My wife made me do some tidying up in my "band closet" (she's about to pop out a future Highlander and is really feathering the nest right now). Amongst the exercises that I never do and drafts of scores we never played I found a copy of the letter that one of our band's founding members, Dr. Steve Wilson, dictated to be read at Burns' Night 2006. Steve was in the final throws of a battle with cancer and died shortly before that Burns'. I was the emcee that evening and I can still remember how hard it was to get through the letter, which I will post below in a bit.
Running into this letter made me think about the fact that there are a lot of newer members of the Ozark Highlanders who never had the honor and pleasure of playing with Doc Wilson. He was a joy to be around and one of the most interesting people I've ever met. Ask some of the old hands in the band to tell you stories about Steve; I bet we all have one. And if not a story, at least a really bad joke. :)
Here's the letter:
BURNS NIGHT
It's always been one of my greatest pleasures to be a part of the Ozark Highlanders Pipe Band. I've always wanted to write a book about the Ozark Highlanders but there was always far too much material.
Some of my greatest pleasures have come in times spent with this fine group of people. It's been a fun ride all the way and in piping, I've made the closest friends I could have on this earth.
It's a well known fact among old pipers like myself that the Bible says when the angels rejoice with God they play harps, when they play for themselves they play bagpipes and God eavesdrops. Each one of you know deep down in your hearts, and all of you who know me, know that this is a load of crock. Nevertheless, like I've always said, this band is family.
It's been a great joyride, but I must reluctantly be the first to cash in my ticket. But I'll be waiting for you because we've got a big job coming up. So, tighten your snare heads and tune your drones and join me hopefully in the distant future for the biggest concert of all.
I leave you with brow of affection in my heart, a wee bit of sorrow, but with more joy than any laddie can ever expect, and now it is time to move on.
As we all remind ourselves the Great Clan Chief awaits us with open arms, just as you will each reside in my heart until the end of time.
Steven C. Wilson, M.D.
January 25, 2006
We miss you, Steve...
Friday, June 15, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Pipey's Orders
"No more fun for 3 months."
Sounds like a raw deal, but those words from Justin came right after having told us that one of our pipers was admitted to the hospital this morning and another had nearly severed the thumb and index finger of his right hand in a tractor accident.
Needless to say, not a great day for the Highlanders. We need everyone we can get right now if we are going to have a shot at Tulsa, so none of us are allowed to go skydiving, rattlesnake hunting, etc. until after competition. Also, and definitely more importantly, these are friends of ours and we hate to see them go though such things. When you spend as much time together as we do, your band starts feeling like a second family.
On a lighter note, we had our second beginners class today. Bret and I took the new drummers off so we could work on the basics of drumming and I think it all went really well; we are going to get some really solid players out of this if they will stick with it.
On another happy note, it is definitely worth mentioning that Justin has convinced Amy Robinson to come back to the band and serve as Pipe Sergeant. It's great having her around and we are really going to benefit from her talent and leadership. I for one am looking forward to our first band outing so I can get to know her better. She seems like a top cat.
As always, stay tuned...
cheers,
~Mark
Sounds like a raw deal, but those words from Justin came right after having told us that one of our pipers was admitted to the hospital this morning and another had nearly severed the thumb and index finger of his right hand in a tractor accident.
Needless to say, not a great day for the Highlanders. We need everyone we can get right now if we are going to have a shot at Tulsa, so none of us are allowed to go skydiving, rattlesnake hunting, etc. until after competition. Also, and definitely more importantly, these are friends of ours and we hate to see them go though such things. When you spend as much time together as we do, your band starts feeling like a second family.
On a lighter note, we had our second beginners class today. Bret and I took the new drummers off so we could work on the basics of drumming and I think it all went really well; we are going to get some really solid players out of this if they will stick with it.
On another happy note, it is definitely worth mentioning that Justin has convinced Amy Robinson to come back to the band and serve as Pipe Sergeant. It's great having her around and we are really going to benefit from her talent and leadership. I for one am looking forward to our first band outing so I can get to know her better. She seems like a top cat.
As always, stay tuned...
cheers,
~Mark
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Beginning Pipers and Drummers
Today we officially kicked off the new piping and drumming classes. Justin and I opted to have the two classes meet together for the first meeting, and I think it went really well. Looks like a fun crew that is excited about learning.
We ended up with about an equal number of pipers and drummers and the friendly divisions seem to already be taking place. We had a piper vs. drummer rhythm clap-off, and, though I hate to boast, we drummers won that thing handily... and weren't afraid to make that fact known to the pipers.
The next few months should be both fun and challenging for the new folks as well as the instructors. Look for a lot more posts about the progress of the students as they come along.
We ended up with about an equal number of pipers and drummers and the friendly divisions seem to already be taking place. We had a piper vs. drummer rhythm clap-off, and, though I hate to boast, we drummers won that thing handily... and weren't afraid to make that fact known to the pipers.
The next few months should be both fun and challenging for the new folks as well as the instructors. Look for a lot more posts about the progress of the students as they come along.
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