Two items added today. Firstly this press release about a new book from the Canadian Prairies. A very worthwhile project to support you will agree (see Letters) with a formidable list of contributors.
‘The book includes a biography and colour photo of each composer. A number of the compositions also include the unique feature of having a colour photo or a detailed description of the composition’s title on the same page as the tune itself.
‘The list of musicians who contributed to this project are: Nathan Mitchell, Josh McFarlane, Ryan Canning, Alistair McLaren, Rod Christie, Raul Peinado, Chris Cloete, Alex Rasmussen, Ken Eller, Graham Schmidt, Robert Fraser, Stewart Smith, Michael Grey, Sean Somers, Lincoln Hilton, P/M Neil Sutherland, Alex Hoplock, Gord Taylor, Ian Juurlink, Scott Wallace, John Lee Scott Walmer, Ian Lyons, Kyle Warren, Iain MacDonald, Davey Welsh, Matt MacIsaac, Bob Worrall, P/M Hugh Macpherson.
‘All proceeds from the project will be directed towards the Canadian Mental Health Association – Winnipeg Branch. Many of the contributors on the list above have a strong connection to the city of Winnipeg, MB, Canada and were delighted to know that the proceeds from the book would help benefit that community.
‘On a personal note, I have been writing bagpipe music since age sixteen and it has always been a dream of mine to publish a book of music which showcases the composing talent of Winnipeg alongside the best in the world.
‘Copies of the book are only $20 CDN, and can be shipped globally for only $3.99 CDN from this website: www.winnipegcollection.com . Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Winnipeg Collection and I hope you enjoy the tunes!’
Also added today, to our History pages, is a study by Hector Russell of the late P/M Alex MacIver and his contribution to piping and to the pipe band movement in particular. Dozens of pipers and drummers passed through P/M MacIver’s hands at the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys Brigade based at Whiteinch, Glasgow, many of them going on to join Grade 1 bands or to develop successful solo careers. Read more here and here.