Improve With Practice

Disciplined practice, while one strives for perfection will reap great rewards. As an example, “Amazing Grace” when played with more expression, will be improved immensely. Its enhancement will be from maintaining constancy of its beat and giving full amount of time to the first beat of each bar. The tune is not to be hurried and the pipes should be exceedingly well tuned and blown to their full tone. The triplets need to be played with more emphasis on the first note of the triplet. Some music shows these three notes as a triplet, and yet they were not originally so. Organ and piano music show then as two eighth notes. Pipers have written them as a triplet. Triplets should be given a slight emphasis on the first note, but in “Amazing Grace” it is more than an emphasis. The first note is to be played as an eighth note and the following two as sixteenth notes. The tune will be much improved. Strict three-four timing must be maintained throughout. Other hymns can be improved similarly. One for example is “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” also written in 3/4 time.

Six-eight marches and slow marches, are composed with two groups of three notes in each bar, and most of them, but not all, are played with more time given to the first note of the three. Often, it is not played long enough. Instead, the third note is improperly given the extra time. Considerable improvement is possible in the playing of these tunes, when the dotted notes are given their proper amount of time. Practice should be spent concentrating on maintaining this strict 6/8 time throughout each tune.

Often, three notes are played as though they were sliding down to the third note instead of being played with emphasis on the first one. Occasionally however, in pieces written in 6/8 time, the first note in a bar is the one that is cut, while the second note is dotted. These should be played distinctly. In so doing, the timing is not interrupted. Grouping of notes into threes also occurs in music written in 9/8, 12/8 and 6/4 time. While it is important to know the correct notes of a piece, their expression depends upon the time given to them. In piping this is of considerable importance because there is no "louder" or "softer," just emphasis in the timing.

Rather than learn a new piece of music while sitting at a table, it will be better to learn it while standing and marching. This is definitely an advantage when practicing the 6/4 piece, “Sands of Kuwait.” With six beats in a bar, each footstep has to be coordinated with a beat, with the piper’s heals coming down on each beat. It takes practice, which is worthwhile, as it produces exactitude. The result is coordination of each piper in the band. This is an excellent tune for marching when it has been practiced with accuracy.

Practice on the chanter or the bagpipes should involve marching as it helps to develop steady timing. Whether it is a march, reel, strathspey or jig, this kind of practicing will develop one’s control on timing and fingering so tunes will not simply get away on a person, but may eventually be speeded up and retain their accuracy.

A tune often played carelessly is “Dark Island,” also written in 3/4 time. Its timing is strict and its beats are like a metronome in a piper’s head. Emphasis is required on the first note in each bar. When they are not emphasized, the time is given erroneously to the second note and it doesn’t sound right. It happens in the seventh bar, and sounds incorrect, like it was played by ear rather than from the music. The song can be found in The Church Piper volume 12B, “More Songs of Scotland.”

Pipers around a table often tend to speed up. This happens because dotted notes are ignored, and a tendency exists to clip other notes. Improvement would be made in expression and constancy of timing, if dotted notes were held and notes were not clipped. Having practiced holding down the time when playing chanters, pipers can learn to listen to one another conscientiously while playing in the band. Playing will be improved tremendously to allow well-tuned pipes to “sing” their melody.

These are just a few considerations a piper can make to improve his or her practice time, and be assured that wise use of practice time will result in enhanced performance.

Summer Kids' Camp

Having heard about Keats Camp, a summer camp for kids, from those responsible for its operation, twenty-five of us took the church bus to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, where we boarded a water ferry. It took about an hour to get to Keats Island which is directly across a narrow strip of water from Gibsons, where “The Beachcombers,” the television program was filmed. We would see the camp and how kids spend their week.

Those in charge, said kids would be happy on the island even if they had to sleep in tents. Instead, numerous cabins provided superior accommodation. Beautifully finished inside, each accommodated 14 neat bunk beds. Skylights illuminated up-to-date washrooms. The workmanship in such fine cabins reflected the love and skill of handy men who contributed freely of their time. We were taken to other buildings too, in which meals were served and gatherings were held. Central outside green space was adequate for games, and a convenient hall complete with sofas, a TV, tables for Ping-Pong and Snooker, provided recreation facilities for the staff. A naval-style flagpole and a large anchor nearby accented the overall nautical theme.

Staff composed of energetic university students motivates the young campers. Permanent staff members include the chairman of the board, camp director and general manager of all operations. The general manager’s responsibilities are considerable, because of the need to make repairs on dwellings and other buildings in the camp complex, neglected for years before the present executive took over. His own house, which is three stories, is being renovated, and will include a new roof. It is a similar situation for the camp director’s house. Presently,  a tarpaulin covers his roof, waiting the date for repairs. Some friends discussed plans to drape a permanent canvas over the Quonset tool shed. The vinyl has been made to size. They are anxious to safeguard the tools and equipment from rust. The time for six or eight men to work together must be coordinated. The same men would like to interest a group to finance buying a tractor-mower, which will cost six thousand dollars.

While looking out the third story window of the general manager’s house, I watched with interest, a group of kids enjoying their water slide. They could have been thirteen or fourteen years old. A long strip of vinyl had been spread down the hill, and a stream of water was running over it. Kids would take a run and slide, either on a piece of plastic or without it. It didn’t seem to matter if they were out of control and collided with one another. Lots of hooting and hollering indicated they were enjoying the activity immensely. From a second story window, I saw a group of kids and their staff member heading down to the docks for a swim. The day was gorgeous, nice and hot, just right for swimming at camp.

A stroll through the tall evergreen trees and over rocks took us down to the docks where campers were swimming. It was obvious they enjoyed it, and so we had to stop and watch their numerous fancy dives. Kids love an audience and they surely performed for one another and for us. There were two powerful motor boats ready for those who would water-ski.

I learned from the general manager, that he draws the plans and figures out materials required for any buildings needed. He orders them from the lumberyard at Gibsons. They don’t have to come from Vancouver. (Groceries too, are ordered from Gibsons.) He and volunteers familiar with building are invited to work together for the construction.

A delicious lunch was served to our group of twenty-five and the camp director told us of the plans they had to improve the camp and how the executive plans to finance them. With 1500 or so campers during the summer and various church groups coming to spend a few days at conventions, along with money regularly subscribed, their huge budget is met. Keats Camp is a great place for kids to spend a week or two in the summer. Here, they can enjoy the great out of doors and be amazed at the mountainous scenery. God’s creation can be appreciated to a far greater extent out there on Keats Island, than anywhere imaginable.

An hour’s ride back to the Ferry Terminal and our bus ride home completed the morning and afternoon. Everyone enjoyed the day immensely and we were home in time for supper.

All on a Sunday

Sunday began early. We arose at six AM, had breakfast and left White Rock BC for Vancouver, to be there for the Provincial Track Meet. Our two grandsons, 10 and 12 years old, would be competing and the first race would begin at 8:30. The younger of the two lads ran first, -in the 800-metre race. He came in second. His opponent, who he had beaten before, had grown since the last race and his legs were just that much longer. He had also become stronger. Consolation for our lad was to be assured that he ran the course faster than he had last year. He was enlightened, and he expects to do well next time, after growing some more. He intends to train every day.



Our older grandson ran in the 1200-metre race. It was exciting to watch. He drew alongside his opponent, challenging him in the last stretch to the finish line and won, but only by a step. After congratulating both of our grandsons, we drove back to White Rock, to attend church service. It was a sunny day and we felt there was much to accomplish.



After lunch, I took my pipes to the forest area and found a clearing in the trail to do some fine-tuning and rehearsing for the birthday party for which I would be playing that afternoon. Something interesting happened. A lady, who had been listening, came over and said she liked the pipes very much and that she had a Scottish background. She said her maiden name was Buchanan. I introduced myself as Dr. MacDonald. She asked, “Are you Dr. Keith MacDonald?” I replied affirmatively, wondering how she would know. Was it because she had seen The Church Piper music books that I published, or that she knew me from the International Fellowship of Christian Pipers and Drummers? When she said she had been Judy Buchanan before she was married, I recognized her as having been my brother’s dental assistant after she graduated from High School. She reminded me that my brother, Ken and I, played the pipes for her wedding. That would have been 40 years ago. Her face was familiar. She said that she and Tom now have two daughters, and the dog, which she was taking for a walk in the forest. She lived in a nearby town and was in White Rock for the day, visiting one of her daughters. I guess you’d have to say, “It’s a small world.”



I went home and dressed in my MacDonald Highland outfit, had a quick bite and drove to the birthday party in Surrey. The map gave a very clear route and it wasn’t far to the home where the party would take place.



Being ahead of the scheduled arrival time, I tuned up in preparation for the arrival of the man whose 90th birthday party was to be celebrated. In my strategic spot on the back deck, I got the signal from the kitchen when to begin playing “Happy Birthday.” You can be sure the elderly gentleman and his wife were pleasantly surprised to be piped into the presence of their family and friends. In the spirit of the moment, “Let’s Have a Ceilidh,” was a great welcoming song to be played on the pipes.



A young Highland dancer demonstrated several dances and I continued with a few old familiar Scottish songs such as, “The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen,” “I Belong to Glasgow,” “The Road to the Isles,” and “Scotland the Brave.”



It was a wonderful day for an outdoor party, and everyone was enjoying it immensely, particularly the elderly couple who were originally from Scotland. What an appropriate celebration for one who is 90 years old and still able to enjoy being with his family and friends. It had been a joyous day for me as well, and I would be able to tell my own family and friends all that had transpired that Sunday.

Graduation From High School

Honoring our church youth one evening in June 2012, was a highlight for a small group of beloved young individuals. They could realize how much they are loved as persons and admired for their achievement. Strings of lights decorated the hall and attractive drapes adorned the platform. Delightful music was being played. Graduates were dressed as we seldom see them; in business suits and graduation dresses. Upon introduction, each dignified graduate walked through an archway, then along the room’s length, to be recognized by all and given a welcoming ovation. A colorful program described each one, with the name of the school from which he or she had graduated and their plans for the future.


The occasion celebrated five years during which our young people spent in youth group, from grade eight until graduating from grade twelve. Their youth minister spoke about getting to know them and seeing them mature after grade seven when they entered youth group. They would either be entering the work force immediately, or continuing their education in technology or university. They were advised that although graduation from grade twelve is considered a commendable achievement, it must not be recognized as a total accomplishment. Rather, they are to see it as a continuation of preparing for their future. Until now, character, personality, wisdom and knowledge had developed as the foundation to build their futures and would continue to do so. Their solid Christian principles would be thoroughly tried as they moved into the world and away from guiding influences of their families. He admonished them to retain those Christlike characteristics as they made new friends. Their entire futures would depend upon solidarity of wise choices.


A well- prepared video of the students was enjoyed. Each graduate had been interviewed and asked about his or her plans for the future, besides being asked for an opinion on some subject. Most would be entering a distant college, and not be attending their church as before. One would go to seminary, another to a school of culinary arts, one to study paramedics in preparation for search and rescue, and another would become a nurse. Others had specific plans to prepare for employment, and it would involve years of continual study, probably more years of adapting to the work force afterwards. They could only anticipate arrival at the top of the mountain of success after years of diligent perseverance, just as their young pastor advised.


Those who attended this auspicious occasion cheerfully participated by responding to questions relevant to the graduates’ specific interests outside school. One loved to ride her motor scooter. Another was adept at skate boarding. Participating in sports was popular, while spending summers as camp councilors was another interest. After this interaction, everyone was invited to enjoy a fancy dessert prepared by devoted ladies of the church. From this well-planned evening, our graduates knew they were loved, respected and wished a successful future. I’m sure they knew the people of their church were confident that they would attain their goals and maintain their faith in God as their guide to success.

A Trip to Israel

The opportunity came in April 2012, for a tour of Israel with a group from our church. We were enthusiastic and knew that walking in the extreme heat would require lots of energy. For some, the trip would have been too strenuous. Our tour guide was Ellis Andre, our Senior Pastor, who has been there many times, as well as Andrew Turnbull, our Assistant Pastor. Danny Heifitz, our guide in Israel was familiar with Israel’s history and the Biblical account of Jesus. (He is related to Jascha Heifitz, the famous violinist.)



Where Jesus walked was of interest, particularly the Via Dolorosa, the route taken from the place where He was falsely tried, and made to carry his cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull, where He was crucified. It is a very narrow, stone-paved street. He was buried in a cave, which was provided by Joseph of Aramathea. The Bible tells us that Jesus was unable to carry the heavy cross and stumbled once, because of the severe lashing He had received. We were convinced that the location of the grave was accurate and that it was near the skull-like rock formation, although that was not as significant as knowing that Jesus sacrificed His life for our forgiveness and that He rose again. Mary Magdalene, speaking to Him in the garden, was the first to witness His resurrection.



While in Jerusalem, we visited the upper room, and the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas came with a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the priests and elders, to capture Jesus. We stopped at the home of the high priest, Caiaphas, to visualize the place where Jesus was committed to death. It was the place where three times, Peter denied knowing Him.



The feeling of being where Jesus had been, was apparent when our tour ship stopped in the middle of the Sea of Galilee and our pastor read the account of the storm that caused Jesus’ disciples to cry out in despair, “Master, do you not care if we drown?” We imagined the angry waves tossing their boat around and Jesus calming the storm with the words, “Peace, be still!” We recalled His disciples uttering to one another, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”



It was on the Sea of Galilee that Jesus walked to join His disciples. They thought He was a spirit. Afterwards, Peter desired to go with them in the boat and undertook to walk to it on the water. Because the water was rough, he lost confidence and needed Jesus’ help. Jesus caught him and said, “O thou of little faith, why did you doubt?” The disciples acknowledged His deity, saying, “Of a truth, thou art the Son of God.”



An experience for our group to remember is to have been on the slope of the Mount of Beatitudes where we could look out onto the valley and know it was where Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Andrew confidently quoted the entire sermon. We could imagine Jesus teaching His disciples and those with them, that “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven, blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted,” and more.



The city of Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee was where Jesus restored to good health, the servant of a Roman Centurion. The servant was “paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus recognized the Centurion as having considerable faith, and said, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”



In Capernaum, we saw the ruins of Peter’s mother-in-law’s home, where a fine church is located over the site, and raised by pillars so the foundation can be seen easily. The significance is that Jesus frequently visited at this home and at one time, the dear woman had been seriously ill and Jesus cured her. Immediately, she was waiting on her guests.



We visited Tiberius, a fishing village on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus recruited His disciples, inviting them, saying, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”



Nazareth was where Jesus was brought up. It is also where He read from the scroll in the synagogue, telling the people that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” We saw the ruins of His parents’home, which can be seen easily, although the Church of the Annunciation is situated over the site.



St. Anne’s Church is located at the Pool of Bethesda. It is over 1000 years old and has remarkable acoustics. Julie Turnbull sang a hymn and it was beautiful, with the sound reflecting from the walls and ceiling.



To walk where Jesus walked was truly awesome. Our guide, Danny, related much about Jesus. We were shown the country of Israel from North to South, all the while being given a commentary on its history, especially the Roman influence. I shall follow up with a description of our trip from that viewpoint.

Ambitious Young People

                                                                                         Ambitious Young People!




Occasionally, one will attend a concert so fulfilling, that it contrasts with any concert in one’s memory. Last night’s Fountainview Academy’s performance in British Columbia’s White Rock Baptist Church sanctuary was that outstanding. Anyone who attended on Saturday night was talking about it excitedly after church on Sunday morning.



The group consisted of 85 musicians, both vocalists and instrumentalists of highest caliber. They completely filled the stage to overflowing. Gifted and disciplined individuals played violins, cellos, double bass, oboe, tubular bells, French horns, flutes, saxophones, trombones, clarinets, trumpets, a tuba, piano and harpsichord. Combined with the mixed choir, they delivered some unforgettable music. Hymns were animatedly enunciated, and conveyed their sacred messages.



Students and staff wrote all the arrangements and orchestrations. The songs were favourite familiar hymns. Some of the captivating hymns were, “Amazing Grace,” “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” and “Wonderful Words of Life,” accompanied by the fullness of a well balanced, precisely directed symphony orchestra. Softly played, smooth transitions between hymn arrangements made those interludes reverential, spiritual moments, when ovation wasn’t appropriate, while in the latter half of the program, appreciative acknowledgments after each rendition were made by the audience of several hundred.



Music students from  all over the world attend Fountainview Academy. I spoke with several. One young lady was from Minnesota. Others were from Spokane Washington, New Zealand, British Columbia, Norway and Iceland. The Academy is located in Lillooet, BC, amongst beautiful mountainous scenery. Their email address is, music@fountainview.ca Recorded music, entitled, “Steps to Christ in Song,” is available. Their CD’s were selling like hot cakes at the concert.



We were informed that this group of musicians travels considerable distances to perform, one excursion being to the southernmost part of California. I noticed their conveyances included two big buses and a trailer.



The music was both familiar and enjoyable. Personally, I have arranged many hymns in hymnbooks for the bagpipes, which I have shared with pipers  as The Church Piper. I reflect on how lovely it would be if a pipe band of this size could similarly perform  for concerts across North America, playing and singing the great old hymns. Maybe someday one will.

Enjoying the Symphony

A recent afternoon will remain in our good memories. We invited our seven-year-old granddaughter to a symphony concert. She loved the experience, both the symphony and the new methods of transportation. Besides, she is doing well with her piano and Highland dancing lessons.

The symphony concert is called Tea and Crumpets because tea with a cookie is served during the hour before the program begins. Since it starts at three in the afternoon, and we live in White Rock, about three-quarters of an hour from Vancouver, we picked up our granddaughter at her school, at noon, then left the car near the bus stop. Shortly, we were on the bus headed for Vancouver. Julia felt very special to have been given permission to be absent from  school that afternoon.

We transferred to the skytrain for an exciting ride to the inner city. With plenty of time before the concert, we had lunch in Sears. A short walk took us to the old, but beautifully designed and ornate Orpheum Theatre. We enjoyed our cookie and cup of tea. Julia was quite sophisticated, sipping her tea, with her little finger curved in the way stylish English ladies do it when they have afternoon tea.

Julia had the privileged seat beside her grandmother, while I sat twenty seats to the right. There, I could casually observe how our little granddaughter was enjoying the symphony. Afterwards, she told us that she had not realized there would be so many instruments playing together, and that she liked watching the busy conductor. Of course, Pierre Simard is an extraordinarily animated conductor and it was for everyone, entertaining to watch him conduct first one section and than another. When the music required more power, he supplied it. He used more and more energy, even working up a storm  which compelled the music and built it to a crescendo…for more than one selection. Julia would have much to tell her teacher and fellow students the next day at school. She took the program to show them.

Before boarding the skytrain back to the where we would transfer to a bus, we stopped again at Sears, to enjoy a hot chocolate and biscuit. Our return on the crowded skytrain and bus was an eye-opening experience as well for Julia, because she realized there are many people who rely upon this way of getting to work or school. By car, we took Julia home. She would tell her parents and brothers about her great day. Of course, her two brothers were confident that they can anticipate a special day too, with their grandparents; possibly an afternoon of geocaching, one of their favorite pastimes. Grandparents have a special roll familiarizing their grandchildren with things out and around, to build their confidence in being able to do the same eventually, alone.