Some encouragement to play church music

To the young man who wrote asking how he would get a copy of How Great Thou Art...  I included this hymn in Wedding Music, Volume 6 of The Church Piper.  It is quite possible that Henderson's Supply in Michigan will still have copies of this popular book, and I suggest that you esquire from them. When I moved to White Rock BC, this bagpipe supply company took my whole inventory.  Ask them for my new address too, and I'll write to you.

I commend you and your brother for your conscientious practicing.  I'd be glad to help you if you were to contact me.  A note could be forwarded to me with your e-mail address if you were to contact Trevor, the secretary at White Rock Baptist Church in White Rock British Columbia  The e-mail is office@whiterockbaptist(dot)ca.  Just ask Trevor the secretary, to forward the message to me.

You and your brother remind me of my own self and my younger brother.  We learned together, to play the pipes and our dad did also.  We went on many parades and in competitions.  Our Manitoba Pipers' Association Pipe Band regularly won the Western Canadian Championship.

With the cooperation of my friend, George Delanghe, who is an expert in music engraving, we have been continuing to publish music books in a new series, such as Prayers for pipers, Volumes One and Two, Bits and Pieces and Soul-Stirring Hymns.  We are presently working on Worshipful Hymns and A Pocketful of Jewels.  You can check to see what we have available so far in the line of books for piping in church, and for others to learn some beautiful music too. Give Lulu a try.  It is,  http://lulu.com/home.  A person has to mention my name, because, apparently, there is another Keith MacDonald, and his publications aren't something we want to talk about.  It is necessary to specify that the books are by Dr. Keith E. MacDonald.

I'll be glad to talk to you about your piping ambitions when you drop me a line.

Kind regards,
Keith MacDonald

Two new books on the way

I must apologize for not having written for a while.  I have been very occupied preparing two more books of music and dissertations for the Highland Bagpipes.  Presently, as you must know, the most recent additions have been Soul-Stirring Hymns, the author of which hymns were Albert Brumley, a very  recognized composer of music and author of the lyrics, and our two other books, Prayers for Pipers, Volumes One and Two for the Highland Bagpipes.  These have been available from Lulu Publications, which is a subsidiary of  Amazon.  When ordering, one must indicate that the authors are George Delanghe and Dr. Keith MacDonald.  There are several K. MacDonald s who have published other books, but their subjects are not on bagpipe music.  Dr. MacDonald has had to use his title to differentiate.

This fall two new books will be introduced.  One will be Valued Bits and Pieces, which includes hymns, Patriotic pieces, favorite band tunes, new compositions, pieces not published before, dance pieces and some beautiful solos.  The other book is, Aspiring Hymns. It's actually the 16th volume in The Church Piper Series.

A piper will discover the music in which he or she is most comfortable. Much has been written of interest to the piper who is a soloist.  Besides the music, the written work comprises much of either book, to encourage a piper to be the kind of person who would be called upon to play for head tables, memorials, weddings, church services.  For those positions, a piper has to be dedicated to do a superb job.

With that in mind, both George Delannghe and Dr. Keith MacDonald have been endeavoring to do their very best, checking their work and using the finest techniques in producing the music.  One example of their dedication, is that Albert Brumley's music was written in an old style, with shaped notes, which notes are much different from the familiar egg-shaped notes.  Also, his music wasn't connected with beams.  That had to be deciphered, a process entirely different from transcribing today's music.  When one realizes how his music had to be filtered out of the hymnbook, he or she would have a far greater appreciation for it, for otherwise it would never have been discovered.  That  work was really worthwhile in revealing some beautiful music

The fall, be looking for those two new books from Lulu, and some fine new music for piping.

Best regards and good piping,
Keith MacDonald, OD and George Delanghe.                                   

Several new books for pipers

Pipers across the world have shown considerable interest in music transcribed and arranged for pipers who frequently play for church related occasions such as for weddings and memorials.  With music published in The Church Piper series,not only have we seen that this is so, but also newly published music for all sorts of times has been welcomed.  The Church Piper's move from Winnipeg out to British Columbia has interrupted in this flow of newly published pipe music, but in the meantime, a new set of music books has been worked upon, and is beginning to present itself by way of the convenience offered by Amazon-Lulu publishers.

The new series, printed with the same degree of sophistication is now emerging with several new books.  These are, Soul-Stirring Hymns, transcribed from an old hymnbook by Albert Brumley, and Volumes One and Two of Prayers for Pipers.  Astoundingly, many hymns are actually prayers and these two books capture the most beautiful of prayer-hymn-tunes and include the words..

Nearing completion, and to be announced when it is launched in the fall or before, in 2018, is a book of which its two authors are going to be proud, even with its lowly name, "Valued Bits and Pieces:" for The Highland Bagpipe Player.

When you are checking with Amazon-Lulu publishing company on the net, request the bagpipe music published by Dr. Keith E. MacDonald, which will immediately differentiate it from some other publications that are entirely different.  They have been published by another K. MacDonald.  Just be sure you find the correct advertisement

George Delanghe is working along with Dr. Keith MacDonald, using his expert ability in music engraving along with the most up-to-date computer program to publish these books and the ones to come.  There will be more.  Together, he and I are proud of our work and we want you to enjoy the very best of which we are capable.

All the best!
Keith E. MacDonald, OD

Feeling the Pulse in Retreats

I'd like to respond to the piper who comprehends the concept of having an introduction to the music of most of our three-four retreat pieces.  Take for example, The Green Hills of Tyroll, After the Battle, Balmoral, or Pipe-Major J.K. Cairns,  There are many more three-fours to consider, but these will serve as examples.  He was asking for a video if that were possible.  I'm sorry that I don't have a video but I'll give careful instructions and maybe someone in the band can record the playing of a favorite three-four after making the corrections on the page of music.
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I have to say that would be going to greater lengths than necessary, even to use a video, but these days, people are oriented to visual demonstrations.  I suggest, that such a piece of music should be set out before you, and with a pencil, you should draw the first bar immediately after the first two notes.  There, you have the introduction.  After that, count three beats and draw another bar.  Do so until you have completed the first part.  It will leave you with the introduction for the second part in the last bar of the first part.  The first note to emphasize in the second part will be in the very next bar..  You will know this by the emphasis given straight away on the left foot and that the emphasis is by giving the high A its proper length of time.  I'm thinking of The Green Hills or of Pipe Major J. K.Cairns as I write this note.  In the latter tune, it will be the E that is emphasized.

That's the significant part about playing retreats to give feeling in the music.  The emphasis comes naturally on the left foot all along the way.  Some call it the pulsation in the music.  That's what music is all about.  It has a pulsation, and one just has to feel it, and play accordingly.  I'd say one is fighting the natural pulsation in these three fours by playing them out of step.  Habitually, pipe bands have begun these tunes on the right foot rather that on the left., thus throwing them out of step right from the start.

When you come to the very last bar in the music, don't leave it unsatisfied for its three beats, but hold the last note for 3 beats, starting the hold on the right foot and ending it on the right foot which is the proper way to play any tune.  When you have accomplished what I have set out for you, will you please let us know, and do share your discovery with your friends in the band.  They will feel this discovery will be like a breath of fresh air and they'll enjoy playing three-fours like they never did before.  All the best, and thank you for writing.  I do appreciate your request.

Keith MacDonald, OD

Out of Step

I want to thank Caveal for his reply to my blog, "A Problem With Three-Fours."  Well, Caveal, you are "a man after my own heart," and we are both in total agreement, that, sad as it is to say, pretty well all pipe bands in the world tend to play 3/4 - time pieces, generally known as Retreats, out of step.  Universally, Retreats, are played this way.   That is, with no regard to the pulsation that's part of the music when it is properly played.  Even our much reverenced hymn, "Amazing Grace," was played out of step by a small group of pipers in the movie, "The Titanic."   And this was by pipers from a well known world-famous pipe band.

For some peculiar reason, it seems that it is traditional to play out of step while playing 3/4's.  The fault has been passed along from teacher to student and has been repeated without anyone bringing this gross error to the point of being corrected.  Incidentally, I played in a very large band for the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena California several times, and during the practice for one of those occasions, for which we led the parade, one of the instructors stopped the band in the middle of "Scotland the Brave," and said, "This whole band is out of step."  One young piper spoke up and said, "It's because it followed "The Green Hills," " and so the instructor responded that we'll play "Scotland the Brave" first and then,"The Green Hills."  That occasion, and during the parade in Pasadena, were the only times I've ever heard that retreat played according to the beat or pulsation.  It's truly sad that excellent pipe bands have, and still are,"being led down the garden path," to play many otherwise beautiful pieces of music without any expression, but just simply in a mechanical sense, without regard for something that could be wonderful but it isn't, because of the lack of expression.

I should mention another great Scottish song that is played and sung without regard to the composer's feeling for the song, but I shall have to reserve this to comment on it when some interest has been shown in this subject.

It is an amazing thing that you, Caveal, responded at this particular time, because I was just referring to a manuscript on the theme, that was prepared some time ago, to be published for "The Church Piper," by Amazon.  It is a compendium of a number of Retreats and Hymns written with the 3/4 time signature.  I have been intending to publish a good number of hymns and retreats, with their bar lines in the correct positions.  I happened now, to be borrowing from it, just a few hymns with the theme, "Prayers for Pipers."  My intention is to meet the objective of 75 hymns on the theme, "Prayers for Pipers,"for each of two proposed volumes.  They are almost complete and ready for publication too.   Recently, George Delanghe and I published "Soul-Stirring Hymns," by Amazon.  It is music composed by the noted hymn-writer, Albert Brumley.  It was quite a challenge, because he wrote his piano music in a shape-note style.  Most of today's musicians wouldn't know what we are talking about.  Of course, I didn't understand this notation either, but after deciphering it, the effort proved worthwhile.  Soon, we will publish the two volumes of, "Prayers for Pipers.," and soon after, I now hope, we'll follow those two volumes with the book I started a few years ago.

Because of your comments, I propose to bring that manuscript called "Strictly 3/4 Time Music"
up to standard for publication too.  I will definitely expound on the subject of playing three-four tunes according to the beat, or pulse, whether they are military retreats or hymns.  I will include the words, wherever they are available, so pipers will be able to sing as well as play the music.  After all, one has to be able to sing the words into his or her music in order to give to the music the right expression.  I know you were saying that very thing.

Once again, Caveal, thanks for your wise comments on how, through neglect and lack of good observation it has allowed pipers and pipe bands to have continued to play many of their tunes without proper thought to their natural pulsations.  We'll both work on the subject, with due respect for everyone who has been so badly affected by tradition rather than by being properly taught.  Keep in touch, Caveal.  We both have work to do, to bring up the standard for piping across the world.  Do you think it was by accident that you contacted me when you did?"  I don't.  I have implicit faith that our Dear Lord in Heaven has chosen you and me, to do this work.  After all, if we intend to play pipes in heaven, we have to play them right!  I've read that there will be nothing in heaven by which it could be defiled, and no doubt this is one of them.  Let's practice towards perfection, and not practice the same errors over and over.

But last of all, I want to congratulate you for having composed a 3/4 tune that you are convinced should surely have won the prize, but didn't, because it wasn't written to be played out of step.  I can't blame you for being disappointed.  Who wouldn't be?  - Only one who didn't know any better.  Thanks again.  I appreciate your forthrightness.


Kindest regards,
Keith MacDonald, OD

We Appreciate Our Teachers

I’ve been noticing the improvement one of our younger pipers in the band has been making, and I’ve complimented him. He responded with a lovely smile. I said, “You must be practicing every day, and he nodded. “Are you taking lessons regularly,” I asked, and he responded affirmatively. It’s a definite fact that conscientious practice will result in improvement to the extent of one’s level of ambition.

This has caused me to reflect upon my own process of learning to play the bagpipes. My brother, Ken, and I, were fortunate to be taught by Hugh Fraser, pipe major of the Saskatoon Light Infantry. He was also a member of the police force in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As we became competent pipers in the Saskatoon Light Infantry (SLI) Pipe Band, we would be participants in many parades and ceremonies. We learned a tune a week, and steadily improved. Our playing motivated Dad to take lessons too, and the three of us had a wonderful time piping for many engagements. Ken and I were not necessarily competitive with one another, but instead, we were just highly motivated, and so was our dad. We would show him certain exercises that would improve his technique, but he wasn’t particularly receptive to our suggestions, and he would say, “You guys are just trying to hold me back.” That wasn’t the case, and he knew it. I’m sure Dad was greatly pleased to see the two of us improving steadily.

Listening to well-practiced pipers such as Peter Henderson, in the SLI band was a motivator. Peter excelled in playing reels. “Mrs. MacLeod of Raasay,” was one, and others were, “The Mason’s Apron” and “Mrs. Terence Eden’s Welcome to Cromlix.” His G, D, and E grace notes clicked in even cadence, and his music had a timing that was obviously designed for dancers. A person would want to play like that. I certainly did. His timing was impeccable. One can learn so much by listening to a good piper.

Hugh was a good teacher because he was appreciative of our conscientious attitude to learn. He was a band-piper however, and had techniques of his own that he passed along. An example was in how he played the burl. It was by sliding his little finger back and forth across the bottom hole. Later on, when we moved to Winnipeg Manitoba, and took a few lessons from proficient pipers, we learned there was a better way. Fred MacLeod and his dad, Donald, demonstrated the technique was to raise the little finger up to a position from which it could strike the bottom hole, then rise up to come down hard onto the hole once more, to really make that burl sound, while being supported by a well-tuned set of drones. Fred was a competition piper. His folks said he wore out the living room carpet by marching on it.

Apparently, that is how he, a competition piper improved upon his timing.

Bill Watt, and competition piper and a veteran of the Second World War, added to my learning by demonstrating how the ending on a competition two-four march should sound. He called it, “Harry Haw, Petraw.” By playing a nice clear C doubling, then a low A using an E grace note to emphasize the A, he would finalize the ending with that nice firm A burl. The pipes “spoke” as the phrase was completed. Bill Watt was not only a great teacher of the pipes, but he was also a composer. One of his fine marches was, “Tornaveen Cottage,” with which I won a first place medal in an open competition. Another technique Bill Watt taught me, was to finish off some 2/4 competition marches with a Bibero Harry Haw Petraw.

Lessons at Bill Watt’s home were memorable. We regularly practiced pipes in his little kitchen for a couple of hours or so. Mrs. Watt would go to the movie theatre. Lesson time would be completed when she got back, and she’d make us a nice evening snack. Bill could produce a marvelous sound from his pipes, and he was keen to pass along his techniques to a piper really wanting to learn. Bill’s son Chris, is a fine piper, and it’s great to see that his dad taught him.

Jack Reay, pipe major of The Manitoba Piper’s Association Pipe Band also taught his own son to play the pipes, and young Jack was an outstanding piper. It was in perfecting band competition sets that I spent time with Jack Sr. where he worked, in the Manitoba Telephone Exchange building. Our band won the Western Canadian Championship three times, and our members participated in The Rose Bowl Parade in Florida several times. Every week-end in the summer, we had engagements.

Later on, Dad, Ken and I became part of the ANAVETS Pipe Band. This was the Army & Navy Veterans Pipe Band. Doug Will, who taught dozens of pipers in the city, was an ardent member. He was enthusiastic about my desire to transcribe and arrange church music and he furnished me with a small collection of hymns as a starter. Since then, I published a number of hymnbooks and continued to transcribe for future publications, all of which are under the title, “The Church Piper.” Ian Conn from Scotland, joined our band. He had the keenest ear for setting pipes. Ian was an ex-member of the Schotts and Dykehead Pipe Band and was playing with them when the band was winning world championships. His technique verified it. I learned from Ian the need to open up my doublings; those F’s, E’s C’s and B’s and the others as well. It meant lifting the fingers more and coming down firmly on the notes. He required an extra consciousness for fine tuning. Our pipes were singing when Ian was in charge, and when he played harmony, it was ecstasy.

One other piper who was a help to me in learning to play well, was Colin Cameron. Colin played several instruments and he was also one of our judges. As I demonstrated to him my mastery over a certain tune, he took note of my D doublings and demonstrated how to improve upon them. I was to play a grip, then bridge the C and lift the fingers to form the D. That’s how I play the D now, to obtain more quality of sound, but of course, if there are two consecutive D’s, the second one would be a shake, while another D doubling might be played with the top hand.

It's grand to recall my various teachers and the times I simply listened to them play. Their encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to play for weddings, funerals, call to worship, banquets and official events. I do appreciate them. I also expect other pipers must feel the same way about their teachers of piping.

        

Humility 101 For Pipers

At the last supper, Jesus was sitting among a few of His disciples. From their conversation, one can visualize their proximity and can follow their conversation. They would have been reclining at the table, as compared to sitting, which is our custom. There wasn’t a slave to wash their dusty feet, so Jesus undertook to begin with Peter, who responded by asking Jesus if He actually intended to wash his feet. Peter was reluctant to consider Jesus’ kind offer, so Jesus replied that their relationship could not be the same if He didn’t.

Each of the disciples considered it inappropriate, but Jesus said He was about to set an example; that each should wash one another’s feet. He told them it would be a wonderful symbol of caring, because it would reveal an attitude of service, care, love and genuine humility, all characteristics of those who would be His followers.

This ceremony pointed towards Jesus’ impending death; a prelude to the cross, which might be stated in the words, “I am among you as he who serveth.” (Luke 22:27(b)). He also said, “The Son of Man came to serve.” (Mark 10:45) There is a beautiful hymn that reminds us of the faithful saying, that “Jesus emptied Himself of all but love, and was obedient to death, even to death on the cross, where He laid aside His glory,” and took on the nature of any of us. It is from the hymn, “And Can It Be?” by Charles Wesley:

“He left His Father’s throne above, 

So free, so infinite His grace! 

Emptied Himself of all but love, 

And bled for Adam’s helpless race!

’Tis mercy all, immense and free, 

For O my God, it found out me.

This hymn is an eloquent message about humility. Automatically, we will ask, “How do we become humble? Left to ourselves, we become proud, and lose any quality of humility. It is a quality of character revealed in how we relate to one another. Now is a good time to resort to prayer. It is then, when one becomes humble before God. Only in humility and brokenness, can we approach the throne of God. That is actually why we resist praying. When we pray every day, we will become humble. There is no place like Calvary to reveal our humility. A hymn by Dr. Isaac Watts explains that we can look contemptuously at our pride, when we consider Christ’s humility in forfeiting His life as a Sacrifice for us. His Sacrificial death was so we can have direct access to God. The hymn is, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

1. When I survey the wondrous cross 

On which the Prince of Glory died;

All my gains I count but loss

And throw contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God.

All the vain things that charm me most

I sacrifice them to His blood.

How can one possibly be proud, knowing that God did this? Nevertheless, pride and ambition are our motivators. Pride manifests itself subtly. There is pride in ownership and achievements, and it is quite natural to be proud of what we have earned and done, and yet it is quite possible to be proud and still not be ostentatious. We must keep mindful that it is only because of God’s graciousness that we’ve had the vitality and wisdom to do what we’ve done. We are not humble by nature, but humility can become a natural part of us when we make a practice of considering others first. Peter tells us to clothe ourselves in humility and God will lift us up in due time. In the scriptural words, we are to “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

Jesus was asked, “What is the most important commandment of all?” He replied, “To love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and all thy soul and all thy mind and all thy strength, and to love your neighbour as thyself.” (Mark 12:30, 31) He exemplified His love for others and He laid aside His position. As scripture tells us, “There is no greater love than that a man will lay down his life for his friends. After telling us that, Jesus went to the cross and laid down His life not only for His friends, but for everyone who will recognize His Sacrifice as God’s evidence of His love. By acknowledging God’s love, and by asking for forgiveness for what would otherwise separate him or her from God, a person can have a personal relationship with God.

To promote unity with others, it is well to abide by instructions given to us from the Bible. Paul, in Philippians, encouraged Jesus’ followers, saying, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others. (Phil 2:4) Humility will unite us while selfishness and superiority will divide us. Humility is the quality of being one in spirit and one in mind. Rather than claim we are right in a situation, it is best to give up our right to be right. Rather than insist on having our own way, we will show grace and gentleness. Humility will gives us the ability to value others above ourselves. (Phil 2:3)

An example of humility would be the ability to graciously accept criticism or suggestions about your playing. Consider criticism to be given in the spirit of good advice. Thank the individual, and ask him or her to demonstrate the improvement. Listen carefully, and together, refer to the music page. Individuals may play the music so often that it is by ear. Consequently, the printed music should be the authority for this situation. By giving time to consider the advice, both pipers will benefit. The result is to have made a friend, and it is quite possible he or she was right. If so, you can humbly say thank you, and if he or she was wrong, you will have helped to improve the music as well as having maintained your respect as a player.

Being humble, makes us more like Jesus. “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death.” (Phil. 2:7, 8) Following in Jesus’ footsteps, means to back away from what we would consider best for us, and to allow it to be best for others…Jesus gave up His life for us. We could ask Him in prayer, to help us make sacrifices for the sake of others. By putting others first, it would reflect upon our humility and be honoring to God.

Pipers can think how they may develop the character quality of humility. It could be by not trying to impress anyone or one another by the quality of their music, but honestly accepting, that to accomplish the level of playing they recognize in others, it must have required much practice. Those persons deserve to be recognized and complimented. That gives the other person an opportunity to say, “Thank you,” and probably acknowledge that you have an appreciation for their playing and that you might also know a great deal about the way the music should sound. Remember always, that your style of music could be different from theirs and vice versa. While one person might specialize in hornpipes, jigs and reels, another might excel in playing marches and memorials and for special occasions. And, if someone should complement you on what you’ve just played, a simple “Thank you,” is adequate. Definitely, never be critical of another’s playing when in conversation with anyone else.

Our conversation began with a discussion on humility. In actuality, humility is opposite to pride. It is natural to be proud of an accomplishment. One should be proud of his or her achievements, but not to the extent of bragging about them. To complete this discussion, several quotations on pride, will be found in scripture. James 4:6 tells us, “God opposes the proud, but shows favour to the humble.” The disciples of Jesus condescended to wash one another’s feet, and Jesus said that if they were unwilling to let Him wash their feet, they could have none of Him. In James, verse 4:10, we are reminded to “humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Finally, Paul, in Romans, 12:16, advises us, “Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.” God loves us to be humble individuals. He requires us to be close to Him, and it is in Micah 6:9 that we are told, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

I hope you will enjoy playing the two hymns included with this blog, and that you will learn the lyrics too, so your music will carry the expression where words or music alone are inadequate.

    

Knowing the Words Helps

Technically, one plays the music the way it’s written; holding notes and cutting them according to the composer’s intention.  Keeping exact time for every bar of music is also part of a musician’s skill.  There’s also something besides, which is inherent in our minds.  It is the rhythmic beat that carries the music along and helps to give expression to its message.

Along with this, is the benefit from knowing the words for the song you are playing because they keep you intent on the line of music.  Playing the words is far more satisfying than just playing notes, and if it’s a hymn that’s being played, the words, known as the lyrics, will carry a message that is even more understandable than the words of a well thought-out message of a practiced minister.

That is what I want to relay to you.  It is the need to remember when playing this beautiful hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” that I’ve loved since I was a boy, that music is a language everyone understands.  Think of the words you are playing, and that your bagpipes are singing while people are listening.  Some people will hear the words in German, others in Spanish or French, or some other language, depending on the language that is familiar, and yet, each time when your pipes are playing, the words may be in English, but someone else is hearing them in his or her own native language.

In this hymn, think as you play, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”  Those who know the words will hear those words.  “Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?”  Think as you play, “Oh, what needless pain we bear, because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” “In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.”

There is so much depth of feeling and emotion in this hymn, and you are telling those who listening, that you know Jesus personally, the One person who knows your deepest sorrows and weaknesses, and He has promised to share your burdens.  In your effort to share God’s wonderful promises with others, you will probably feel deep emotions yourself, and be assured that the time will come when “there will be no need for prayer,” for it will be in glory, that you will meet your Saviour personally.  Here are the words to that beautiful hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  Play them with all your heart for others to listen.

Playing in Harmony

 It is wonderful to play harmony in the band.  I would love to see and hear more pipers enjoying this experience.  Regularly, I will play harmony for such tunes as, “The Green Hills of Tyrol,” “O Rowan Tree,” “Wings,” and “Amazing Grace.”  I intend to play harmony for many more tunes, and will introduce them if anyone is desirous.  With this present blog, I hope to introduce you to a favourite hymn that I have loved since I was a lad.  I was taught to sing it, by my mother, who knew all the words, just as she did for many other hymns, such as, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” and “In the Garden.”  The roll has already been called for my mother, and my dad, as well as for two of my sisters.  I truly want to share with you, the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  That’s because, as you will see from the words of the hymn, it is “a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”  You will need a piper friend to play together with you, and you will appreciate what it is to have a friend.  Even so, there is no dearer Friend than Jesus, who “will all our sorrows share.”

One of my dear friends is George Delanghe, a piper in Las Vegas.  He and I have worked together to arrange the accompanying harmony to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  So far, we haven’t been able to play it together, but we’re both anxious for you to find a friend with whom you can play this hymn.  Perhaps, you will consider the words too, and assimilate them meaningfully in your own life.  We have more beautiful hymns if you would like to practice perfect timing and mutual expression, tuning your ears to the best harmony you can produce.  Don’t overlook the need to have your pipes tuned to perfection.

Like many hymns, there is a story.  The author, Joseph Scriven, was about to be married.  His bride-to-be was drowned the day before the ceremony could take place.  Later on, when he was about to marry another lady, she also died.  He lived the rest of his life trusting Jesus to help him bear his grief.

Music For Morning Church Service

I am sharing the three hymns I mentioned in my last blog post. I've played them on occasion, to begin a Sunday morning's church service. I would start at the back of the sanctuary and march in with the hymn, "Teach Me To Pray." At the front, I would turn and march several times across in front of the Remembrance Table. After completing the hymn twice over, I would begin "The Lord's Prayer," at first playing almost hesitatingly, because I would be playing to God, and would be gaining confidence in "speaking" to our Heavenly Father. With confidence coming from my assurance that Jesus taught me how to pray, I would play with an even time, and with considerable feeling. Immediately, the words to the prayer would be in my head and the timing would be precise. The music would develop to the climactic point. The people would have been singing the words silently, with emotion, immersed in their quiet singing of the Lord's Prayer, just as I would be when playing those words, "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever, Amen."

And, because playing "The Lord's Prayer," means being in direct communication with our Lord, while my pipes are "singing" the words that Jesus taught me, I am energized and it causes me to want to continue into a hymn that's right for marching out. "Singing I Go" expresses that eagerness. It is a hymn full of life, which is exactly how praying "The Lord's Prayer" prepares a person for the morning's service and for the days ahead.

These three hymns are from several of the hymnbooks for pipers in the series, The Church Piper. They are available from Henderson's Distributors.  Other medleys for call to worship are applicable, and I could be pleased to assist enthusiastic pipers to prepare their own call to worship.

The Lord's Prayer

When we pray, we are actually speaking to God, and Jesus has given us a wonderful prayer as a model. It is rich in its teaching and brilliant in its significance. God has given us the right to address Him. Jesus had a unique relationship with God. We are co-heirs with Jesus and He encourages us to approach God with tremendous freedom. He assured us that, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask.”

As you pray this prayer, or play it on the pipes for call to worship or at a wedding, think of the words throughout. Prayer is sacred, because we are speaking to God. We come before the Lord in prayer, and it’s from our heart. We should think of our Almighty God as our gracious Heavenly Father. In prayer, God is to be exalted as our Heavenly Father. Nevertheless, He lives here, amongst us. It is fitting and appropriate to reverence and honor God as most holy, when we pray. Our prayer was fashioned by Jesus, so that God will be hallowed. Jesus taught us to say, “Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

We are about half way through The Lord’s Prayer before we even begin to ask God for anything, and we haven’t said a thing about ourselves. We haven’t admitted our sinfulness to God, but have asked, “Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” At this point in The Lord’s Prayer, we have actually aligned ourselves with God and His principals for us. Conscious of our many faults, we realize the necessity of admitting our transgressions and asking forgiveness, so we can speak to God unhindered. We’ve asked for sustenance and simultaneously have asked for forgiveness, knowing that in His fairness, God would only consider our prayers for sustenance once we have asked His forgiveness from those to whom we have been indebted.

Praying the first part of the prayer, helps us to know how to pray in the second part. The first part acknowledges to whom we are speaking, and it is most certainly to God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Certainly, we can’t live in variance to His will and still ask Him for something, We certainly can’t ask God to forgive us if we can’t forgive those who have sinned against us. This next part of the prayer, is to ask God to prevent us from getting into a situation where we will falter, but be delivered from the Evil One. “Lead us not into temptation,” is to ask God’s help in making us less tempted to act in discordance with His will. “But deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, Forever, and Ever, Amen.” Here, we have admitted our need for willpower to avoid evil. Once we are able to avoid things that are evil, we can be depended upon to make our principals correspond with those descriptive of Heaven.

We must always keep in mind that God is a loving God and that He will listen intently to our prayers, not reluctantly, but with willingness. God listens if we come before Him with genuine love in our heart; that we remember what Jesus said when He gave us the most important commandment of all. It is, “to love your Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself. He gave us this wonderful gift; “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Prayer is not just for the purpose of asking God for things, but to reverence Him, admit our transgressions and ask forgiveness. It should help us to maintain a relationship with Him that would facilitate communication and assurance that God will listen to our prayers. James, who was Jesus’ brother, told us that the fervent prayers of a righteous person would accomplish much. Jesus said we should pray believing, and our prayers would be answered. Still, we must have faith that the prayer is reasonable.

Two of my favourite hymns are, “Teach Me to Pray,” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” After playing them as a medley, I love to play, “Singing I Go,” as it is most appropriate. After the two hymns are played for call to worship, the third is an excellent way to exit from the sanctuary.

Pay Or I Play

An Interesting Coincidence

After church service last Sunday, we stayed for a noon luncheon. It was part of a farewell for our retiring pastor and his wife. My wife and I chose a table near the back, and soon, another couple sat to my left. I was at the end of the table and my wife was to my right. We enjoyed the conversation, and after a while I learned that this lady had an integral part in organizing a Christmas parade each December. It is called, “Christmas on the Peninsula.” Plans have already been made for this year’s parade and it would be led as it has been in three previous years’ parades, by an outstanding pipe band.

Suddenly, she was surprised to recognize me as the piper who played for our Remembrance Day service, and she asked me quizzically, if Christmas carols could be played on the bagpipes. I thought it was a remarkable question, because I’ve heard others ask if “Amazing Grace” is the only hymn one can play on the pipes. I responded, saying, “Of course they can, and I published a book of arrangements for pipers to play Christmas Carols.

The lady seemed astounded. She said the pipe band was invited four times to play in that Christmas parade and never once, played a Christmas Carol. “I’m so glad I met you,” she said, "because I‘m going to ask you to work with me, to provide the music for this pipe band to play in the next Christmas parade.”

Now, wasn’t that remarkable, with over 200 people at the pastor’s farewell dinner, this lady found herself sitting next to The Church Piper! I’m confident that next year, the pipe band will be playing Christmas Carols.

I would be most interested to hear from pipers and drummers who have played in Christmas parades. Would you let others know what Christmas selections you chose for marching? A tune such as, “We Three Kings," which is in 6/8 time, would be wonderful in a Christmas parade, as would, “Joy to the World,” in Common time, or “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” in 4/4. I can imagine the thrill of the people along the way, and for those playing in the pipe band, as these Christmas songs ring out. Let us know your experiences and suggestions.

 Would you say this was an interesting experience, or was it just meant to be? Keith MacDonald, The Church Piper.

Remembrance Day in Canada

In Canada, Remembrance Day is celebrated on November the 11th. Customarily, we respect a moment of silence at 11 AM, to reflect upon the memory of our soldiers who gave their lives so we can enjoy freedom in our beautiful country. Traditionally, a piper plays a lament. There is a silence broken by a reveille by the piper. Military tradition dictates, “The Flowers of the Forest,” as the lament. I regularly played that selection in The Army and Navy Legion Pipes and Drums in Winnipeg. In churches, schools and care homes, other music recognizable to those attending, is generally chosen.

My choice of a hymn for our church service this November, was “Highland Cathedral.” A soloist sang, “I Cannot Tell,” to the melody, “Londonderry Air.” Both were beautiful tributes to our military personnel. This was the Sunday before Remembrance Day. White Rock Baptist Church has excellent acoustics and the music was projected to Heaven. The Surrey Firefighters’ Pipe Band, in British Columbia is the one to which I belong, and our members performed in the morning of November 11th, at the cenotaph. A short parade to the Legion followed, where a program was presented. Having been asked to play at Westminster House for seniors, I didn’t participate with the band. The moment of silence at the home was observed precisely at eleven o’clock. The lament was played a few minutes before, and the reveille after the silence. The lament chosen for this occasion, was “The Lament of the MacDonalds,” because it involved an instance of hostilities not to be forgotten. It is the saddest song I know, and there is no other instrument able to convey the deep emotion like the pipes. “Highland Cathedral” was appropriate for the reveille. There wasn’t a trumpet player, so the piper took both parts in the program.

At Westminster House Seniors’ Home, war veterans were given an opportunity to speak about the branch of service in which they participated and to say something about their experiences. Some were well over 90; both men and women.

The second Seniors’ home, Morgan Place, required a piper for their afternoon service on Remembrance Day, which was convenient. The program was well organized. A Mountie was present in his red serge coat, riding breeches, high leather boots, and Stetson. A lady spoke on the significance of Remembrance Day. Singing and a few comments by residents rounded the program. “Amazing Grace” was requested and the lament was, “Dark Island,” one of the most beautiful and expressive songs I know. A lady said afterwards, that she recognized “Dark Island.” In closing, I played, “Highland Cathedral,” and I marched out with it, along with the Mountie, who looked magnificent and smart, reminding everyone of the considerable training that is typical of the military and our police force.

Our pipe band was enlisted by a local High School, to play for two services of remembrance a few days before the 11th. The school consists of approximately 1600 students, and required two consecutive services to accommodate them all in the auditorium. The band led the color party of students, and also played several numbers. An elderly war veteran spoke at both sessions, and videos showed the horror of wars. Students were most attentive and respectful as they thought of the soldiers who lost their lives. “We remember them,” and pray, that wars will no longer involve our dear sons and daughters, to enable us to live in peace. We are thankful to all who gave their lives for our freedom. I am honored to participate in these sacred remembrance services, to help families remember their dear ones, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sake.

Running in the Rain

The season in British Columbia in fall, can be rainy. Days can also be nice and sunny, but regardless of the weather, sports still continue. Our grandsons are competitive cross country runners, and the last couple of week-ends tested their endurance in the finals. First, the qualifying race for grades 9 and ten, and the following week, the provincials. Jaxon is 15 in grade 10 while his brother, Jeremiah is 13 in grade 8. In his qualifying race, Jaxon won in spite of the rain, and loved trying his sprint at the finish, although it wasn’t necessary.

His younger brother ran with the older boys for the fun of it, and to practice for his own up-coming race. To his satisfaction, he came in 6th. Competitors were a sight at the finish; covered with mud, but they didn’t mind.

The following Saturday, it was pouring rain, and the cross-country provincial race was on in Vancouver, for boys in grades 9 and 10. Jaxon said before and after the race that he loves to run in the rain. There were 226 boys in the group. When they came running down the first grassy stretch, the water was spraying upwards like it does when a bus goes through a puddle. As the group began to stretch out, they came to what seemed like a pond. That didn’t deter them. They plowed through it.

We watched at different points along the course, and it was a delight to see Jaxon building up his lead. His style of running is like he had wheels going round and round.

The last stretch was very exciting because a young runner from Victoria was bound he’d win. He was a sprinter and ‘poured on the coal’ towards the end, but didn’t quite make it. He fell in the mud just before the finish line. What a disappointment for him. Jaxon won the provincials, and it was the result of lots of practice and his ability to run in the rain and love it.

For him, the day wasn’t over, because he still had to play a near-final game of soccer. That was in the rain too. His team is “high performance” and did very well. We were there to watch, and were dressed to keep dry and warm.

A picture of Jaxon, his brother Jeremiah, and their dad, Jim, their coach, was taken by the interviewer and appeared in our newspaper. Julia, the boys’ eleven year old sister would be thinking her brothers were getting considerable publicity. However, about two weeks later, when she and her mother went to see what was happening at the fish hatchery, a news reporter took her picture holding a large salmon. The newspaper published it, to Julia’s delight. She enjoys some of the glory that her brothers have been sharing. We are delighted too.

The Power of Prayer

On Saturday, the 11^th of October, 2015, our Surrey Firefighters’ Pipe Band performed twice and we were very pleased with our success.  The first was for the Raspberry Festival in Ft. Langley.  Later in the day, it was in the Sheraton Hotel in Vancouver, for the Retirement Banquet of Firefighters and for their guests.  We had some concern for the weather at our first engagement, because the forecast was for rain.  However, it didn’t rain, except between engagements, and we were thankful.

At our evening performance, while tuning up, Tricia, one of our excellent lady pipers announced that she was recently diagnosed as having a cancerous tumor on her lung.  It would soon be removed surgically.  She was informed that it wasn’t aggressive.  She would however, require post-surgical medical treatment.  We were considerably stunned by her announcement and assured Tricia that we understood her need for prayer.  We can’t be certain when she will resume her piping and we’ll miss her in the meantime.

We were reminded of Steve’s recent accident, in which he was riding his bicycle and crashed over a ledge.  He broke his neck in three places.  Fortunately, he was given immediate expert care and hopes to be playing his side drum again in approximately three months.  We will pray that he recovers completely, and will be able to carry his tenor drum as easily as before.

We need competent pipers and drummers, and are confronted with these sad occurrences.  We must pray that God will provide healing for Trish and Steve, as well as for some new, competent players.

I believe in the power of prayer and God’s response by answering with a miracle.  When Bert, a dear friend was diagnosed with lung cancer.  His friends prayed for his recovery, when he was dying in the hospital.  Miraculously, Bert recovered and soon after he retired, he went back to university, to earn a Master’s degree in Theology.  He became the senior pastor of a church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  I always remember him telling us about his amazing recovery.  He needed a drink of water to continue with his story.  He had been an inveterate smoker, but he certainly is not now. 

Having been a witness to Bert’s story about God’s healing, and to know that he is now striving to serve God, I have faith in the power of prayer, and will pray for healing for both Trish and Steve.  At the same time, I am praying that others who read this blog will be convinced to pray too, for Trish and Steve and also for themselves.  One should also remember to thank God for His loving care and not forget that in everything we do, we should do it as for God, and not for man. 

Renewing the Antiquated

A friend who is a fellow piper sent me an antiquated hymnbook. It’s about 50 years old, and he asked how I’d like to do some transposing and arranging to bring to life these hymns by rewriting them for the Highland bagpipes. Afterwards we could publish and share them with pipers who play in church. I liked the invitation, and yet, when I perused the pages, I realized this was going to be a bigger task than I had ever undertaken in writing music.

The music was written in an old style known as shape-notes, in which the notes were either printed as triangles, circles or squares, with each one mounted on a stem, making them appear not unlike little tulips, with their tails resembling leaves. These were eighth or sixteenth notes. Some had no tails, so they were either whole, half, or quarter notes, This style of writing was once considered useful for choirs, so sopranos, tenors and bases could readily identify their lines.

I began with a hymn I suspected would be the easiest, choosing to follow the triangles, and soon realized this was no ordinary undertaking because there were no beams to organize the notes into 4/4, 6/8, 6/4 or whatever time signature had been chosen. Besides, for bagpipes, the pitch is higher than today’s concert pitch, so the hymns had to be transposed. This would be a major undertaking.

My first approach to the task was to play a few of the hymns on the piano, to get the rhythm, and determine where to place the beams. I rewrote the hymns, following the triangles, transposing the tune into either the key of A or D, whichever was suitable. I realized that I wouldn’t be adding a key signature to the bagpipe notation, because the pipes don’t conform to familiar keys, but to a Pythagorean scale, also called a Myxilodean scale, for which there is no key signature.

Once the music was transposed and transcribed on paper, the embellishments essential to pipe music were added. Because the instrument is played with continual sound, and the notes need to be separated if two adjacent notes are identical, grace notes are an essential part of writing bagpipe music. The best choice of grace notes, doublings, grips and tuorluaths is remarkable in providing expression to the music. This has been an exacting task because embellishments must be chosen so the piper’s fingers will not get tangled up, but will automatically strike the natural embellishments.

Hymns are arranged in this manner, and reviewed days later, to permit a second look and some refinement. Successively more difficult transposing follows, with each hymn being resurrected from the old book where it would have decayed, never to be played. The music was obviously written by a musician gifted with the poetic muse in addition to that for composing, for he wrote two or three verses for each hymn, along with a Chorus.

My friend is an expert in engraving music, and uses the most sophisticated music program. The same program is used to engrave music for the Vancouver and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras as well as for The Church Piper. With the beams slanted according to the melody, sight reading is facilitated.

We are nearing the time when this especially prepared hymnbook for pipers will be ready, and we are longing to complete it for your enjoyment. Meanwhile, I shall write an article on the rules one should abide by when writing music.

A Fundraiser For Mental Health

My Father’s Day on Sunday, June the 21st, 2015, will be remembered as very special for several reasons; one being my participation in the Fundraiser for The Canadian Mental Health Association. I was invited as the piper, to play for a short while for each contingent of a large number of cyclists shortly after they began their tour from Swangard Stadium and through the city of Vancouver. Thousands of cyclists and runners were divided into many categories such as the 60, 20 and 10 km runs.

Their response to my pipe music was quite thrilling as they rode past, giving a thumbs up and waving. One fellow was so entranced by the music of “The Road to the Isles,” that he stopped to perform the Highland Fling. He gave it everything he had and it was wonderful to watch. Then, he continued on his walk. 

It was a beautiful day for dancing, cycling, walking and playing the pipes. I played all sorts of music, remembering it by categories, such as 6/8’s, 4/4’s, well-known Scottish selections and hymn songs. I figured that for those who knew those hymns, they would love hearing them, and for those who were not familiar with hymns, they would nevertheless enjoy them; ones like “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” “Immortal, Invisible,” “To God be the Glory, “and “Take the Name of Jesus With You.”

Our daughter had a Father’s Day Celebration at her house in the afternoon, which included a BBQ luncheon and spontaneous entertainment by one of our grandsons and his soccer buddies. They made the most of a warm, sunny day by wresting on the slippery surface of the trampoline. We were happy to see them conclude their show of strength and agility without accidents. It was very rough!

There was still time in the day to attend a lecture on the Book of Hebrews given by our pastor at our Baptist church, and to have some interesting conversations afterwards with some of our friends who were there. Many wonderful memories will follow this great Father’s Day.   

What is Righteousness?

Would a person be considered pretentious if he or she claimed to be righteous? It is a word that describes a relationship with God. Some would say, I wouldn’t dare claim a relationship at all with God, for God is supreme and perfect and there can be no relationship with God. Another person might say, that is for God to decide, while someone else, who feels a close relationship with God would say, ‘without a doubt, I would describe myself as righteous.

Let us consider what righteousness is. It is definitely a quality to be credited to a person for how well he or she relates to God. One might say a righteous person is honest and avoids actions that would harm or exploit someone else. In the Bible, there are many who related well to God. There was Mary and there was Joseph, the one whose brothers sold him to some Egyptians. Also, there was Moses, and Paul for examples. The word divides the lost and the saved. In actuality, however, that definition is faulty because there is the question of how good a person must be to be righteous. The Pharisees said they prayed at least twice a week. Jesus, however, wasn’t impressed. Giving His life for the sake of being the sacrifice to God for the sins of all mankind, He was the only righteous person and He made it possible for anyone else to become righteous by accepting His sacrificial life as if it was that person’s own. Otherwise, it is impossible to know when a sufficient number of good deeds has been done to earn a relationship with God.

The only way to become righteous is by our trust in God. Righteousness is imputed or imparted to us. When our trust is in Jesus, perfect righteousness is imparted or credited to our account and it is a gift. Whether it is imputed or imparted, once a person has an implicit trust in God, he is made righteous. It requires believing that his or her sins have been forgiven by Christ’s sacrificial death and His resurrection.

There is a very good reason why I am mentioning this, for it is the relationship a piper must hold with God, for his or her music to be of significance when called upon to play for sacred engagements. This point was especially acknowledged by me one beautiful sunny, warm afternoon as I was playing at a funeral service in the cemetery. The family of the deceased person was gathered around the grave as the coffin was about to be lowered, and it was just after I had been looking into the clear blue sky, watching birds flying here and there, and I was thinking of God’s eternity as I played. I looked and caught the eye of a young lady who I think was the daughter of the deceased father. She nodded to me, indicating that the music was meaningful to her. I nodded back that I understood how the music touched one’s heart. I thought, I am actually the go-between person carrying her message of thanks to God, for the years she experienced her dad’s love. At the same time, I was carrying God’s love and His sympathy back to her and her family by my pipe music. I sensed that I had to be a clean vessel through which to carry that message.

I remember reading in the Bible that God isn’t inclined to listen to someone who doesn’t love Him. I located that Scripture recently, and it says, “But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59: 2 So, God won’t even hear our playing if we don’t know Him. Why would He? 

I realize more than ever, that it would be presumptuous for a piper who did not know Christ, to accept engagements to play for any event that should require knowing God personally, for without that relationship, his or her music would not even be heard by God.               

Generally, it’s a Pleasure

Generally, when I’m invited to play my pipes for a special occasion, I’m happy to oblige. I’ve played for many weddings, celebrations of life, banquets and church services. For most, I’ve been paid to provide the service. For others, I’ve elected not to charge. I wouldn’t charge for playing call to worship at church, and I certainly would not set a fee for any close friend or relative. I understand that when a person pays for something, he or she expects to receive quality for the money spent, and similarly, I feel obliged to provide quality, whether it is to play in a head table, or play for a wedding or funeral service. It’s a different story when a piper is invited to play in the head table and advised there is no fee offered but he or she may sit down to dinner. One will not be properly appreciated. What doesn’t cost anything to accept, cannot be fully appreciated. Nor can the giver think how much satisfaction there is in giving.

Quite often, I’ve not charged for piping, and I’ve always had a good feeling when providing the service, because I’ve played for close friends and relatives. I felt great about being asked, and yet not expecting payment. It would be my gift to the newly married couple or to the bereaved family, if they were friends of mine. The situation was different recently, for I was asked to play in the head table and join the group for dinner. I would rather play well, and leave the group to its own associates, than be an extra person at the banquet. I questioned the organizer of this banquet, who represented quite an influential social organization, whether or not there would be a cocktail hour before dinner, where members could buy a drink. I was informed that there would be. I asked if those spirits were more important than enlisting the services of a piper and was informed that no, they were considered separately. I replied that I consider remuneration for the piping as important as the refreshments before the meal. Would they consider the piper?

The response to my request was that they have never paid for the services of a piper and didn’t wish to start now. I concluded the conversation was finished. The organization carried on without a piper. A drab sort of commencement. Pomp and ceremony attached to the banquet was lost.

If the organization, on the other hand, was just starting up and needed a piper, and could not afford his services, I certainly would have been glad to help out. It was entirely different, however, when members would be buying their cocktails before dinner, expecting free piping, not allowing for showing their appreciation for the piper’s well-practiced music and his attention to appropriate dress for the occasion.