Who Piped in 2007 at the Elizabeth Celtic Festival
The Grade IV Solo Piping Competition
This page is a labor of love and a work in progress...I hope to make it better over time. Therefore, please check back, now and then, to see additions.
Event: Grade IV 2/4 March (minimum of four parts)
Patrick Fry, Denver, Colorado
Tune: "Walter Douglas, M.B.E."
("M.B.E" means "Member of the British Empire," an honor conferred upon British citizens in recognition of some significant contribution to the United Kingdom. We have...no idea what he did, or who he is...just that the great Donald MacLeod composed a pipe tune in his honor. )
Hayden Bellamy
Tune not submitted ahead of time.
Timm Herrod, Centennial, Colorado -- Tartan: Isle of Skye
Tune: "The Piper of Loch Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo", meaning "Black"...Loch Dubh thus means "Black Lake")
Timothy Hughes, Broomfield, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Liberton is, these days, an outlying, southern suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The tune was popularized by the late Scottish band leader and accordion player Jimmy Shand, although he
sometimes called it "Fiona's Wedding." In The Irish Brigade Collection of Pipe Music it's called
"The Caubeen Trimmed in Blue." It's been used for both a reel and a polka in Scottish Country Dance music,
and is often piped for the rather obscure Scottish Highland Dance called "The Village Maid."
It may originally be from England (tunes know no border, and often become known by many different
names). It is one of the most recognizable tunes played on the pipes.
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean
from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.'
This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the
Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered
that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher,
Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer;
it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have
liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment
that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland,
despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by
most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning
the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Patrick Fry, Denver, Colorado
Tune: "Walter Douglas, M.B.E."
("M.B.E" means "Member of the British Empire," an honor conferred upon British citizens in recognition of some significant contribution to the United Kingdom. We have...no idea what he did, or who he is...just that the great Donald MacLeod composed a pipe tune in his honor. )
Hayden Bellamy
Tune not submitted ahead of time.
Timm Herrod, Centennial, Colorado -- Tartan: Isle of Skye
Tune: "The Piper of Loch Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo", meaning "Black"...Loch Dubh thus means "Black Lake")
Timothy Hughes, Broomfield, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Liberton is, these days, an outlying, southern suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The tune was popularized by the late Scottish band leader and accordion player Jimmy Shand, although he
sometimes called it "Fiona's Wedding." In The Irish Brigade Collection of Pipe Music it's called
"The Caubeen Trimmed in Blue." It's been used for both a reel and a polka in Scottish Country Dance music,
and is often piped for the rather obscure Scottish Highland Dance called "The Village Maid."
It may originally be from England (tunes know no border, and often become known by many different
names). It is one of the most recognizable tunes played on the pipes.
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean
from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.'
This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the
Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered
that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher,
Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer;
it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have
liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment
that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland,
despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by
most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning
the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
("M.B.E" means "Member of the British Empire," an honor conferred upon British citizens in recognition of some significant contribution to the United Kingdom. We have...no idea what he did, or who he is...just that the great Donald MacLeod composed a pipe tune in his honor. )
Hayden Bellamy
Tune not submitted ahead of time.
Timm Herrod, Centennial, Colorado -- Tartan: Isle of Skye
Tune: "The Piper of Loch Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo", meaning "Black"...Loch Dubh thus means "Black Lake")
Timothy Hughes, Broomfield, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Liberton is, these days, an outlying, southern suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The tune was popularized by the late Scottish band leader and accordion player Jimmy Shand, although he
sometimes called it "Fiona's Wedding." In The Irish Brigade Collection of Pipe Music it's called
"The Caubeen Trimmed in Blue." It's been used for both a reel and a polka in Scottish Country Dance music,
and is often piped for the rather obscure Scottish Highland Dance called "The Village Maid."
It may originally be from England (tunes know no border, and often become known by many different
names). It is one of the most recognizable tunes played on the pipes.
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean
from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.'
This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the
Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered
that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher,
Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer;
it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have
liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment
that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland,
despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by
most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning
the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Timm Herrod, Centennial, Colorado -- Tartan: Isle of Skye
Tune: "The Piper of Loch Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo", meaning "Black"...Loch Dubh thus means "Black Lake")
Timothy Hughes, Broomfield, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Liberton is, these days, an outlying, southern suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The tune was popularized by the late Scottish band leader and accordion player Jimmy Shand, although he
sometimes called it "Fiona's Wedding." In The Irish Brigade Collection of Pipe Music it's called
"The Caubeen Trimmed in Blue." It's been used for both a reel and a polka in Scottish Country Dance music,
and is often piped for the rather obscure Scottish Highland Dance called "The Village Maid."
It may originally be from England (tunes know no border, and often become known by many different
names). It is one of the most recognizable tunes played on the pipes.
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean
from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.'
This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the
Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered
that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher,
Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer;
it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have
liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment
that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland,
despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by
most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning
the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Timothy Hughes, Broomfield, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Liberton is, these days, an outlying, southern suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The tune was popularized by the late Scottish band leader and accordion player Jimmy Shand, although he
sometimes called it "Fiona's Wedding." In The Irish Brigade Collection of Pipe Music it's called
"The Caubeen Trimmed in Blue." It's been used for both a reel and a polka in Scottish Country Dance music,
and is often piped for the rather obscure Scottish Highland Dance called "The Village Maid."
It may originally be from England (tunes know no border, and often become known by many different
names). It is one of the most recognizable tunes played on the pipes.
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean
from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.'
This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the
Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered
that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher,
Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer;
it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have
liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment
that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland,
despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by
most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning
the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Liberton is, these days, an outlying, southern suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The tune was popularized by the late Scottish band leader and accordion player Jimmy Shand, although he sometimes called it "Fiona's Wedding." In The Irish Brigade Collection of Pipe Music it's called "The Caubeen Trimmed in Blue." It's been used for both a reel and a polka in Scottish Country Dance music, and is often piped for the rather obscure Scottish Highland Dance called "The Village Maid." It may originally be from England (tunes know no border, and often become known by many different names). It is one of the most recognizable tunes played on the pipes.
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean
from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.'
This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the
Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered
that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher,
Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer;
it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have
liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment
that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland,
despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by
most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning
the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
"Donald MacLean of Oban and Glasgow was known as Wee Donald MacLean, to distinguish him from Big Donald MacLean from (The Isle of) Lewis. He was small for a man, about 5 foot 4 inches."
"He is remembered today by most people as the subject of the march, 'Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban.' This was made in 1938 by Blind Archie MacNeill, after Donald had failed to win a place in any of the competitions at the Argyllshire Gathering (in Oban, maybe one of the top three piping contests in the world), most unusual for him. Many considered that he had been robbed, and that his MSR (March, Strathspey and Reel) had been outstanding. His friend and teacher, Archie MacNeill,was laughing afterwards, and said he guessed that 1938 would be Donald's last appearance at Oban."
"On the train on his way back to Glasgow, Archie gave the name to a tune he had composed earlier that summer; it became widely known and played, even though IT WAS NOT Donald's last appearance at Oban. He is said not to have liked the tune very much; he was probably tired of hearing it, or perhaps he did not like having his disappointment that day underlined quite so publicly."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll by Bridget MacKenzie (which every piper should have).
Incidently, this tune has been one of the most popular tunes with professional piping competitors in Scotland, despite the fact that, for many years, it was unpublished. As Bridget MacKenzie notes, he is remembered today by most people because of this tune, but his place in history would be secure, nevertheless, because of his winning the Gold Medal at Inverness in 1931 as the age of 19. He lived from 1912 through 1986.
Patrick Neff, Golden, Colorado --
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
David Delhougne, Highlands Ranch, Colorado -- Tartan: Fort William
Tune: "The Liberton Pipe Band"
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Marion Zietz, Aurora, Colorado -- Solid Green Kilt of the Michael Collins Pipe Band
Tune: "Major C. M. Usher" (an officer of the Gordon Highlanders in WWI)
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher,
DSO,
OBE, was a very
keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised
Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." --
quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors.
Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
"Major C. M. Usher, OBE"--"This gallant Gordon Highlander, later to be Colonel C. M. Usher, DSO, OBE, was a very keen piper and was taught by both G.S. (George S.) McLennan and his father Lieutenant John McLennan. G.S. promised Charles Usher a tune once he received his promotion to Major and it is probably the last tune that G.S. composed." -- quoted from "The Gordon Highlanders Pipe Music Collection, Volume 1", Peter Graham and Brian MacRae, editors. Paterson's Publication Ltd., London.
Kent Killgore, Aurora, Colorado -- Tartan: Kilgour
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "Captain Norman Orr-Ewing" (an officer in the Scots Guards)
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment.
It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914
and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt
during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men
of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after
company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of
Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they
were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line,
such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion:
"I want you to convey to every man in your
Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon
their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can
never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish
Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland.
His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a
Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire,
shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier
General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of
Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
This tune was written in 1912 by Pipe Major William Ross of the Scots Guards for an officer in his regiment. It is a well-known tune and is played the world over.
Capt. Norman Orr-Ewing began WWI by being attached to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards in October of 1914 and was awarded the DSO for his gallantry under fire. He was the most senior officer left alive and unhurt during a vicious attack by four German divisions, and took command of what was left of the battalion, around 160 men of all ranks (down from over 800 the week before). The line was near breaking-point by then, but company after company delivered what blow it could, and fell back, shelled and machine-gunned at every step, to the fringe of Zillebeke Wood. Here the officers, every cook, orderly, and man who could stand, took rifle and fought; for they were all that stood there between the enemy and the Channel Ports. They just wouldn't be broken, and the line, such as it was, held.
Their Brigadier, Lord Cavan, wrote on the 20th November (1914) to Captain N. Orr-Ewing, commanding the Battalion: "I want you to convey to every man in your Battalion that I consider that the safety of the right flank of the British section depended entirely upon their staunchness after the disastrous day, Nov. 1. Those of them that were left made history, and I can never thank them enough for the way in which they recovered themselves and showed the enemy that the Irish Guards must be reckoned with, however hard hit."
Norman Orr-Ewing was born in 1880 and served in the Scots Guards from 1900 until 1919. His family was deeply rooted in rural central Scotland. His ancestry included descent from Alexander Ewing, born at Balloch around 1660, and a maternal lineage from a Campbell of Dunstaffnage (the "Orr" had been adopted by the first baronet, Sir Archie, MP for Dumbartonshire, shortly after creation of the baronetcy in 1886). Sir Norman was the 4th Baronet, retired with the rank of Brigadier General, and died on March 26, 1960. His son, Ronald, was a major in the Scots Guards in WWII and was one of Scotland's most prominent freemasons, died at age 90 in 2002.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado --
Tune: "Donald MacLean's Farewell to Oban"
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 2/4 March
9 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
1st Place: Nick Pelc
2nd Place: Michael K Soressi
3rd Place: Hayden D Bellamy
4th Place: Nicholas C Theriault
5th Place: David A Delhougne
6th Place: Patrick C Fry
Event: Grade IV 6/8 March (minimum of four parts)
Hayden Bellamy
Tune not submitted ahead of time.
Timm Herrod, Centennial, Colorado --Tartan: Isle of Skye
Tune: "Laphroaig",
(La-for-roy-ig) or (La-foroyaig)
This is the name of, perhaps, the best Single Malt Whisky in Scotland.
The Laphroaig Distillery is in Port Ellen situated on the south coast of the isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland.
(The name means "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.")
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Cock of the North"
This was a name associated with the Chief of Clan Gordon, a fiesty, tough fighter. It is also the
Regimental March of the Gordon Highlanders and was played by Piper George Findlater when he won
the Victoria Cross at the assult of the Heights of Dargai on Oct. 20th, 1897.
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo")
Ironically, the Piobaireachd is called "Black Donald's March," while this tune
(inspired by the piobaireachd) is called "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh."
Burke L. Benton, Evergreen, Colorado -- Tartan: MacKenzie
Tune: "The Dundee City Police Pipe Band"
This great march was composed by Jimmy Shand,
one of the top accordionists and composers in Scotland.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado -- Tartan: Sutherland
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
Tune not submitted ahead of time.
Timm Herrod, Centennial, Colorado --Tartan: Isle of Skye
Tune: "Laphroaig",
(La-for-roy-ig) or (La-foroyaig)
This is the name of, perhaps, the best Single Malt Whisky in Scotland.
The Laphroaig Distillery is in Port Ellen situated on the south coast of the isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland.
(The name means "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.")
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Cock of the North"
This was a name associated with the Chief of Clan Gordon, a fiesty, tough fighter. It is also the
Regimental March of the Gordon Highlanders and was played by Piper George Findlater when he won
the Victoria Cross at the assult of the Heights of Dargai on Oct. 20th, 1897.
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo")
Ironically, the Piobaireachd is called "Black Donald's March," while this tune
(inspired by the piobaireachd) is called "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh."
Burke L. Benton, Evergreen, Colorado -- Tartan: MacKenzie
Tune: "The Dundee City Police Pipe Band"
This great march was composed by Jimmy Shand,
one of the top accordionists and composers in Scotland.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado -- Tartan: Sutherland
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
Tune: "Laphroaig",
(La-for-roy-ig) or (La-foroyaig)
This is the name of, perhaps, the best Single Malt Whisky in Scotland.
The Laphroaig Distillery is in Port Ellen situated on the south coast of the isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland.
(The name means "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.")
Nick Theriault, Danville, California (a few miles east of Oakland, California)--Tartan: Black Stewart
Tune: "Cock of the North"
This was a name associated with the Chief of Clan Gordon, a fiesty, tough fighter. It is also the
Regimental March of the Gordon Highlanders and was played by Piper George Findlater when he won
the Victoria Cross at the assult of the Heights of Dargai on Oct. 20th, 1897.
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo")
Ironically, the Piobaireachd is called "Black Donald's March," while this tune
(inspired by the piobaireachd) is called "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh."
Burke L. Benton, Evergreen, Colorado -- Tartan: MacKenzie
Tune: "The Dundee City Police Pipe Band"
This great march was composed by Jimmy Shand,
one of the top accordionists and composers in Scotland.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado -- Tartan: Sutherland
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
Tune: "Cock of the North"
This was a name associated with the Chief of Clan Gordon, a fiesty, tough fighter. It is also the
Regimental March of the Gordon Highlanders and was played by Piper George Findlater when he won
the Victoria Cross at the assult of the Heights of Dargai on Oct. 20th, 1897.
Nick Pelc, Littleton, Colorado -- Tartan: Hunting Hamilton
Tune: "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo")
Ironically, the Piobaireachd is called "Black Donald's March," while this tune
(inspired by the piobaireachd) is called "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh."
Burke L. Benton, Evergreen, Colorado -- Tartan: MacKenzie
Tune: "The Dundee City Police Pipe Band"
This great march was composed by Jimmy Shand,
one of the top accordionists and composers in Scotland.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado -- Tartan: Sutherland
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
Tune: "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh" ('Dubh' pronounced: "Doo")
Ironically, the Piobaireachd is called "Black Donald's March," while this tune
(inspired by the piobaireachd) is called "The Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh."
Burke L. Benton, Evergreen, Colorado -- Tartan: MacKenzie
Tune: "The Dundee City Police Pipe Band"
This great march was composed by Jimmy Shand,
one of the top accordionists and composers in Scotland.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado -- Tartan: Sutherland
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
Tune: "The Dundee City Police Pipe Band"
This great march was composed by Jimmy Shand,
one of the top accordionists and composers in Scotland.
Michael Soressi, Boulder, Colorado -- Tartan: Sutherland
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
Tune: "The Glenduruel Highlanders"
This tune was composed by Pipe Major Alexander Fettes of the Aberdeen Volunteers in the mid-1800s.
It was composed for the Gillies family who came from the Glendural area of the Strachur district, which is
to the east of Loch Fyne, not far from Inverary, the home of the Campbells of Argyll.
John and Isabella Gillies had a son
who was a student of Pipe Major Fettes. His name was John MacDougall Gillies, who became a piping legend,
winning every important piping contest, and was the first winner of the super award for continuous winners,
called the Clasp. John MacDougall Gillies was a significant teacher of Archibald Campbell of Kilberry
(compilier of the Kilberry Book of Ceol Mor).
Bridget MacKenzie writes, "Colonel Campbell of Glendaruel was the Commanding Officer of the Argyll Volunteers in the early years of
the 20th century, and he made The Glendaruel Highlanders his battalion's March Past, when they were part of the
8th Argylls.'
"Much later, the tune was taken up by Andy Stewart, who wrote foolish word to it as 'Campbeltown Loch, I Wish You
Were Whisky.' This at least had the merit of making the tune well-known, but Pipe Major Fettes gets little credit
for his work."
From the outstanding book, Piping Traditions of Arygll
by Bridget MacKenzie (published by the College of Piping).
The Results: Grade 4 Piping 6/8 March
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
5 Competitors qualified for placing.
1st Place: Nicholas C. Theriault
2nd Place: Nick Pelc
3rd Place: Timm Herrod
4th Place: Michael K. Soressi
5th Place: Burke L. Benton
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