NY CLASP 2008 - Joshua McFarlane - Grade 1 March

[SouthernPiper]

Very well played tune dude. Did you place ?

[backflipbushido88]

Excellent playing! Good posture, good tempo, well kept tempo, perfect embellishments, nice tune. Wonderful!

What kind of setup are you using? drones, reeds, chanter, etc.

[AtvRider975]

Wonderful playing!! Do you recommend Naill bagpipes?

[jcmcfarlane]

Many great players play Naills, but I have no experience playing them. I know lots of people who love them though - so for sure I would recommend them. I play new Peter Henderson's, and love them. I used to play McCallums and liked them. Depends where you're at musically, how much money you have, and what tone you're looking for.

But all in all to answer your question - yes :)

[devinci7888]

Josh, you make this one look easy. You're awesome.

[jcmcfarlane]

haha thanks!

[Aweedram]

What kind of bag are you playing? Looks very comfortable...good posture. Great playing.

[jcmcfarlane]

Thanks, I play a Gannaway Hide bag and yes it is extremely comfortable.

[jcmcfarlane]

WOW....I never thought there would be so much discussion on this video! lol I apologize for not replying earlier - I haven't checked back in a while.

I appreciate all the comments given and I respect everyone's point of view - but like all great things in life music is subjective. Even comparing the greats of our art there are different degrees of pointedness and musicality.

(Continued in next post)

[jcmcfarlane]

As a grade 1 piper I do still have much to learn and am still developing my own style.

My main instruction has been through Gail and Glenn Brown so I don't feel as if I am way out in left field when it comes to phrasing - but I do appreciate differences in taste. What would the world be if everyone liked the exact same music!?

Sadly, I was the only Gr 1 player to show up at the contest, so it was just for a score sheet - but Alasdair Dunn gave me great comments on both the March & S/R.

[resto776]

what brand of pipe bag to you use?

[jcmcfarlane]

I play a Gannaway Large Hide - here with the zip and a ross canister system.

[resto776]

cool....what bagcover?...highland gear?

also what make of pipes do you have? your tone was really good!!!

[jcmcfarlane]

Yeah it's a Highland gear cover.

The drones I'm playing are new Peter Hendersons, Strathmore Chanter (Kinnaird Bass, Ezee tenors, and McPhee Reed).

[simplythebescht]

Hi Joshua, thanks for posting this. I enjoyed it very much.

As far as the discussion concerning pointing goes, I would say this is the way to play a solo 2/4. RSPBA-accredited judges want to hear a tune played accurately; BOTH technically and melodically; you have hit the button on this one! Congrats!!!

[Bigirishcunt]

Nice playing man! very spikey version but nice!

[piperdmac]

Also to add you started off a bit rushed, slow it down at the beginning and get to a tempo where you feel comfortable.

[keydetpiper]

Tough tune... great playing!

[swelsher]

Is this degree of pointedness what judges want to hear these days?

[piperdmac]

I agree, this tune is very nice but way to pointed. Make it flow

[Viperpiper123]

i was thinking the same thing very pointed otherwise vg though

[LoveBagpipes]

Dude, he is a grade 1 piper

He knows what he is doing!!!

AND YES...judges look for pointing like this

even at elementary level you should have it (As well as finding the correct phrases from the tune)

- hasn't anyone seen a competition level 2/4 march before????

(any march should be pointed - I especially hate when people play 6/8's round - NO MUSIC!)

[Viperpiper123]

Dude i bet i know a ton more than you for bagpipes just because he is grade one doesnt mean hes the god of bagpipes they look for pointing (I KNOW) but that is the most i have ever heard for this march God Damnit

[LoveBagpipes]

Evidently you don't

I've been a competing piper for more than a few years...been at these competitions; listened to truly great players

My friends have all gone to Scotland competing - Some are even involved with Grade 1 pipebands; competing at the worlds this year (the only non-Scottish band to qualify) and who are tutored by Nat Russell of Victoria Police Fame

I know ALOT about bagpipes!

And this is the type of pointing judges are looking for, (as well as the phrasing, etc)

[Viperpiper123]

dude i have been competiting for like 5 years now and im in grade 2 and i played the same march last weekend as this guy and did not play it this pointed...and still i got 2nd place so im not stupid or anything...what grade are you in

[simplythebescht]

congrats on getting 2nd place.

Do you know what Joshua got for his performance?

[Viperpiper123]

nope not sure thanks though

[simplythebescht]

I'd guess from your comments (and your Name-Entry), that you do know enough about piping. I'm a little concerned about where you might differentiate between "pointing" and "phrasing"?

Joshua gave us a wonderful version which could only be (perceived to be) marred by a lack of dynamics at the start - in much the same vain as alluded to by "Piperdmac".

That aside, we could all learn a lot from Mr McFarlane - especially his cut low A in the 4th part (first time through)... Viperpiper123 take note!

[PipeMajor11]

Great job! Love the set up myself ;) keep up the great work

[PipeMajor11]

Great job! Love the set up myself ;) keep up the great work

[760Piper]

Joshua..excellent performance. Your drones and chanter sound wonderful. What's your set up?

[jcmcfarlane]

Hey thanks a lot,

Peter Henderson Drones (Kinnaird Bass/Ezee Tenors)

Strathmore Chanter (McPhee Reed)

[TheHighlandPiper]

Well played Laddie!

[jcmcfarlane]

Thanks a lot :)

[LSBSPB]

thats odd, a solo grade 1 march, and a seperate strathspey?

[LoveBagpipes]

LSBPB In solo competitions all over the world The March is a seperate component from the Strathspey and Reel element Its bands that play MSR Open grade solo events (usually): Air Hornpipe and Jig March Strathspey and Reel Piobairaechd - (which is where you get all of your Silver Clasps; Gold Medals and stuff) Sometimes at events like Lorient Kitchen Piping, Irish set, Breton Music search on youtube for Lorient - AWESOME Competition!!!!