Final notes (and some pics) from MSOPD

**Phogfan86** · 14th June 09, 12:08 AM

First, my notes:

I'd forgotten how the early morning air on Wisconsin has a wee nip to it. Quite the pleasant change from the heat and humidity of Kansas!

The Midwest School of Pipes and Drums is held on the campus of St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, to the west of Milwaukee. On Wednesday, we -- about 70 pipers and 10 drummers -- marched off campus, down the hill and the main drag in Delafield, to a pub for a pub night. It's my understanding that the good folks of Delafield have never seen anything quite like it in their little town, and I have to say that even I am still moved by a big pipe band like that. It sure was fun.

Other than the parade, the week was highlighted by a concert presented by the instructors at the school, which included "The Captain" Ken Eller, pipers Bruce Gandy, Lyric Todkill and Doug MacRae (both Lyric and Doug are with the 78th Fraser Highlanders), drummers extraordinaire John Fisher (who played with the Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band drum corps, was lead drummer of the 78th Fraser Highlanders and was a very successful session drummer in Los Angeles and Canada), Tyler Fry and Tano Martone (Tyler and Tano are both of the House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band) and outstanding piper and pipe historian Ringo Bowen (who has played with everyone!). They make it look so easy.

If you ever have the chance to attend, do. There's nothing like focusing on nothing but drumming or piping for a week to get you re-grounded and ready to make yourself a better musician!

And now...some photos.

A couple of the buildings on St. John's beautiful campus. Below is the academy chapel where we could record some tunes and where the Thursday night concert took place. I tried to get some photos inside but it was just too dark.

**Phogfan86** · 14th June 09, 12:15 AM

Just a pretty shot of campus. There's another below. You may notice what look like headstones. Each graduating class has a stone placed on campus. Most have the names of the graduates, and many some sort of class slogan. And there's really no rhyme or reason to how the stones are laid out, so you may end up with the class of 2001 next to the class of 1941. I think that gives one a real sense of connectedness and continuity, that these young men have something in common that is far bigger than themselves.

There was an unsanctioned competition for students Monday night. My son was having drone problems and couldn't compete. Dad didn't compete because, well, he's a big fraidy cat. Here are Tano Martone and John Fisher, adjudicating the snare competition.

Here's a pic of the Celtic Nations circle when they came down to rehearse. They march about 55 or so strong, and they have a terrific sound.

**Phogfan86** · 14th June 09, 12:26 AM

Last bunch of photos...

Me and my kiddo getting ready to start warming up for the parade. He's in a SWK thrifty Buchanan, and I'm in a USA casual American Heritage. I got a ton of compliments! It is one sharp tartan, and it looks even better when you tell them the symbolism behind the colors.

There are a ton of championships standing in the shade. Sorry for it being so dark, but I wanted to include this pre-parade shot of (from left) two-time world champ soloist Bruce Gandy; The Captain (who was pipe major for the Clan Macfarlane band when they won 12 North American championships in a row back in the day); Lyric Todkill, member of the two-time world champion 78th Fraser Highlanders; and Doug MacRae, also of the 78th Fraser Highlanders.

Here's my son, tossing back an icy cold (soft) drink. He was very careful to turn the label away from the camera so he could look like he was enjoying something a wee bit stronger.

Finally, here's my son with Lyric and Tano, two absolutely wonderful young guys.

**SFCRick** · 14th June 09, 12:46 AM

grand pics

**KFCarter** · 14th June 09, 04:46 AM

Really great photos. And what a joy it must be to share this with your son!!

**7 miles** · 14th June 09, 05:02 AM

I could not help but notice the judges wearing flip flops. My kind of judges thanks for the pics.

**SteveB** · 14th June 09, 05:21 AM

Must have been a great father/son week. My USAK American Heritage gets a ton of compliments everywhere I go as well. Everyday people on the subway, bus, trolley, and train love the tartan. The lad is no different than us in growing up with the label look. A local bottler of Root Beer used dark bottles the same shape as the nearby beer brewer (maybe the same supplier?) and made the labels using the same colour scheme. This was a boon for the root beer company as many dads wanted to be "social" but sober. The market became strong enough for a while that the beer brewer distributed the root beer to the same bars that were selling its brew. This was back in the day of reusable glass beverage containers, before filling dumps became the rage. Yes - I am real old.

Slainte