Some compete, but many of us play for the sheer joy of it. Losing yourself in the music, the moment, the feeling of wonder.

That is why I’m not much of a competitor.

I tried competing back in the day and tried to keep it lighthearted and fun. But it just did not really feel like fun to me. Music became an effort, labored, joyless.

So, I dove into community bands, concert bands and began my journey piping for Highland Dancers. It was a revelation to me.

Music became fun again. My joy returned with bells on. More delight came with leading the South Shore Pipes and Drums (Founded by Scotia Music).

While the joy was back, my technique needed some work. Teaching is wonderful of course, but it is still necessary practice, practice, practice as they say at Carnegie Hall.

Put simply, the teacher needed a teacher. 🙂

We can all use someone to push us from time to time and that is when my angel appeared.

Captain Knox is a bagpiper of 40 years, and he excels in Piobaireachd. Pibroch, piobaireachd or ceòl mòr is an art music genre associated primarily with the Scottish Highlands that is characterized by extended compositions with a melodic theme and elaborate formal variations.

Not only has he helped with the South Shore Pipers, but he graciously offered to be my guru. With his gentle guidance and incredible expertise my confidence soared.

I cannot thank Captain Knox enough for all his has done for piping in general, and me.

The tunes he chose for my first competition back brought me to tears. They were difficult, meaty, and beautiful. I would never have chosen them for myself. He believed in me.

That simple belief worked wonders.

It’s amazing how one person can change your self view, your spirit, and your belief in your abilities.

That is the reason you could find me with my brother, Jeremy Keddy, competing in the George Harrison Memorial drumming competition this spring.

It is a grand way to get our competition mojo back and dip our toes in competing again. The joy remained with a focus on our improvement vs. trying to beat the other guy.

We both took to it like ducks to water. My layoff had affected my temp a bit. Other than that, everything was working like a well-oiled clock.

I felt alive again. This is what I’ve been born to do. Music is my calling.

The video we had chosen to submit was our first run through. A few blips, but it felt glorious. I’m trying to stand still, but I couldn’t as it has been so long since I’ve played competition music.

Check out the video on the right to see my stomping feet and dancing ways. I just could not help it.

We came in third place.

Jeremy and I will be competing together again this summer, and who knows, maybe I will throw in a solo competition or two where I will finally play the tunes chosen by Captain Knox with no pressure, just the love of music, my brother, and of course, my beloved pipes.

Having a venue for local artists to perform is an incredible gift. King Street Beer in Bridgewater is such a wonderful place. Their support of local artists combined with an atmosphere of musical joy is a blessing.

Every time I am there, I always come home with sore cheeks from laughing and smiling. Saturday was no exception.

The stars of the evening were The Nice Guys Music combo. These gentlemen rocked the 90s music classics including “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers and “Peaches” by the Presidents of the United States of America.

The rocking music combined with their hilarious banter just made the audience love them.

The music brought me back to my carefree days of youth and for that I am forever grateful. Patrick Thompson seems to be everywhere at once, playing like a whirlwind. The dancing fingers of James Ramey was a sight to behold.

Where else can you go for a musical, magic carpet ride to sheer fun and good times?

Finally, Patrick captivated me with his original pieces. They touched my soul, lightened my mood, and literally forced me to dance like Snoopy and Linus.

Go out and just enjoy being with friends again in our local, live music venues.

You will be so glad you did.

Sincerely,

Heather Armstrong

Owner | Director
1(902)293-2051

infoscotiamusic@gmail.com

So, here we are at 8pm on Halloween night. I am still quiet and Billy is still upset. As we drive down our county road going home we see a few houses with Jack-o-lanterns still lit.

Billy who is almost 17 says “I wanna go Trick or Treating”.

A short pause, and I say “Alright, let’s go”! We pull over the truck and open up the hockey bag. He grabs his mask, glove and blocker and tosses me his stinky, wet jersey and a ball cap.

It was a solid 20 minute sprint to every house still illuminated. We filled a goalie glove and half a bag with loot. Presto, the curse was broken! My boy did that. Goes to show that whether it’s sports or music, it’s all about the way you look at it.

You choose how to process those good, and not so good moments in your life. Take a deep breath, move forward and keep your stick on the ice.

Cheers,

Catherine

…an inspiration to us all.

That inspiration is doubled for me when it is done by one of my wonderful bagpiping students.

The challenge thrown down was daunting.

Play every single day for an entire year. That’s right. A difficult task indeed.

Also, Subscribe to Scotia Music for more updates, including a special interview to come on our travelling bagpiper.

Sincerely,

Heather Armstrong,

Director, Scotia Music
www.scotiamusic.ca

infoscotiamusic@gmail.com
1(902)293-2051
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