and the rest. Could have marched all the way down to the borders.

[mike o]

I thought 78th Frasiers at Maxville the year they had the walking the Plank Medley.... I believe 1999 was amazing.

[John MacDonald]

AJ

Off topic...Can you send a P/M or e-mail me pse

[Abdpiper]

Playing -- the Millenium Concert with the Vale:-) We started playing El Paco Grande and a shiver went right through me

Listening -- the Polkemet medley in '91 (the Big Oz set) Outstanding selection and I still listen to it on a regular basis:-)

[Gr8_Piper]

Victoria Police at Santa Rosa in 1991. The medeley was awesome. The music enveloped the crowd. Everyone was captivated. Even the judges simply stood and listened. Not a pen touching the scoresheets. I know this sounds unreal but it seemed liked they almost levitated while playing. I'll never forget it.

[Chris Hamilton]

Originally posted by Abdpiper:

Listening -- the Polkemet medley in '91 (the Big Oz set) Outstanding selection and I still listen to it on a regular basis:-) That was a great opener, but the dissonant E for several beats on the strike-in is a bit of a spoiler.

A truly wonderful tune though, and an exciting drum score.

Chris

[Daz Gregory]

Just thinking of the Polkemmet medley in '81 - finished with Train Journey North and not a Slow Air in sight just full on - fantastic.

[tenordrummer.com]

SFU at the 1999 Worlds at Glasgow Green.

I swear Shotts were going well enough to win... then the good lord decided to drop the entire Atlantic on top of us during our final tuning. We all got completely saturated to the skin.

I'll never forget the most humbling act of cameraderie I have ever witnessed in pipe bands... the entire Bucksburn &amp; District Pipe Band vacated their bus during the deluge to allow us to stay dry on their bus and try to salvage a sound. If you were one of the quines or loons who took a soaking that day for us, THANKS!

SFU came out of the trees sounding awesome and more importantly, DRY! I have no idea how they found a dry spot on Glasgow Green that day. The recording speaks for itself.

[Daz Gregory]

Just replying to the Good Bagad CD's thread has just reminded me of the first time i heard Bagad Cap Caval at the Rothesay Games a few years ago. They were Grade 3 then.

We spotted them in the tuning park with their trousers and waistcoats and thought "hello what's all this then" but when they started to play i was gobsmacked. Absolutely great.

They won G3 and i'm pretty sure they took G2 aswell.

That was my first experience of a Bagad and the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" sprins to mind..

Regards

DAZ