A Hogmanay to Remember

I’d only been to Waipu a few times before for the New Year (15+ years ago; gulp!) and had planned just to have a quiet one with a few cans and a few friends. When I got the call up to join in with a few others in a road-trip from the Central North Island, I couldn’t say no. And I’m glad I didn’t. Attending arguably the best highland games in the country was such a treat and an insight not only into the world of solo piping, but the world of solo drumming.

We set off for Auckland on the 31st and were to meet several others who were, like me, road-tripping to Auckland. A few young lads in one car, a female or two in another, and a few already there meant my first New Year in Auckland was a bit of a highlight. The chat was piping and the focus was clear… but serious chat was left for another day, and just for one night we let our hair down… or so I thought.

Waking up onto the 1st day of 2012 and the travel from Auckland to Waipu took a different turn – all cars in the “Te Hikoi” convoy dressed up in patriotic flag attire and blasted the Dave Dobbyn and Six60. The Swat Team led the front, and with all the rest of us falling behind, we set off to the township of Waipu, just short of Whangarei, and home to the legend of Bain McGregor and his onslaught. Several stops for photo opportunities and public consumption were just part of the magic that was Te Hikoi Ō Te Āninu Māhunga Kaiwhakatangitangi Te Waipū.

There is an annual memorial medley competition, recognising the life of Bain’s late wife Helen, and the love she had for piping music. 6 pipers took to the stage – apparently down on last year where they had a record 22 compete – and what a musical spectacle it was. Bain did note although the numbers were down, the standard was high. The highlights were definitely a rendition of Davey Websters 40th, a Fred Morrison horn-reel, an amended John Pattersons Mare, and a modern Breton Dance followed by a few jigs from Paul Hughes. The night ended with Martin Frewen being announced the winner, the two stews/stus finished second and third, and Liam Kernaghan finishing off the prize list. A few drams, a catch up with some old friends, and the end to the first night of what undoubtedly was going to be a cracker start to 2012.

The next day brought about some early rain but the skies cleared and we were treated to a beautiful day under the scorching Northland sun. We arrived just after 9, and already the A Grade March and the A Grade Strathspey and Reel were under way, as were the lower grades. We parked up at the Open board and spent the day walking back and forth between the drumming and the piping. One of the great things about Waipu is that the boards – although well spread out – are not that far away, and the ease in which we could watch a competitior in the A Grade MSR on the Drumming board and jump down to the Under 21 piobaireachd was especially comforting, considering any form of physical exercise on this day was sure to enduce some major sweats.

The Drumming Solos were well attended, but again, apparently down in numbers on last year. I wish I’d got my sticks out and competed, because the relaxed atmosphere which was conducive to such musical performances would have been a fun way to start the year. However, I sat and enjoyed a few good tunes on the drumming board for parts of the day and would encourage anyone and everyone to give it a go some day.

In comparison, it was clear the piping board was full of formality.. and rightly so. The names of the competitiors playing, according to the lady sitting beside me, was “first class.. undoubtedly a very high standard”. There were 12 open piping competitors, all names even I recognised as a drummer. The professionalism and the music was outstanding all day, with pipes to match. One of the judges reported the standard of the pipes at the contest was very high. What would I know though.

The lunchtime spectacle was something that I will forever remember and enjoy; the annual pipers march. All the pipers – regardless of grade – and some drummers lined up and march around the field with clans and supporters in behind, playing such favourites as Green Hills of Tyrol, Bonnie Dundee, Orange and Blue and the Flower of Scotland. Under the sun and the climbing heat, at least 40 pipers stood and played for the masses, with highland dancers dancing to the strathspeys. A visual treat for the masses which culminated in several thousand people crowding around to see what was happening.

As the day draw nearer to sun-set, the piping board became more populated. The drumming solos had finished and with the prize giving having been completed, we set off to the piping, and we sat down to my highlight of the day – the A Grade Hornpipe and Jig. At least 60 people were watching this display of excellent music which was without doubt the “crowd-pleaser”. To say there were several highlights would be to do injustice to the high level of competition in this event… but there were some tunes which even the older generation had their feet tapping along to.

The Prize Giving happened, with each of the prize winners being recognised for their performances and presented with the ever-important prize money. There was a tribute delivered by Allan Cameron to the late Lewis Turrell MBE, who passed away just before Easter in 2011, and who was a major contributor to piping and a staunch advocate for the Waipu Highland Games. The day at the park finished with a few more drams, a bit of chat and some more catching up. It was about 7:30 that we ended up returning to Bain’s house for a BBQ, some tunes, and a fantastic night.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Waipu 15 years on… but now I know I’m never doing another New Years again. Waipu was without question perhaps the greatest way to herald in the new year.

“Steering away from previous solo piper focussed concerts (“Chanteric Euphoria”), “Celtic Concerto” will consist largely of performances by the Band, with a smaller proportion of solo piping”, Pipe Major Martin Frewen said.

“We will have two guest pipers: Brendon Eade and Stuart Finlayson. Brendon won the A grade MSR at Inverness (qualifying him for the former winners MSR), as well as the A grade aggregate at the Silver Chanter Solo contest in Christchurch shortly after.  Stuart, former Pipe Major of Auckland and District and prolific soloist, will be demonstrating the Duncan Johnstone style of piping, which should be an informative and musical experience” he added.

Tickets start at $15, with limited seating. Contact Tony Purvis for bookings – Phone 09 837 0476, or Email andpipeband@gmail.com

We have the results…

The Best Solo Piper of 2010 – Brendon Eade

Without a doubt, Brendon Eade has been the most successful solo competitior in New Zealand for 2010. Off the back of his 2009 Silver Chanter win, Brendon travelled to Scotland and won the A Grade MSR at Inverness, giving him the “P” grading for light music for life. He is the third New Zealand piper to have achieved this. Brendon got places in other games around the isle, at the same time as competing with the Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band. Brendon also won Most Points overall at the 2010 Silver Chanter competitions.

PBNews readers enthusiastically supported Brendon as the Best Solo Piper for 2010.

Others who were close

Greg Wilson, Marion Horsburgh, Stuart Easton.

Best Grade 1 Pipe Band of 2010 – Auckland and District

There was really no contest here for the double New Zealand Champions. After reclaiming the National Championship in 2009, they regained it with an even greater lead over second place getters Manawatu Scottish in 2010, winning the piping, drumming and ensemble. Auckland and District also travelled overseas this year, to France and Scotland, to play at Lorient and at the Worlds. They represented New Zealand well at Lorient, with Martin Frewen playing at the Bagad championships, and Glenn Millar being one of the guest judges.

“A&D” went onto Scotland, and qualified in second place in the morning qualifier. They went on to finish up an admirable 14th place in the World.

Congratulations to Auckland and Districts on having an incredibly successful year.

Others who were close

Manawatu Scottish

Best Drummer of 2010 – James Laughlin

James Laughlin might not yet be a kiwi, but we think he’s the best drummer that New Zealand has in 2010. Taking over the Canterbury Caledonian drum corps in mid 2009, James has led them to success locally and internationally, finishing 7th in the Qualifier and winning the Palmerston North Square Day Drumming prize in December. In terms of his solo success, he travelled to Scotland to compete in the World Solos for the first time in many years, and finished within points of getting into the final; which would have been a first for New Zealand drummers.

Others who were close

Glenn Millar, Scott Birrell (Several people used the Other button and emailed us in with Scott as their choice).

Most Enjoyable Pipe Band Contest – The National Championships

There is still strong support for people most enjoying the National Championships, held every year in the early part of March. 50+ bands descend onto a town or city in New Zealand for 2/3 days of pipe banding. Masterton was considered by many, if not all, a success, and pulling in the highest standard in Grade 1 for many years. Timaru in 2011 is set to be an even better one, with 7 Grade 1 Bands confirmed for the Contest.

Others who were close

Palmerston North Square Day

Most Enjoyable Solo Contest – Waipu

On New Years Day, most are either in bed nursing the after-effects of the night before, or out in the sun trying to recover. For many pipers, however, the Waipu Highland Games in Northland provides the chance to get out and have a tune on New Years day, and enjoy the company of all the other pipers, highland dancers and drummers. Waipu 2011 saw the New Zealand Championships being held there, with 18 A grade Pipers in attendance – the largest the games has seen. Waipu continues to lead the pack as one of the most enjoyable solo contests in New Zealand.

Others who were close

Hastings Highland Games

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“The plan is to put all of the drum scores up on my site for other people to enjoy, so if you are keen to share your music with fellow drummers all over the world then please email them to me at james@come2drum.com”

List available at http://pibrochnz.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/2011-cnp-clasp-gold-medal-tunes-announced/

Easton’s interest in piping almost certainly spawned from his father’s involvement with piping. “As a youngster my father would take me along to various competitions such as the Claidhmor and Wellington Cup. It was almost inevitable that I would learn the pipes one day.” – his father being Murray Easton, a well-known piping identity.

Stuart has also won virtually all the top prizes in New Zealand – Silver Chanter, Gold Medal, Former Winners Clasp, the Celtic Inn Targe -Most Points at every competition. His solo record for a young piper is substantial already, and growing both domestically and internationally. He puts it down to preparation and dedication; “I suppose like anything, if you want to do it then you can’t make excuses. You just need to get on with it and be a bit smarter about how you do it. Preparation is everything.”

PBNews: What would you say was your proudest solo piping achievement?
There are a lot of prizes which I have always strived for. To put a tick next to that particular prize is always satisfying. My proudest piping achievement, I would hope, is still yet to come.

Easton has also had a lot of high-level tuition from some of the world’s greatest players -”I have been very lucky to have had tuition and attended seminars with the likes of Greg Wilson & Murray Henderson. In recent times it has really been thanks to the Comunn na Piobaireachd NZ, the Donald Bain Memorial Fund and the Bill Boyle Foundation that we get these opportunities to learn from the greats. The BBF in particular has been a towering support and given me the best opportunities to successfully compete and learn in Scotland.

But Stuart doesn’t limit his involvement in a personal sense – he has been heavily involved in tutoring both  young solo players and band players. His work with the John McGlashan College Pipe Band led them to several high points in their history, including the Grade 3 Medley at Hamilton 2006 and 2 Juvenile titles back-to-back. “It is very rewarding to see the growth & development in players you have taught. I get a huge kick out of seeing the young toe rags that I taught in Dunedin now competing amongst the A grade players. Likewise, with the students I teach in Palmerston North. It is especially rewarding that two of my pupils Matt [Fraser] & William [Rowe] have won the Comunn na Piobaireachd Silver Medal in its three year existence. Having some of my pupils playing in the ranks of the band at the World Pipe Band Championships was a huge achievement.”

Easton has competed successfuly overseas too, predominantly in Scotland, and with some considerable success. We asked him how he compared the standard here with over here – “The quality of the pipers who compete in Scotland is certainly impressive. They have great depth of talent in the solo competitions. The key is to get over there, gain as much experience as possible, and gauge where the benchmark really is.”

He has also been involved heavily in the Manawatu Scottish Society Pipe Band – one of the greatest New Zealand pipe bands to date – since its beginning Grade 1 days. “I joined the band when I was 16 after the Palmerston Nationals in 1996. When I started, Greg Wilson was the P/M and a tough one at that. He laid the foundation for the bands style in which we still try to achieve today. Stew McKenzie took over in 2001 and has led the band to numerous National and International successes. The band has more or less become a part of the furniture now, a fantastic bunch of guys and an abundance of talented musicians…. Although in recent times there seems to be an abundance of babies…”. Stuart could probably add engagements to that – his fiance, Shelley Reid, also plays in the band as a tenor drummer and is a talented Highland Dancer, having won the New Zealand Championships on numerous occassions.

PBNews: Where do you see the band going in the next few years?
Day care centre….The band is always developing and looking at ways to move forward. We are very hard on ourselves and forever pushing the boundaries to achieve musical excellence. Stew is doing a fantastic job managing the global network of our band. The next few years will be very exciting with some frightening young talent moving up the ranks.

Stuart is well known for setting his goals high – and unashamadly too. His sights are set pretty high for the next 10 years – “In 10 years I would like to have the Argyleshire or Inverness Gold Medal.” And, knowing Stuart, there is no doubt he’ll try his hardest to do it.

His one piece of advice for pipers (and drummers, we assume) is simple yet poignant -”Make excellence a habit.”And anyone that knows Stuart will know he does make excellence a habit. One observer at the recent Queens Birthday Competitions noted that “all the other pipes were of excellent standard, however, his [Easton's] just stood out. Magnificent tone and well blended. It was a different standard altogether”. Stuart won Most Points Open/A Grade at that competition.
Finally, PBNews asked Stuart about a story he heard – excellent anecdotes in the pipe band world are always available. “ha ha I have many many stories…. Perhaps we can share one over a beer. But for a laugh, a friend of mine working in the Piping College received a phone call from an American woman wanting to order a reed that could play Amazing Grace…. Go figure”

There is no doubt Stuart Easton is a fitting first musician for our series on top-class pipers and drummers. Many people involved in the Solo Piping scene see Stuart Easton as the next star of New Zealand Piping – most believe he is already. PBNews wishes Stu all the best for this season in Scotland for the band and for his solo circuit, which this year includes the prestigious Silver Medal competition, and thanks him for agreeing to this interview.

If you have any ideas, do not hesitate to email george@pbnews.co.nz or liam@pbnews.co.nz, and they’ll endeavour to include your ideas.