I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen 25 years ago in Ottawa at Rideau Hall.  It was an extraordinary opportunity and we had a great conversation about music and philanthropy.  She accepted my gift of red roses, which I have since brought to her on many occasions, and she paid me a lovely compliment which I will cherish forever.  Ask me about it sometime...!

And it was grand!  Onto the next...

I wanted to get everyone together for a terrific combined St. Patrick's Day/Robbie Burns Day.  That day is today and I am very happy that so many people have told me they're coming out.  The day will be warm and full of music, and I look forward to lots of good memories.  Cheers!

It's a great day when you get a card in the mail from the Mayor who recognizes your contribution as an ambassador for our city.  I appreciate his words so much.

More updates on the event of June 2 - we will hold our performance at Ottawa City Hall and it will be lit up with special colors!
Visit this page for more details:  https://bit.ly/3nRqGoj
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I am writing another tune to mark this week.  It will be 2 classics mashed together to be brilliant and fun.  I'll post it up here for you to enjoy.  Stay warm and be well.

Back in high school, there was a fantastic summer school held by the College of Piping from Glasgow that took place in Timmins - South Porcupine to be more accurate.  They brought in teachers from Scotland, and we all learned a lot!  On the last of 4 years that I attended this 2 week school, Seumas MacNeill asked me to teach a beginner piping class, which in addition to my own studies and being the pipe band PM, meant I had a very full schedule.  Suited me just perfectly, which mean too that I got to teach alongside these legendary drummers, Alex Duthart and Bert Barr.  They were lovely to me, and we remained friends for decades afterwards.  I've taught ever since then, which was 38 years ago.  I am one lucky girl.

Walking back home, I went past the National Cenotaph to place my poppy on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I had the wonderful opportunity to play Amazing Grace for some students with the Vimy Foundation.  It was a great way to end the day.

The pipe band of the Sons of Scotland was invited to take part in the 45th annual Estes Park International Tattoo on September 10-12.  It was a big event with performances in town and at the next door Longs Peak Highland Games.  The band had members from all over Canada and the US, and we came together to work hard and play as well as we could - it was a big effort, and I am so proud of the band's work.  New friends, new adventures, and an experience we'll never forget.
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Playing in our community is so important.  We love sharing our work and seeing our friends!

I got to play at Lucky Ron's Family day at their farm. What a treat!  I hope you say yes when you get invited to do new things - it's so worth it!  Stay cool my friends!

Make something sweet happen everyday - you'll be amazed at how much you can make someone else's day just the best.  If you need music, encouragement or a kilt, get in touch - here for you all!

I sent a letter to Her Majesty The Queen on the passing of her dear husband, and to let her know I had penned a tune in their honor.  I am so pleased that it's not only finished, but for the first time I put lyrics to it, and have a wonderful friend ready to record it.  This will be great, and I look forward to Her Majesty hearing it.

It's important to enjoy what you do. So, try your best, give it your attention, and you'll see the results.  You'll enjoy your work, and those around will as well.  Be the person that shows up and brings the joy.  It means so much.

There are days when a wonderful conversation with a friend and colleague becomes an opportunity for us all to work together for a great cause, and that is always a good way to make a day even better!
Practicing your music, knowing your tunes, and being kind pays off, in all kinds of way.  
If your passport is up to date, you like to travel and enjoy playing the pipes and drums, well you're in lucky.... you got me1
Big things to come.  
Happy Easter to everyone!

This photo of Ryan Seigmiller from our pipe band performing on November 11 represents so much of what we did in 2020.  Going into 2021, we will continue to reach out to our great community to provide music and joy to those that need it most.  We wish you a great New Year's, and if we can help you out, just ask!

We look forward to events to celebrate so many things in the fall and next year - hope this finds you well, happy, and causing just the right amount of 'good trouble' !  

We will miss being at the highland games this year - the North American Pipe Band Championships held just outside Ottawa - and a wonderful gathering of so many fine people.  We look forward to attending next year.  Be well and be happy!

I am asked from time to time to help with a recording by a group that's not a pipe band, like a solo singer or a rock band.  These opportunities are fantastic, and I love thinking of what great things I can do with traditional tunes that otherwise might not get a different treatment. 

I try and work with the artists to create something interesting and fun - and the results are always wonderful.  

And so, my advice for today is:  Say yes.  You'll be glad you did.

It is great going through the archives and finding old photos and reliving memories. Using this time wisely and having some fun along the way - that's the best way to go!
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