A New Music Book

“Patriotic Music and Familiar Folk Songs,” volume 15, is the latest in The Church Piper series of music books.  Subtle improvements such as illustrations on most pages bring it to life.  The music will appeal to expert pipers needing a ready source of music to play for many different occasions, as well to less experienced pipers who would enjoy the music that’s more familiar to them.  Whether for a military ceremonial, church, or a social gathering, there is suitable music.

Many having the entire collection have been anxious to add this compendium of favorites to their music library and have found it convenient to request their acquisition from the compiler and arranger, Dr. Keith MacDonald or from their favorite Scottish shop.

These are songs that originated in wartime or that resulted from the love of home, fond memories, romance, and the worship of God.  Arranged for the Scottish bapipes, they will stir a person’s heart and soul to feel pride in one’s country, causing a person to appreciate God’s gift of life and love, and to be thankful to God for all His kindness, all of which is so undeserving.”

It is good to meet other pipers by Email as they order their copy.  Most interesting was a conversation with George Balderose in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, the principal of The Balmoral College of Piping and Drumming.  He has an invitation to play at the entrance to his Presbyterian Church every Sunday morning for a period of time while the people arrive. That requires a large repertoire, and the good fortunate to have weather conducive to playing the pipes.  He has a considerable collection of hymns and we agreed to exchange his volume for my latest one.  His is called, “The Balmoral Collection of Hymns.”  I complimented him for suggesting the transaction, and we both knew we had made a good deal.  We have the same ambition; to make familiar music available to pipers so they won’t have to be concerned about transposing and arranging when their time is limited.  We hope to assist pipers to feel comfortable playing solo, whether for church, military ceremonials or social occasions.  All require preparedness and the availability of suitable music.