Congrats Stuart Liddell/IDPB

September 4th this year, at the Northern Meeting in Inverness, Stuart Liddell won the Former Winners Clasp (piobaireachd), and hornpipe/jig competition, in a field including Roddy MacLeod, Jack Lee, and Murray Henderson, Alisdair Ghillies, and Angus MacColl. He also finished 3rd in the MSR, to Willie MacCallum, and Angus MacColl. Stuart is from Inveraray Scotland, a place I stayed in August 2005. In 2004 he started a piping project in Inveraray. The last pipe band from that area was in the 1930's. I heard from some of Inverarary's townspeople that it had been led by Stuart's grandfather, PM Ronnie McCallum, MBE, who was the piper for the Duke of Argyll. Inveraray and District had been without a pipe band for nearly 70 years. I had the opportunity to hear their first competition at the Cowal Gathering in '05, where they finished 13th 0f 19 in Novice Juvenile. I have followed their progress on and off since then. I was sorely dissapointed when the Grade 3 results were announced at this years worlds, and Inverarary and District Pipe Band were not even mentioned. I did not realize that they had progressed to Grade 2, in which they had already won the British, European, and Scottish Championships this year. You can imagine my surprise when IDPB was announced World Championships for Grade 2. Their win at the Cowal Gathering clinched their 2009 Champion of Champions title, which has not been done since 2002, in Grade 2. With his win at Inverness, Stuart put the capstone on a tremendous season of piping. IDPB was only a piping project in '04. Their progress to World Champs in 5 years, has to be one of the most amazing stories in the history of piping. Well Done Stuart and band!!! Check out these videos: (move cursor down, and they will appear) Inveraray and District Pipe Band Grade 2 Worlds 2009

Inveraray & District Pipe Band winning the World championships 2009 ...more to follow!

This Pipe Major Turned Down The Queen

Several of the MCSOPD pipers were recently discussing who the Scots Guards piper was, that declined being promoted to the post of Queen's Piper. Rick Swinn found the answer in Scottish Life, Summer 2008 ( Vol 13, #2), on page 22. Recently declassified British documents released in February '08 revealed that PM John Roe declined the Queen's offer in 1965, because it paid so little (665 British pounds), and required what he considered demeaning tasks, such as gardening, lighting fires, and waiting on dinner guests. His courageous stand caused the Queen to reevaluate the position, raise the pay, and abolish it's menial duties. Since then, her piper has kept his army status and pay, and become a member of the Royal household at Buckingham Palace. The Queen's Piper's duties now consist of playing outside her window for 15 minutes each morning, and accompanying her to state events and receptions. After his stand with the Queen, Roe fared less well. He had problems finding work as a piper, and eventually took a position as a security guard.

Florida Piping Quartet Contest Cancelled

The Florida Piping Quartet Contest that was scheduled for 10/10/09, in Orlando, has been cancelled, due to the low number of entries received. Arrangements to return donations to sponsors will be made in the next 2 weeks

9/11/09 Memorial

MCSOPD participated in the annual VFW 9/11 service at Ft. McCoy. Drum Major Cliff Anthony led the 8 pipers and 6 drummers through an easier course this year. The center aisle was roomier, I guess because it was not an election year. The pipes were well tuned and steady. Drumming was a driving force, keeping the tempo's lively and interesting. The band marched on to the 2/4 set (Brown Haired Maiden/High Road to Gairloch), at a blistering pace, well played. This was followed with the new Honor Our Fallen/Going Home 6/8 set, with drums. Other tunes played were the 4/4 1 set (Murdos/Rowan Tree/Wings, Patriotic and Military sets, Highland Cathedral, and 3/4 1 and 2 (Green Hills /Battles O'er, Balmoral/Lochanside). PM Naomi McLain also played a slow air after the Military set, to give the band a break. Several in the audience were singing along with some of the sets, and all seemed to enjoy the pipe music.

Later in the evening the band led the short parade of Scouts and other participants, with Scotland the Brave and Johnnie Scobie. Naomi was presented with a nice plaque from the VFW, in appreciation of the band's contribution to the program.

Though forgotten by the MC, a McLain/Rodgers ensemble (somewhat forcefully) finished the evening with (according to the audience response) an impressive Amazing Grace, prior to the gun salute and taps.

A band Workshop is being held today ay the Sheriff's Ofice at 3:30pm, in preparation for the

Oct 3rd Ocala Highland Games. www.ocalascottishhighlandgames.com

MCSOPD OFF TO A GOOD START

The sheriff's pipes and drums resumed practice 8/25/09. After a long summer break it was evident that the chanters needed no "dusting off". Fingerwork during the practice chanter session was surprisingly crisp, with rhythmic precision. We seem to be understanding the hold/cut concept much better than last season. This was also seen on the pipes later in the evening. Hurrah for the pipers!

The drummers were also outstanding. During chanter and piping sessions they really kept things moving along, with precision. It seems that the concept of drumming to 6/8 tunes is coming along nicely. Excellent job drummers! The Honor Our Fallen/Going Home impromtu set...a sign of good things to come!

Tone, rhythmic precision, and ensemble...good goals for the band to continue and improve on this year.

The sheriff is providing a bus for transport to Ft. McCoy on 9/11. I believe it will be available at 1500 (3pm), and will leave the S.O. at 1600 (4pm)

Dia 'S mo Anail

The Worlds are done. The Argyllshire and Cowal Gatherings coming up. The competitive season for Grade 1 bands is coming to a close. In Florida things are going to start back up soon for local bands. The Ocala Highland games are on October 3rd. The Florida Piping Quartet open contest, in Orlando the following week, on October 10th. Marion County Sheriff's Pipes and Drums have an early performance scheduled for September 11, at the VFW home in Ft. McCoy.

Things are beginning to crank up for local pipers and drummers. It's time to dust off the practice chanters and pads, tune up the drums, do some routine pipe maintenance. Shake off the cobwebs and get the fingers limbered up! Summer is almost done. For MSOPD we will soon be back to that crazy 10 month routine, for our seventh (can you believe it?) year.

World Piping Championship

Glascow Scotland 08/15/09

What a great day for the piping world. For the first time BBC broadcasted the piping championship worldwide via internet, the entire Grade 1 premliminary and final rounds. Quality of the webcast was excellent. The field of competitors was the best I have ever seen or heard.

Simon Fraser University won their second straight world championship, in a very close contest with FMM and SLOT. What a great thing to see live, as it happened. Rounding out the top six were Strathclyde Police, Schott's and Dykehead, an Boghall and Bathgate.

The grade 2 winner was Inveraray and District, claiming their 4th Championship of the season.

Congrats to all of the competitors, and special thanks to BBC.