We’re only a few days away from a red letter day on the calendars of lovers of great poetry – especially great Scots poetry.

Robert Burns Day is marked every January 25th, the day of great man’s birth in 1759. The day is often marked by a “Burns Supper”, a usually formal gathering marked by much ritual (and whisky).

Bagpipes are a big part of the Burns Supper sequence of events with the haggis “piped in” with the tune “A Man’s a Man for a’ That” (the name of one of Robert [never "Robbie" or "Rabbie"!] Burns’ great works).

Following the “Address to the Haggis” the haggis and haggis porters are piped out of the dining area to the tune “Neil Gow’s Farewell to Whisky“.

No need to attend a Burns Supper to mark the occasion. Read a Burns poem and reflect. That’ll do.

An annual tradition, the Toronto Police Pipe Band has participated in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade for several decades. Sunday, November 21st started out chilly, but the weather held and even warmed up a little. This year, following Police Chief William Blair and the Chief’s Ceremonial Unit, the band played several crowd favourites including “We Wish you a Merry Christmas” and “Good King Wenceslas”.

Happy Holidays!

I’ve been reading lots of stuff on percussion lately.  I’ve been looking to educate myself further on what makes percussion what it is, why it is, and how a deeper understanding can help create great melodies.  I came across this youtube mini-documentary and thought you might enjoy. The message here is about drumming, yes, but also about music and musicians: “great chops” [wrists, fingers] may be great to have, but we still have to entertain and move listeners – the audience:
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An interesting view of an army pipe band in Rome, 1944.  This is the regimental band of the Seaforth Highlanders of the Canadian 1st Division marching through Rome.  While the landmarks haven’t changed the sounds of pipe bands sure have.  

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The band launched their own youtube channel today. First video up is the grade one band’s show at Georgetown games. Subscribe and you’ll get the latest news and videos from the bands shows and travels.

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Here's a little look-in to our show last night at the el Mocambo in Toronto.  A lot of fun, to put it mildly. You can expect to see the record within the next month or so.