[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Hi Mike, It was due to being overwhelmed by other stuff on Dartmouth. I think it's an excellent idea. Helen On 19 Mar 2009, at 21:17, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Hello Francis and everyone Is the lack of any response on this subject an indication of a lack of interest, satisfaction with the way things are, or being completely overwhelmed by the amount of action on Dartmouth ? Mike - Original Message - From: Francis Wood muse...@tiscali.co.uk To: Mike and Enid Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk; NSP List nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 12:23 AM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Mike and others, Your point about well-known tunes and devoting time to exploring these is a very good one. This is a topic that I've been discussing recently. As someone who regularly teaches 'basic skills' groups, I tend to present familiar tunes and unashamedly use, more or less, the same core collection because these provide an opportunity for beginner- players to participate in sessions where they are likely to hear at least one or two tunes from that choice. As a tuition content, those tunes tend to get left behind in favour of apparently more complex and newer repertoire, and I sometimes wonder whether that isn't a lost opportunity for advanced players. Perhaps not everyone recognises the time and care that tutors put into the preparation of new repertoire for courses. Participants look forward to receiving a weighty collection of tunes in advance, and with each tutor providing a substantial selection of novel material, that results in a number of new items that is sometimes practically unmanageable as a learning experience. Returning to your original point, Mike, yes I do think there's a lot to be gained by working on an already familiar tune at an advanced level . . . the Hesleyside Reel, for instance . . . and developing musicality by seeing these familiar items anew with the help of an expert tutor. To some extent, there's an expectation of a tutor to be a provider of new material. Nothing wrong with that, as long as this is kept within reason. More important, though is the quality of the tuition itself. The weight of the pre-course material shouldn't be taken as an indicator of the quality of the course! Lets see what others think. Francis On 12 Mar 2009, at 16:19, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Alan I think one of the good things about the Sunday session was the other musicians there, which couldn't be arranged at other times (except perhaps Friday, but it's good to meet old friends and play together then). I also agree about the amount of tuition being about right. One idea I would like to float though (related to my sight-reading probably) is to ask views on the merit of taking a well-known tune(s) and giving tuition on the development of style, phrasing, gracing etc. I know some players like to learn a new tune, but if I am struggling all the time to play the right notes it doesn't allow any work on the finer points of playing. Views please ? Mike - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea - the tuition is crucial to getting people thinking intensively about piping. The playarounds are better in consequence. John - To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.13/1999 - Release Date: 03/13/09 05:59:00 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.13/1999 - Release Date: 03/13/09 05:59:00
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Hi Mike, No, no lack of interest here. Satisfaction, yes, but not complacency. As a regular reader/rare contributor to all the discussion etc., here on Dartmouth, I too think, to quote Francis, that there's a lot to be gained by working on an already familiar tune at an advanced level . . . and developing musicality by seeing these familiar items anew with the help of an expert tutor. I'd be at the front of the queue if such were to be offered sometime, say, for a couple of hours on the Saturday afternoon. One of Halsway's great strengths comes from the variety of activities available. One of Alan's great problems must be how to fit it all in! To risk repeating myself from my only previous mailing, I thought this year's Halsway was stunningly successful; even down to allowing spaces during which people took the opportunity to stretch their legs out in the beautiful countryside around - or went to look at steam trains. Good luck Alan, in your efforts to maintain the balance. Finally. Thank you Anthony, for the CD which arrived yesterday. Whatever it lacks in sound quality (your words not mine) is more than made up for by atmosphere and musicality! Mel - Original Message - From: Mike and Enid Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk To: Francis Wood muse...@tiscali.co.uk Cc: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk; NSP List nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 9:17 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Francis and everyone Is the lack of any response on this subject an indication of a lack of interest, satisfaction with the way things are, or being completely overwhelmed by the amount of action on Dartmouth ? Mike - Original Message - From: Francis Wood muse...@tiscali.co.uk To: Mike and Enid Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk; NSP List nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 12:23 AM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Mike and others, Your point about well-known tunes and devoting time to exploring these is a very good one. This is a topic that I've been discussing recently. As someone who regularly teaches 'basic skills' groups, I tend to present familiar tunes and unashamedly use, more or less, the same core collection because these provide an opportunity for beginner- players to participate in sessions where they are likely to hear at least one or two tunes from that choice. As a tuition content, those tunes tend to get left behind in favour of apparently more complex and newer repertoire, and I sometimes wonder whether that isn't a lost opportunity for advanced players. Perhaps not everyone recognises the time and care that tutors put into the preparation of new repertoire for courses. Participants look forward to receiving a weighty collection of tunes in advance, and with each tutor providing a substantial selection of novel material, that results in a number of new items that is sometimes practically unmanageable as a learning experience. Returning to your original point, Mike, yes I do think there's a lot to be gained by working on an already familiar tune at an advanced level . . . the Hesleyside Reel, for instance . . . and developing musicality by seeing these familiar items anew with the help of an expert tutor. To some extent, there's an expectation of a tutor to be a provider of new material. Nothing wrong with that, as long as this is kept within reason. More important, though is the quality of the tuition itself. The weight of the pre-course material shouldn't be taken as an indicator of the quality of the course! Lets see what others think. Francis On 12 Mar 2009, at 16:19, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Alan I think one of the good things about the Sunday session was the other musicians there, which couldn't be arranged at other times (except perhaps Friday, but it's good to meet old friends and play together then). I also agree about the amount of tuition being about right. One idea I would like to float though (related to my sight-reading probably) is to ask views on the merit of taking a well-known tune(s) and giving tuition on the development of style, phrasing, gracing etc. I know some players like to learn a new tune, but if I am struggling all the time to play the right notes it doesn't allow any work on the finer points of playing. Views please ? Mike - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround (fwd)
Is the lack of any response on this subject an indication of a lack of interest, satisfaction with the way things are, or being completely overwhelmed by the amount of action on Dartmouth ? Mike Would this refer to being hung over from Winter Carnival? (;-) That has been about the biggest action here recently! Wayne To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Dear Mike and Enid Walton Pipers Playaround Sunday Eve at Halsway. I guess the w/e format next year will essentially be the same as this year. Many people, I cannot say most, as I have not had more than a 50% response, are content with the present programme style though Sunday evening will be slightly different because it will be the first Sunday in the month. This means that it will be a normal Sunday club meeting as in 2008 to which about 10-15 of the w/e pipers came. (2009 was different as we had to invite local musicians in as we had held Sunday club the previous Sunday!) The main effect that Pipers w/e may have on these meetings would be to produce a larger than normal attendance. Therefore if, say next year 2010, we had a normal attendance at club of 20 and over 20 pipers coming too, then it may be thought prudent to transfer to the Long Room for the playaround as you cannot comfortably get 40+ musicians into the Lounge sitting for 3 hours. Hope this helps Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 19 March 2009 21:17 To: Francis Wood Cc: Alan Corkett; NSP List Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Francis and everyone Is the lack of any response on this subject an indication of a lack of interest, satisfaction with the way things are, or being completely overwhelmed by the amount of action on Dartmouth ? Mike - Original Message - From: Francis Wood muse...@tiscali.co.uk To: Mike and Enid Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk; NSP List nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 12:23 AM Subject: Re: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Hello Mike and others, Your point about well-known tunes and devoting time to exploring these is a very good one. This is a topic that I've been discussing recently. As someone who regularly teaches 'basic skills' groups, I tend to present familiar tunes and unashamedly use, more or less, the same core collection because these provide an opportunity for beginner- players to participate in sessions where they are likely to hear at least one or two tunes from that choice. As a tuition content, those tunes tend to get left behind in favour of apparently more complex and newer repertoire, and I sometimes wonder whether that isn't a lost opportunity for advanced players. Perhaps not everyone recognises the time and care that tutors put into the preparation of new repertoire for courses. Participants look forward to receiving a weighty collection of tunes in advance, and with each tutor providing a substantial selection of novel material, that results in a number of new items that is sometimes practically unmanageable as a learning experience. Returning to your original point, Mike, yes I do think there's a lot to be gained by working on an already familiar tune at an advanced level . . . the Hesleyside Reel, for instance . . . and developing musicality by seeing these familiar items anew with the help of an expert tutor. To some extent, there's an expectation of a tutor to be a provider of new material. Nothing wrong with that, as long as this is kept within reason. More important, though is the quality of the tuition itself. The weight of the pre-course material shouldn't be taken as an indicator of the quality of the course! Lets see what others think. Francis On 12 Mar 2009, at 16:19, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Alan I think one of the good things about the Sunday session was the other musicians there, which couldn't be arranged at other times (except perhaps Friday, but it's good to meet old friends and play together then). I also agree about the amount of tuition being about right. One idea I would like to float though (related to my sight-reading probably) is to ask views on the merit of taking a well-known tune(s) and giving tuition on the development of style, phrasing, gracing etc. I know some players like to learn a new tune, but if I am struggling all the time to play the right notes it doesn't allow any work on the finer points of playing. Views please ? Mike - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
I have enjoyed Halsway for the past three years now and think the tuition format is just right, I don't think it should be reduced at all. Isn't there time on the Saturday afternoon for playaround? It may be a lifetime of pub sessions to blame but I've always found morning sessions to be slow to get going and somehow not so relaxing. Surely part of the fun of the Sunday evening was the presence of other players and singers, would they be available for a morning session? Geoff Mew -Original Message- From: Alan Corkett [mailto:a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 07:47 To: Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Halsway playaround HALSWAY SUNDAY PLAYAROUND So many have commented on the Sunday evening being a successful element of the piping weekend, that I wonder if we ought to reduce some of the tuition session and introduce another informal play period. Any comments? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 12 March 2009 05:16 To: Dartmouth NSP Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas I suppose it's a problem you face whenever playing music not from your own tradition. It took a melodeon workshop in Ireland to make me realise that I had a local style of box playing, and that I want to keep it ! If it's an Irish reel or jig, it normally goes on the whistle now. Some polkas fit well on the box though. With the pipes, it's a question of whether we stick to the style for the area where the pipes came from, or just use them for our own local music, in our own local style. I play lots of Northumbrian tunes, but also nationally common tunes (including Jimmy sorry Jamie sorry Jimmy Allen) and I played Dorset Four Hand Reel on Sunday. I'm trying to learn the Worcestershire Hornpipe. Yes, I really enjoyed Halsway, especially the informal session / play-a-round on Sunday. I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! Mike - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:08 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas Hi Mike, This is a forum for the Northumbrian Pipes and the traditional music of the north east, and as such is often very interesting and informative. It helps us all to work on playing the pipes well and to figure out how we can improve our playing in the Northumbrian tradition. But please don't ask the northerners how we should play tunes in our own area! We can be proud of our own tradition here, which is rich and thriving even if we don't shout quite so loud. Let the northerners do the ranting, we can enjoy playing them however we like. Wasn't Halsway great as always? All the best, Paul Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:19 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas So we've had a long discussion about rants, reels, polkas. I'm sure that those resident in the North-East should continue to play these tunes with a good traditional rant rhythm. What about those pipers like me, resident in the far south ? Some of the tunes we play on the pipes (Salmontails, Winster Gallop for instance) are common across the whole country, and are played as polkas hereabouts. When I introduce some other North Eastern tunes, even if I had the ability to ensure they started as rants, the other mujsicians around me would probably turn them into polkas. Yet tunes have always historically drifted across the country, into Ireland and Scotland and back, etc such than you often can't tell where they started ! It also begs the question as to whether, as a southerner, I should be trying to play them as rants at all ! Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Beyond Hotmail see what else you can do with Windows Live. [1]Find out more! -- References 1. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665375/direct/01/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1996 - Release Date: 03/11/09 20:42:00 ** This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. It may be confidential and also legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Under the Regulation of Investigatory
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Hi Alan, I also thought the Sunday session was a high point, but I would certainly not like to see tuition time reduced. I value highly the tuition time and, although it requires sutained concentration and is cumulatively tiring, it is a time when a combination of enormous expertise is available, together with time to consolidate learning. The tuition (quality and quantity) is one of my primary reasons for going to Halsway. I do rather like Geoffrey's suggestion of an additional informal session on the Saturday afternoon, though. It was a great weekend - thanks again. Richard Original Message From: a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk Date: 13/03/2009 7:47 To: Mike and Enid Waltonmikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: NSP LISTnsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subj: [NSP] Halsway playaround HALSWAY SUNDAY PLAYAROUND So many have commented on the Sunday evening being a successful element of the piping weekend, that I wonder if we ought to reduce some of the tuition session and introduce another informal play period. Any comments? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 12 March 2009 05:16 To: Dartmouth NSP Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas I suppose it's a problem you face whenever playing music not from your own tradition. It took a melodeon workshop in Ireland to make me realise that I had a local style of box playing, and that I want to keep it ! If it's an Irish reel or jig, it normally goes on the whistle now. Some polkas fit well on the box though. With the pipes, it's a question of whether we stick to the style for the area where the pipes came from, or just use them for our own local music, in our own local style. I play lots of Northumbrian tunes, but also nationally common tunes (including Jimmy sorry Jamie sorry Jimmy Allen) and I played Dorset Four Hand Reel on Sunday. I'm trying to learn the Worcestershire Hornpipe. Yes, I really enjoyed Halsway, especially the informal session / play-a-round on Sunday. I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! Mike - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:08 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas Hi Mike, This is a forum for the Northumbrian Pipes and the traditional music of the north east, and as such is often very interesting and informative. It helps us all to work on playing the pipes well and to figure out how we can improve our playing in the Northumbrian tradition. But please don't ask the northerners how we should play tunes in our own area! We can be proud of our own tradition here, which is rich and thriving even if we don't shout quite so loud. Let the northerners do the ranting, we can enjoy playing them however we like. Wasn't Halsway great as always? All the best, Paul Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:19 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas So we've had a long discussion about rants, reels, polkas. I'm sure that those resident in the North-East should continue to play these tunes with a good traditional rant rhythm. What about those pipers like me, resident in the far south ? Some of the tunes we play on the pipes (Salmontails, Winster Gallop for instance) are common across the whole country, and are played as polkas hereabouts. When I introduce some other North Eastern tunes, even if I had the ability to ensure they started as rants, the other mujsicians around me would probably turn them into polkas. Yet tunes have always historically drifted across the country, into Ireland and Scotland and back, etc such than you often can't tell where they started ! It also begs the question as to whether, as a southerner, I should be trying to play them as rants at all ! Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Beyond Hotmail see what else you can do with Windows Live. [1] Find out more! -- References 1. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665375/direct/01/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1996 - Release Date: 03/11/09 20:42:00 Fancy a job? - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/jobs/ __
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
I have to admit, as a not all that good player that I like the slow piping session on Saturday afternoon and would be sad to see it replaced by a more general one. It's also nice to have a fresh air break after lunch on Saturday. Some years there has been a more arranged sort of play around after supper on the Friday evening to get us played into the weekend. I've thought that was a good idea. Dru On 13 Mar 2009, at 09:20, richard.hea...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: Hi Alan, I also thought the Sunday session was a high point, but I would certainly not like to see tuition time reduced. I value highly the tuition time and, although it requires sutained concentration and is cumulatively tiring, it is a time when a combination of enormous expertise is available, together with time to consolidate learning. The tuition (quality and quantity) is one of my primary reasons for going to Halsway. I do rather like Geoffrey's suggestion of an additional informal session on the Saturday afternoon, though. It was a great weekend - thanks again. Richard Original Message From: a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk Date: 13/03/2009 7:47 To: Mike and Enid Waltonmikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: NSP LISTnsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Subj: [NSP] Halsway playaround HALSWAY SUNDAY PLAYAROUND So many have commented on the Sunday evening being a successful element of the piping weekend, that I wonder if we ought to reduce some of the tuition session and introduce another informal play period. Any comments? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 12 March 2009 05:16 To: Dartmouth NSP Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas I suppose it's a problem you face whenever playing music not from your own tradition. It took a melodeon workshop in Ireland to make me realise that I had a local style of box playing, and that I want to keep it ! If it's an Irish reel or jig, it normally goes on the whistle now. Some polkas fit well on the box though. With the pipes, it's a question of whether we stick to the style for the area where the pipes came from, or just use them for our own local music, in our own local style. I play lots of Northumbrian tunes, but also nationally common tunes (including Jimmy sorry Jamie sorry Jimmy Allen) and I played Dorset Four Hand Reel on Sunday. I'm trying to learn the Worcestershire Hornpipe. Yes, I really enjoyed Halsway, especially the informal session / play-a-round on Sunday. I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! Mike - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:08 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas Hi Mike, This is a forum for the Northumbrian Pipes and the traditional music of the north east, and as such is often very interesting and informative. It helps us all to work on playing the pipes well and to figure out how we can improve our playing in the Northumbrian tradition. But please don't ask the northerners how we should play tunes in our own area! We can be proud of our own tradition here, which is rich and thriving even if we don't shout quite so loud. Let the northerners do the ranting, we can enjoy playing them however we like. Wasn't Halsway great as always? All the best, Paul Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:19 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas So we've had a long discussion about rants, reels, polkas. I'm sure that those resident in the North-East should continue to play these tunes with a good traditional rant rhythm. What about those pipers like me, resident in the far south ? Some of the tunes we play on the pipes (Salmontails, Winster Gallop for instance) are common across the whole country, and are played as polkas hereabouts. When I introduce some other North Eastern tunes, even if I had the ability to ensure they started as rants, the other mujsicians around me would probably turn them into polkas. Yet tunes have always historically drifted across the country, into Ireland and Scotland and back, etc such than you often can't tell where they started ! It also begs the question as to whether, as a southerner, I should be trying to play them as rants at all ! Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Beyond Hotmail see what else you can do with Windows Live. [1] Find out more! -- References 1. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665375/direct/01/ -- -- No
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Alan, I think this would be a bad idea - the tuition is crucial to getting people thinking intensively about piping. The playarounds are better in consequence. John -Original Message- From: nsp-request+j.gibbons=ic.ac...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:nsp-request+j.gibbons=ic.ac...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Alan Corkett Sent: 13 March 2009 07:47 To: Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Halsway playaround HALSWAY SUNDAY PLAYAROUND So many have commented on the Sunday evening being a successful element of the piping weekend, that I wonder if we ought to reduce some of the tuition session and introduce another informal play period. Any comments? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 12 March 2009 05:16 To: Dartmouth NSP Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas I suppose it's a problem you face whenever playing music not from your own tradition. It took a melodeon workshop in Ireland to make me realise that I had a local style of box playing, and that I want to keep it ! If it's an Irish reel or jig, it normally goes on the whistle now. Some polkas fit well on the box though. With the pipes, it's a question of whether we stick to the style for the area where the pipes came from, or just use them for our own local music, in our own local style. I play lots of Northumbrian tunes, but also nationally common tunes (including Jimmy sorry Jamie sorry Jimmy Allen) and I played Dorset Four Hand Reel on Sunday. I'm trying to learn the Worcestershire Hornpipe. Yes, I really enjoyed Halsway, especially the informal session / play-a-round on Sunday. I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! Mike - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:08 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas Hi Mike, This is a forum for the Northumbrian Pipes and the traditional music of the north east, and as such is often very interesting and informative. It helps us all to work on playing the pipes well and to figure out how we can improve our playing in the Northumbrian tradition. But please don't ask the northerners how we should play tunes in our own area! We can be proud of our own tradition here, which is rich and thriving even if we don't shout quite so loud. Let the northerners do the ranting, we can enjoy playing them however we like. Wasn't Halsway great as always? All the best, Paul Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:19 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas So we've had a long discussion about rants, reels, polkas. I'm sure that those resident in the North-East should continue to play these tunes with a good traditional rant rhythm. What about those pipers like me, resident in the far south ? Some of the tunes we play on the pipes (Salmontails, Winster Gallop for instance) are common across the whole country, and are played as polkas hereabouts. When I introduce some other North Eastern tunes, even if I had the ability to ensure they started as rants, the other mujsicians around me would probably turn them into polkas. Yet tunes have always historically drifted across the country, into Ireland and Scotland and back, etc such than you often can't tell where they started ! It also begs the question as to whether, as a southerner, I should be trying to play them as rants at all ! Mike To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html __ Beyond Hotmail see what else you can do with Windows Live. [1]Find out more! -- References 1. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665375/direct/01/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.10/1996 - Release Date: 03/11/09 20:42:00
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea - the tuition is crucial to getting people thinking intensively about piping. The playarounds are better in consequence. John - To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Well spoken, Mel. Thanks! Daphne On 13 Mar 2009, at 10:43, Mel Leggett wrote: Hi Alan, Yes the evening playaround was good, and so too were the all the other sessions and evening extensions when the music started to hum, but PLEASE don't reduce the tuition; the four slots are such a stimulating, informative, enjoyable, opportunity to look at different aspects of the music and technique and playing styles that they really shouldn't be reduced. It's possible to play with others anywhere, at any time, but you won't get the sort of close, informal contact with such good musicians as were leading us at Halsway, except on courses like Halsway. It's what the weekend is all about. If people want just to play with others, what's wrong with Saturday and Sunday afternoons. However, I reckon I was attached to my pipes for about 16 hours () through the weekend and there is a limit to how much the fingers and shoulders can take. What you have at Halsway, as it has been over the last three years when I've been there, is a fantastic mix which works really, really well. Mike said, I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! The point is that, without actually spending time making a concentrated effort to improve, we'll always be struggling and never improve. I don't want to sit in a teaching session which doesn't stretch me well past my playing level at the time, that's what I take away at the end and work on all year until the next wonderful Halsway! Please don't take the easy way out - it's what I value Halsway for. Thanks to you both again for all your hard working making it happen, Mel Leggett - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Mike and Enid Walton mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 7:47 AM Subject: [NSP] Halsway playaround HALSWAY SUNDAY PLAYAROUND So many have commented on the Sunday evening being a successful element of the piping weekend, that I wonder if we ought to reduce some of the tuition session and introduce another informal play period. Any comments? Alan Corkett -Original Message- From: Mike and Enid Walton [mailto:mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk] Sent: 12 March 2009 05:16 To: Dartmouth NSP Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas I suppose it's a problem you face whenever playing music not from your own tradition. It took a melodeon workshop in Ireland to make me realise that I had a local style of box playing, and that I want to keep it ! If it's an Irish reel or jig, it normally goes on the whistle now. Some polkas fit well on the box though. With the pipes, it's a question of whether we stick to the style for the area where the pipes came from, or just use them for our own local music, in our own local style. I play lots of Northumbrian tunes, but also nationally common tunes (including Jimmy sorry Jamie sorry Jimmy Allen) and I played Dorset Four Hand Reel on Sunday. I'm trying to learn the Worcestershire Hornpipe. Yes, I really enjoyed Halsway, especially the informal session / play-a-round on Sunday. I was struggling at times during the tutorials though. I wish my sight-reading was better ! Mike - Original Message - From: Paul Rhodes oxpi...@hotmail.com To: Dartmouth NSP nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:08 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas Hi Mike, This is a forum for the Northumbrian Pipes and the traditional music of the north east, and as such is often very interesting and informative. It helps us all to work on playing the pipes well and to figure out how we can improve our playing in the Northumbrian tradition. But please don't ask the northerners how we should play tunes in our own area! We can be proud of our own tradition here, which is rich and thriving even if we don't shout quite so loud. Let the northerners do the ranting, we can enjoy playing them however we like. Wasn't Halsway great as always? All the best, Paul Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:19 + To: nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu From: mikeande...@worcesterfolk.org.uk Subject: [NSP] Re: Tune Phrasing / Rants / Reels / Polkas So we've had a long discussion about rants, reels, polkas. I'm sure that those resident in the North-East should continue to play these tunes with a good traditional rant rhythm. What about those pipers like me, resident in the far south ? Some of the tunes we play on the pipes (Salmontails, Winster Gallop for instance) are common across the whole country, and are played as polkas hereabouts. When I introduce some other North Eastern tunes, even if I had the ability to ensure they started as rants, the other mujsicians around me would probably turn them into
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Alan I think one of the good things about the Sunday session was the other musicians there, which couldn't be arranged at other times (except perhaps Friday, but it's good to meet old friends and play together then). I also agree about the amount of tuition being about right. One idea I would like to float though (related to my sight-reading probably) is to ask views on the merit of taking a well-known tune(s) and giving tuition on the development of style, phrasing, gracing etc. I know some players like to learn a new tune, but if I am struggling all the time to play the right notes it doesn't allow any work on the finer points of playing. Views please ? Mike - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea - the tuition is crucial to getting people thinking intensively about piping. The playarounds are better in consequence. John - To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.13/1999 - Release Date: 03/13/09 05:59:00
[NSP] Re: Halsway playaround
Hello Mike and others, Your point about well-known tunes and devoting time to exploring these is a very good one. This is a topic that I've been discussing recently. As someone who regularly teaches 'basic skills' groups, I tend to present familiar tunes and unashamedly use, more or less, the same core collection because these provide an opportunity for beginner- players to participate in sessions where they are likely to hear at least one or two tunes from that choice. As a tuition content, those tunes tend to get left behind in favour of apparently more complex and newer repertoire, and I sometimes wonder whether that isn't a lost opportunity for advanced players. Perhaps not everyone recognises the time and care that tutors put into the preparation of new repertoire for courses. Participants look forward to receiving a weighty collection of tunes in advance, and with each tutor providing a substantial selection of novel material, that results in a number of new items that is sometimes practically unmanageable as a learning experience. Returning to your original point, Mike, yes I do think there's a lot to be gained by working on an already familiar tune at an advanced level . . . the Hesleyside Reel, for instance . . . and developing musicality by seeing these familiar items anew with the help of an expert tutor. To some extent, there's an expectation of a tutor to be a provider of new material. Nothing wrong with that, as long as this is kept within reason. More important, though is the quality of the tuition itself. The weight of the pre-course material shouldn't be taken as an indicator of the quality of the course! Lets see what others think. Francis On 12 Mar 2009, at 16:19, Mike and Enid Walton wrote: Alan I think one of the good things about the Sunday session was the other musicians there, which couldn't be arranged at other times (except perhaps Friday, but it's good to meet old friends and play together then). I also agree about the amount of tuition being about right. One idea I would like to float though (related to my sight-reading probably) is to ask views on the merit of taking a well-known tune(s) and giving tuition on the development of style, phrasing, gracing etc. I know some players like to learn a new tune, but if I am struggling all the time to play the right notes it doesn't allow any work on the finer points of playing. Views please ? Mike - Original Message - From: Alan Corkett a...@bcorkett.freeserve.co.uk To: Gibbons, John j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk Cc: NSP LIST nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Halsway Playaround Sorry if I was being provocative about less tuition! Naturally we can insert more informal playing Saturday afternoon for those who wish to do this. In fact Ben from Wales introduced this when he came several years ago, unfortunately has not attended last two events. Alan -Original Message- From: Gibbons, John [mailto:j.gibb...@imperial.ac.uk] Sent: 13 March 2009 10:50 To: 'Alan Corkett'; Mike and Enid Walton Cc: NSP LIST Subject: [NSP] Re: Halsway playaround Alan, I think this would be a bad idea - the tuition is crucial to getting people thinking intensively about piping. The playarounds are better in consequence. John - To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.13/1999 - Release Date: 03/13/09 05:59:00
