A letter from Pipe Major Edward Peden

Saskatoon, Sask.
June 3rd, 1961


Hi Stuart,

Many thanks for your letter, I understand the delay and how things are your way. However, I have already found a boy who required the dress and he has taken it to see it it is possible to alter to fit. His is a Prince Albert Boy - Hugh Macpherson - who comes down once a week for lessons and I truly wish I had a dozen like him. He started around Christmas and I am hoping he will manage the Games here this year (August 5th, remember). He is doing My Home and Loch Katrine, he has not managed Strathspey and Reel yet. He and his Dad have five boys in Prince Albert all started and it will be Fall before I get them here, they are being taught the scale and a few exercises as that is all the Dad can manage. However, it is a grand effort.
I have about 20 boys on the chanter, some will do and others will never do, but they are battering away. There are about 12 boys on the Drums and doing very well. In case you have not heard, we have formed a Saskatoon Boys Pipe Band Association complete in all Offices held by parents of the boys. It is newly formed, about 3 months, and the Finance Committee etc are very active and I hear everything is progressing very well towards acquiring Drums, Dress, etc. The Constitution and Rules are pretty well decided upon and should be in effect soon. As for myself I keep to the instructing and let the committees carry on the business of the Band and all its grief etc. This works very well and gives me more time to do what I can. I can use extra help and am now setting up Junior Instructors amongst the older boys, it helps and assists in keeping things going as smoothly as possible.

Yes, indeed, I have quit the Army set-up as I could see no advancement in forming a Cadet set-up, it is too bad as there are splendid opportunities for the youth today and being a drummer or piper would certainly assist them if they decide on an Army career or any similar service.  I have no news from the Armouries but understand they are plugging away in the usual manner.

Our Piping Competitions for the young lads and girls were quite successful this past Fall and Spring Meets (indoors) at the Brunskill School. The piping certainly advanced as the year rolled along and at last meet (we had four) the piping was certainly an improvement and worth the winter work.

I played for the dancing events and completed the year chore. I did serve notice on all concerned that I was finished with such work for good. I find it too hard to take on the two or three hours blowing at these competitions. So they will have to find someone for next year. I have always enjoyed playing to the young foot so now I can sit back and enjoy watching.

I am glad to hear that you will tackle the Piobaireachd soon. If I can help in any way then be sure to write and let me know. I think you should start with the exercises in the back of the Tutor, I believe I taped the sound for you. You will find that any tune you may decide on will certainly demand strong fingers and ability to complete the entire score. It is not easy and takes time to really overcome the tax on your wind, memory and fingers.

You mention your pipe chanter, well I am not so sure that the holes are worn enough to alter the tone that much, my own is still as sweet as ever, in fact I am finding it easier to "set-up" each year. I can recommend the "Gallander" chanter. Jimmy Stout is handling this pipe for the Gallander in Scotland. Last year whilst in Edmonton I tested and acquired a set (silver and ivory) for young Alan Bellhouse. Jimmy Stout was here all last week and brought another similar set he had for his own use, I had a blow on them and expressed the same opinion. I believe they are the answer to that "tone" which we all seem to strive for. I find them very easy to "set-up" in reeds and the tone and volume is remarkable. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone, although I will say that the silver and ivory set is the one to buy, I was not so struck on the plain ivory set for band use. However, the Chanter is worth listening. It seems to me the tone is halfway between a Henderson and a Robertson, it is almost Sinclair (which I regard highly) but not quite. The pitch is something worth listening to. I am passing this on to you as it is possible you have never heard of the name Gallander, it is an old name in pipes but has not been producing any great volume of pipes until just recently. The new "rage" in Scotland is the Gallander Chanter. It pitches perfectly with the Henderson but not so nicely with other brands.

Give my regards to all down your way, when and if I get down there I certainly will look you all up and have a gabfest.

Many Thanks,

Ed Peden
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