Archive for September, 2009
Member Profile – Richmond Johnston
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Richmond Johnston
Name: William Richmond Johnston
Age : 58
Where are you from originally? Virginia Beach, Virginia
Where do you live :High Falls, NY
What is your job or major if a student? I’m a piper and artist.
Where did you learn to play? Amerscot Pipe Band first…then many teachers.
Instrument: 1988 Naills
How long have you been playing? 21 years
What got you interested? My Father, proud of his Scottish ancestry, enjoyed pipe band recordings…I love the music.
How did you go about learning/finding – private teacher, class, band, parent or relative? I was almost 40 when I saw “Free bagpipe Lessons” in the local Pennysaver…
Teachers that had a big influence: Nancy Tunnicliffe, and 18 years as an Administrator for the Balmoral Piping Schools, I’ve been lucky to study with many of the world’s greatest pipers.
How long did you take lessons? 10-15 years…Still want to…only distance and $ in the way.
How long did you play practice chanter/pad before moving to pipes/drum? 6 months
How long from start to marching with the band? About a year
How long does it take you to get to practice? 75 minutes
Favorite bagpipe player or drummer? Alasdair Gillies
Favorite bagpipe band?CRC
What other music do you like? All good music.
What other instruments do/did you play? my voice; low, high d whistle;borderpipes; Scottish smallpipes; Flemish bagpipes; Uilleann starter.
What is the hardest thing about playing? Not playing.
Solo? Getting to compete enough.
Band? Getting a whole band together consistently.
Do you compete? Yes…
Level? 2…
What is the one thing you would tell a beginner about learning? Get a good teacher.
Do you play solo events like weddings and funerals? Often.
What hobbies or other pursuits do you have? I paint and sculpt. I’ve practiced Aikido 33 years. I’ve 3 adult sons…
Grade 4 Results – Capital District Scottish Games
Posted by: | CommentsI am not 100% sure of the placing for the grade 4 band, but a video of the performance is below. Specific results will be posted as soon as I have them.
Grade 3 Results – Capital District Scottish Games
Posted by: | CommentsThe grade 3 band wrapped up the 2009 season with a medley performance yesterday at Altamont. There were 10 grade 3 bands in the contest and overall CRC finished in 7th place. Congratulations to the Stuart Highlanders for their winning performance. Judges scores were:
Piping – 6; Piping – 6; Ensemble – 8; Drumming – 8
A video of the performance:
END OF THE SEASON (almost)
Posted by: | CommentsSchenectady had a great day. Their games had almost perfect weather, great attendance and they won their grade. We on the other hand did fine, ate well and had a great time.
Altamont games are like old home week. The season is winding down and everyone that was ever associated with the band stops by to say hello whether they are in a rival band now or not. It does remind you how nice it is to be in the piping/drumming world.
One more games for the grade 4 – Loon Mountain.
