NOTES FROM PIPEY'S CORNER

Volume VI Number 4; October 2000

MacDONALD - YES!

The Angus MacDonald Memorial Competition, which was feared to be lost, is thankfully back on, and scheduled for December 10 in San Diego. It would behoove EVERY band and any individuals who can afford it to contribute to this important contest. The MacDonald Memorial is THE west coast qualifier for the USPF in the spring. For those who don't know, the USPF winner goes to the Glenfiddich in October of next year!

Remember, all you open class players out there, once you qualify for the USPF, you can enter it ANY TIME. Additionally, I personally think it's time for some upgrading in the solo player lists. There are several Gr.I players out there who should step up to Pro class and tread the boards with the big guys. There are also plenty of lower grade players who should step up a grade for next year as well. Every member of a Gr. I band should be competing in Gr. I or Pro class next year - it certainly wouldn't hurt to try!

We'll have more information on this pivotal contest as it comes in.

Donald Dewar - An Appreciation

Donald Dewar (1937-2000), center, on a tour of Digital Microwave Corp., San Jose, October, 1997. Yours truly leading the pack.

I met Donald Dewar only once - three years ago when he visited Silicon Valley, and I was hired to play him around a facility he was touring. At that time he was Secretary of State for Scotland, a 'second-level' post in the British Cabinet. Two years later he became Scotland's First Minister of the independant Scottish Parliament; tragically on October 11th, he died from a stroke at age 63.

He was a dynamic man who threw his entire being into his goal - an independant Scottish Parliament, and, I believe, an independant Scotland. When we met he was pleased and grateful that I'd written a tune to comemorate his visit - 'Donald Dewar's Welcome to San Jose.' He didn't even mind when I flubbed a few bits, as I'd only written the tune the night before - he thanked me profusely for the effort

His impact on Scottish politics was considerable to say the least - championing economic development and bringing in foreign corporations to bolster a depressed economy in the central corridor between Glasgow and Edinburgh. He devoted all his time and effort to the cause of the Scottish people, and, while not a SNP partisan, he was, most certainly, a Scottish Nationalist. As flags all over Scotland fly at half-staff, the nation looks for a new leader to fill Dewar's shoes; one who will lead the country to full independance. The shoes will be hard to fill.

- About a year or more ago I wrote about piping at weddings (or at any other gig). One thing I probably didn't stress enough is the need of a written contract, signed by both parties well in advance of the event, that covers all the details of the event. It really saves a lot of hair-pulling when the day arrives, and suddenly you discover you're playing for three hours, not one, and it's full dress in July and 102 in the shade...really, save yourself the headache. Having a contract also banishes any question about fees - sometimes a real sticking point! I'll be happy to email anyone a copy of the contract I now use for EVERY prospective client.

The consequence of not shifting the arm....

UPDATE OCTOBER 19: Just had surgery on my left shoulder to repair damage done over twenty years ago; I'll be out of action - no playing - for the next six weeks until this heals. However, we're still here, with plenty of pipes and goodies in stock!

Black Part Speaks - Finally!!

A few already know that the 2nd Annual Angus Macdonald Competition will be held on Saturday Dec. 10th at the Islandia Hotel in San Diego, Ca. If you're a competitor, get your entry in and get to working on your tunes. If you're a spectator, contact Robbie McKnight at 619-263-8787 to get your tickets. If you want to make a donation to support this event, contact BY DAND and or the San Diego Scottish Games Association, or again Robbie McKnight.

Organizing and sponsoring a contest of this nature is no small task. COMPADA, and in particular, BLACK PART wishes those persons and organizations every success with this venture. It is people and organizations such as those that are involved in this contest that are making genuine efforts to promote AMERICAN pipers. Yes, there are some really great AMERICAN pipers, and they should be at this contest to do what they do best - PIPE! Even BLACK PART himself will be there. But in December it will be BLACK PART PIPES, not speaks. So this message will be short as it is cutting into my practice time! See you at the Macdonald. And again, THANK YOU BYDAND, the San Diego Scottish Games Association, and all others involved in organizing and sponsoring this contest!

John Eric Partanen, Ph.D.

Note: The opinions expressed by Black Part in his monthly column are HIS and HIS alone. The fact that the management of Cuillinn Craft wholeheartedly endorse his position is entirely coincidental!

until next month....