The Capital Region Celtic Pipe Band has lost one of it’s most influential members.

Earlier this week, Randy Sperl, former D/S of the CRC Grade 3 pipe band, died in his home. Randy joined CRC when the band originally formed in 2002 serving as lead tip for the grade 3 band and instructing the grade 4 and grade 5 bands. CRC won numerous prizes with Randy leading the percussion section, writing our scores, and playing with his keen ear for ensemble.

Randy was joined in subsequent years in the CRC ranks by his sister Kerrie, his daughter Ashley and his nephew Nick. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family.

Outside of the circle Randy also was quite a character. Who will ever forget the orange firebird pulling up at the Maxville games?!   Some photographs of Randy are below.  I am not sure why I took the photo of Randy helping someone in a wheelchair in need at the Montreal games, but I think it speaks volumes about the person he was.

Please feel free to share your fondest memories of Randy here if you would like. We will be sure to share them with his family.

Details about services are located here.

We have three different opportunities coming up to learn or continue learning to play the pipes.

On February 18th there will be an Introduction to bagpipes class at Knowledge Network. You will learn about the pipes and the uniform. Also you will get a chance to learn the scale and perhaps play a part of a simple tune on the practice chanter. For details go to the Knowledge Network site.

Starting February 23 we will be offering a 10 week Beginning course. Here you will learn to play the practice chanter and get the basics that will set you solidly on a path to playing the pipes. This class fee is $100. You will need a practice chanter which we can provide you at cost for $40 or you can supply your own. No other costs are involved.

In February we are offering an Advanced Beginner course for anyone that has finished our beginner class or who can read the music, play the practice chanter and can play the grace notes and a few movements.

This 10 week course will take you through almost all of the bagpipe embellishments and  fingerings. You will also be learning some of the parade tunes in preparation for starting the pipes.

Our courses emphasize learning the fundamentals properly which will hold you in good stead for all of your piping career.

More information can be obtained by completing the information here:

This Robotic Bagpipe audio player product is a MCBLARE and it plays a normal set of bagpipes using an air compressor for air and an electro-magnetic strategy to control “fingers” that open and close tone holes that decide melodic pitch.

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For those interesting in supporting the local arts:

The Capital of New York’s top chefs and restaurants will be hosting 3 days of events throughout Albany to support the Arts. Included will be special food and wine pairings each day, cooking demonstrations, and wine tasting seminars; concluding on Saturday evening with the chef’s grand dinner and wine auction to benefit Capital Rep.