18 minute read
Peter Bruce
G u e s t o f H o n o u r 2 0 2 0
In interview with Pia Walker Peter Bruce
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One of the many pleasures of being your editor is that I get to talk to so many people. Interviewing the Guests of Honour is a highlight, so travelling to Scone on a miserable day to hear a little bit about accordionist Peter Bruce, well-known MC of many a Perth Festival, was not an onerous task at all.
Peter was born in 1953 in Ardfern, Mid-Argyll as one of 3 brothers. One of them, Colin, lives in England and the other, Neil, in Ballinluig. They and their families are the only family Peter has, as he never married. Colin and Peter are the only brothers with an interest in music with Colin playing piano. His father, Colin a cattleman, and mother Elizabeth encouraged Peter to learn to play by ear. His father played fiddle and was self-taught and his mother played the organ.
His musical career started when the family lived near Laggan Bridge, and at the age of six, he was given a tiny red accordion from an uncle. His first performance was in Laggan Hall shortly thereafter. As he grew, so did his accordions and he now is the proud owner of a Gola.
In 1960 the whole family moved to Scone where Peter has lived ever since, except for the four years (1971-1975) he spent studying mathematics at University of Edinburgh. He started lessons with Mickie Ainsworth, who Peter says was an inspiring teacher who made you want to do better. Mickie worked hard to undo the bad habits acquired by Peter from playing by ear. The second tune he was taught was Jaunting Along in the purple book, which accordionists of a certain age will remember. The story goes that Peter, who could not read music, practised what was preached, and then came back the next week and played it wonderfully - in the wrong key!
As Mickie toured with the Powrie Band he wasn’t
Peter with Willie Simpson and George Darling
able to teach regularly, and Peter was therefore helped by others including Frank Thomson who at that time was working in Perth. When Frank moved to Aberdeen Peter started to go to Ian Anderson of Dunkeld. Here the tuition focused on playing classical music, which helped in developing technique.
Peter is mostly a solo musician but began playing with the Willie Simpson Band in 1970. He fondly remembers the 9 pm-2 am gigs in the Reid Hall in Forfar. They are still gigging 48 years later, although the hours have changed.
He also played with button-box player Bobby Campbell, from whom he learnt all the popular tunes such as Ronnie Cooper’s Shetland compositions,
and with the unique and entertaining Jim (Fiddler Broon) Brown. He has also played second accordion with the late Jimmy Lindsay (Glenalmond).
He prefers the village hall setting to the more formal setting when gigging. He does remember, however, the time he played in with Ainsworth, Blue, Simpson and Brown at a house party near Dalkeith the day after he left school in 1971. The guests included The Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne as well as “a bunch of Toffs” as Peter puts it. They shared the stage with a band playing more modern tunes and played for two dances every hour until the early morning. He remembers that the royals came into the hall and danced when they played, but disappeared whenever “the guitar band” as Peter called them came on. “It was enjoyable, but I couldn’t do that every week,” Peter says with a smile. He prefers old-time dances, with the now ageing but enthusiastic crowd, and admits that village hall gigs are more profitable as there is more prep-work and cost involved in playing for SCD.
Peter first experienced the Perth Festival when his father took him there in 1962. He became involved with Bill Wilkie’s orchestra from 1968 until 2010 when Bill retired the orchestra. One special memory amongst many great social and musical
Peter in Forres with Willie Simpson
Bill Wilkie Orchestra
Peter Bruce
experiences with the orchestra was the recording in 1969 of The Music of Forty Hands. Peter competed in the Festival competitions from its early days. He remembers preparation for the Festival was something you did the day before. But he still went on to win the junior Scottish in 67 and then in 76 the seniors, and he is now involved as chairman of the Festival as well as being its compere.
Peter has not been involved in much broadcasting, but did make three CDs with Smith Mearns Recordings in 1991, 2002 and 2007. He played in a duo with another of our 2020 Guests of Honour, Malcolm Ross, on the first two and in 2007 they expanded to form a trio with the ever-present Graham Berry.
Peter is first and foremost a teacher of maths and sees his music as an additional hobby. He admits that he likes teaching, and he still teaches and tutors maths. He spends a couple of mornings teaching Advanced Higher statistics but this will probably be his last year. He is a good teacher; indeed a former pupil of his, Kevin Pendleton, has publicly stated that he was inspired by his Perth Grammar School teacher, Peter Bruce.
Peter also taught music to many pupils, both the well-known and not so well-known. Many of his pupils came to get help with their Scottish music as it was continental music that was in the high seat at festivals and competitions with Scottish being secondary. Among the many were James and Mhairi Coutts, Duncan Black, Richard Ross, Iain Anderson, Karin Leitch, Michael Philip; and one of his students, Stuart Cameron, was in November 2001 the first recipient of the NAAFC Jimmy Shand Scholarship at the then RSAMD. Peter remembers Stuart as a great lad with great work ethics.
Good work ethics are important, Peter states. There are those, both very talented and not so talented but with a moderate ability, who work hard and therefore shine. And then there are those who do not work and practise, and as a result, whether they are talented or not, do not get very far. He no longer teaches music, and this is mostly because of lack of pupil numbers. He feels there is less interest than there was 30-40 years ago, across all instruments, as young people are more into electronic pastimes and entertainment. He points out that this is a geographical issue, as music in areas such as the Islands seem to have an increased popularity.
So does Peter like only Scottish music? No, but it is important. Out of the many Scottish artists to choose from, he admits that his all-time favourite is the Jimmy Blue Band of late 60s and 70s. Of the other music genres, he likes to listen to light classical music and he also likes jazz of the big band variety and swing bands – he loves to listen to Count He still went on to win the junior Scottish in 67 and then in 76 the seniors
” ”
Basie and Duke Ellington as he likes the beat and rhythm. He tells me that he would like to learn to play the piano – I get the feeling that this is on his to-do list for when he has more time. When that will be is a good question, as he is always busy. He also reveals a deep secret to me: he likes Abba!
Outside his music he likes to go for walks locally, and when at home (rarely) he likes to work on recreational maths puzzles and problems in geometry and algebra! (I dared not ask any more!) As he himself comments this is “sure evidence of lunacy!” He reads a lot of science and politics material, and indeed his coffee table was littered with such books!
Peter was at the Perth and District A&F Club’s first ever meeting and is currently its chairman, having held that position since 1992. When asked about the future of clubs, he is very positive that they will continue for many years to come, “at least until I am no longer here! They are more successful than you give them credit for. They have an audience with a particular musical interest, who still come out at night to listen, and their popularity has lasted longer than other clubs and fads. It will never get back to what it was in the 70s and 80s, but they are still viable with many loyal supporters. The only problems are that committees are getting older and therefore the work in setting up is more onerous – lifting gear etc. is more difficult now than it was 20 years ago!”
The work Peter has carried out for so many years for our music and clubs makes him a worthy recipient of the Guest of Honour award 2020. l
Peter is the consummate professional when it comes to music and also in his private life as a maths teacher. Peter played his first gig with me when he was still at university. It was the Forfar Farmers’ Ball which was from 8 pm until 2 am and Peter played his heart out and did not slip a note all night. Right from his first job Peter has always given 100% and we have had many fun nights together and are still playing, so we must be doing something right.
Peter is always turned out immaculately and has a great taste in clothing.
I am also involved with Peter at the Perth A&F Club where again he is always the professional and has been the back bone of the club for many years. Willie Simpson
Peter is one of the few brilliant players who are equally as accomplished as tutors. Of course this isn’t only in music, but also in mathematics. I remember my brother, when aged 13, getting accordion lessons from him; and when asked how his lesson had gone, he responded that he now understood Pythagoras much better, thanks to Peter. His sense of commitment, great communication skills and the ability to play flawlessly have been Peter’s great attributes. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of our music and is surely one of our best known and most respected players. He has given back to the music scene on a number of levels: accordionist, teacher, committee member and supporter. Congratulations on your well earned honour, Peter. Simon Howie
NAAFC Festival 2020 By Pia Walker
Clydesdale
Newtongrange
Beith
The place had more buzz than Celtic Connections” – just one of the many positive comments at the NAAFC Festival in Grangemouth Town Hall on 7 th March. And it truly was a great day - or for some a weekend, as the Festival seemed to start on the Friday in the Leapark Hotel with ‘a tune.’ People gathered in one of the function rooms to have a listen to the music produced by various musicians and met up with friends old and new.
The Festival proper began at 9am the next day – except for a few bleary-eyed people, namely the festival committee, the bar staff and your editor, who arrived well before that time to set up and prepare for the hordes. Music was heard everywhere, even at the entrance where Harry Hussey took a seat among the exhibitors and entertained for quite some time. I certainly managed to skip across the floor several times to a tango, a quickstep, a paso doble and a foxtrot (why walk when you can dance!).
Richard Ross, the Festival chairman, commented: “The Festival in this, our new home, was a great success musically, socially and financially. We received many favourable comments throughout the day relating to the buzz. The number of competition entries was up again to 146. We are very appreciative of those who travelled from far and wide to help to create a great friendly atmosphere. Particular thanks go to our friends from the Shetlands, Isle of Lewis, the North East of Scotland, West Coast and down South/Borders.
Coalburn
“This year we introduced two new sections to encourage an increase in competitor numbers and both of these new competitions were well received.
“The 6/8 pipe march had 14 entries, and the accordion solo (traditional music) for 60s and over, introduced to allow our more experienced players to showcase their talent, had 5 entries
“Our competitors’ ages ranged from 7 years to over 60 years. We believe that we now have a competition that would be suitable for many more of our players that attend. Why not give it a try next year?
“We were also extremely pleased to be hosting the National Accordion Organisation (NAO) Scottish area qualifier with 22 entries.”
NAAFC chairman Nicol McLaren pointed out that it was great to see Duncan Ritchie attending. Duncan was this year’s recipient of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland NAAFC sponsored Jimmy Shand Award. We look forward to seeing more award winners participate.
Later - much later! - we had the concert featuring the winners of the various competitions, and it was amazing to hear the wonderful talent on offer.
This was followed by the dance to the music of Iain MacPhail so it was definitely no hardship just to come and listen, which quite a few people did, or to take to the dance floor and dance the night away. Douglas Watson, a first time visitor from Stornoway, commented: “I had a great time, listening to and dancing to MacPhail! Love his music. I got introduced to a couple of new faces too! Might just come back for the day next year!” We hope you do, Douglas, and it was a joy to see you dance.
The next day saw quite a few very bleary-eyed committee members and helpers emerge from their rooms. They must be congratulated for their hard work. This is an important event in the NAAFC calendar and it was definitely good to see so many people supporting our music.
The Grangemouth Town Hall is booked for the next two years. Please add 6th March 2021 and 5th March 2022 to your diary.
Richard continued: “The local hotel rates are affordable, as are the food and bar prices at our venue and within Grangemouth town centre. Rooms are available at the Leapark Hotel, Grangemouth at a special rate of £35 per person per night, for those sharing a double room. You can book direct quoting the NAAFC Festival. An informal music session will take place in the Leapark on Friday 5 th March 2021, to which everyone is invited.” l
A beaming Miss Cathcart
Chris Crowe, Pat and Harry Hussey
Friday night tune in The Patio
Propping up the bar
Helpers on the day
Alan Small
Alan Shute
Anne, Shona, Stella and Margaret
Results
Susan MacFadyen
Rosie Laundon & Tyler Martin
UNDER 12 FIDDLE SOLO NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy Katie Seivwright
JUNIOR FIDDLE SOLO – MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL Association Cup / Kirsty’s Ceilidh Shield 1. Tyler Martin 2 Rosie Laundon 3. Islay Cathcart
JUNIOR FIDDLE SOLO – SLOW AIR Dougie Welsh Memorial Trophy 1. Tyler Martin 2. Rosie Laundon & Islay Cathcart
SENIOR FIDDLE SOLO – SLOW STRATHSPEY, MARCH, STRATHSPEY & REEL St Boswells Cup 1. Shona MacFadyen 2. Anne Mitchell 3. Rhiann Matthew
SENIOR FIDDLE SOLO – SLOW AIR Ron Gonella Cup 1. Anne Mitchell 2. Shona MacFadyen 3. Rhiann Matthew
OPEN FIDDLE GROUP Lesmahagow Quaich 1. The Last Gaspers 2. Deeside Loons & Quines
OPEN FIDDLE COMPOSER SOLO Banchory Strathspey & Reel Trophy 1. Shona MacFadyen 2. Anya Johnson 3. Tamzin Leask
OPEN FIDDLE SOLO - HORNPIPE & JIG John Ellis Trophy 1. Anya Johnson 2. Shona MacFadyen 3. Tamzin Leask
UNDER 10 ACCORDION SOLO (TRADITIONAL MUSIC) Islesteps Shield 1. Alistair Adamson 2. Elizabeth Cathcart 3. Emily Gold
UNDER 12 ACCORDION SOLO (TRADITIONAL MUSIC) Pentland Cup 1. Jake Johnstone 2 . Fraser Donaldson
12 & UNDER 16 ACCORDION SOLO (TRADITIONAL MUSIC) Jim Johnstone Cup 1. Fin Hope 2. Kyle Anderson 3. Victoria Byrne-McCombie
12 & UNDER 16 ACCORDION SOLO (TRADITIONAL MUSIC) PLAYER WITH MOST POTENTIAL NOT PLACED James Patterson Memorial Trophy Emily Gifford
SENIOR ACCORDION SOLO (TRADITIONAL MUSIC) Clinkscale Cup 1. Alan Small 2. Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul 3. Duncan Ritchie
JUNIOR ACCORDION SOLO (PIPE MUSIC) Bill Black Cup 2. Kyle Anderson 3. Victoria Byrne-McCombie 4. Emily Gifford
SENIOR ACCORDION SOLO (PIPE MUSIC) Bill Powrie Memorial Trophy 1. Susan MacFadyen 2. Craig McFadyen 3. Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
OPEN ACCORDION COMPOSER SOLO Todhills Trophy 1. Susan MacFadyen 2. Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
OPEN BUTTON KEY ACCORDION SOLO John Allan Trophy / Windygates Button Key Trophy John Weaks
SCOTTISH JUNIOR DUET Angus Howie Cups 1. Tyler Martin & Rosie Laundon 2. Victoria Byrne-McCombie & Emily Gifford 3. Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
TRIOS Jimmy Blue Cup William Scott
TRIOS - BEST PIANO PLAYER David Flockhart Shield Margaret Robertson
BANDS Iain MacPhail Cup 1. Pentlands Augmented 2. Iain Anderson 3. Mary Rutherford
BANDS RHYTHM Arthur Easson Trophy Mary Rutherford
OWN COMPOSITION Willie Wilson Challenge Trophy 1. Duncan Ritchie 2. Graeme Munro 3. John Burns
ACCORDION & FIDDLE CLUB REPRESENTATIVE OPEN Banchory AFC Trophy 1. Biggar 2. Clydesdale 3. Beith
UNDER 12 CLASSICAL/VARIETY ACCORDION SOLO Kelso Cup 1. Jake Johnstone 2. Fraser Donaldson 3. Alistair Adamson
UNDER 14 CLASSICAL/VARIETY ACCORDION SOLO Aberdeen Cup 1. Daisy Arnold 2. Charlotte Hamlet
UNDER 16 CLASSICAL/VARIETY ACCORDION SOLO Dundee Shield Kyle Anderson
SENIOR CLASSICAL / VARIETY ACCORDION SOLO Jimmy Clinkscale Shield 1. Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul 2. India Smith
UNDER 16 CLASSICAL ACCORDION DUET Alex MacArthur Cups Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
OPEN CLASSICAL ACCORDION DUET Dunfermline Cup Charlotte Hamlet & Daisy Arnold
OPEN GAELIC WALTZ SOLO Dorothy Patterson Memorial Trophy 1. Craig McFadyen 2. Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul 3. Susan MacFadyen
ACCORDION SOLO (TRADITIONAL MUSIC) – 40 AND OVER Provost’s Cup 1. Alan Small 2. Alan Shute 3. Jim McLaren
ACORDION SOLO (OWN CHOICE) - 60 & OVER Alan Shute Trophy 1. Alan Shute 2. Neil MacMillan 3. John Elliot
Anya Johnson
Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul and Alan MacPherson, RSCDS Archivist
Craig McFadyen
Jake Johnstone
Mary Rutherford
Kyle Anderson
Iain Anderson
Duncan Ritchie
OPEN 6/8 PIPE MARCH Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy 1. Lynne McIver 2. Iain Anderson 3. Alan Small
OVERALL JUNIOR FIDDLE Judith Linton Trophy Tyler Martin
OVERALL SENIOR FIDDLE Angus Fitchet Trophy Shona MacFadyen
OVERALL JUNIOR ACCORDION Alex Little Trophy 2. Kyle Anderson
OVERALL SENIOR ACCORDION Bobby MacLeod Trophy Ciorstaidh Chaimbeul
YOUNGEST BOY John McQueen Medal Alistair Adamson
YOUNGEST GIRL John McQueen Medal Emily Gold
Pentlands Augmented
NAO Sections
17 & UNDER SOLO India Smith
11 & UNDER SOLO Jake Johnstone
9 & UNDER SOLO Emily Gold
ADV SOLO T/P Susan Traynor Jr
SCOTTISH SOLO SENIOR? Susan Traynor Jr
SCOTTISH SOLO 15 & UNDER Kyle Anderson
SCOTTISH SOLO 12 & UNDER Jake Johnstone
MUSETTE SOLO SENIOR Susan Traynor Jr
MUSETTE SOLO 17 & UNDER India Smith
MUSETTE SOLO 15 & UNDER Kyle Anderson
MUSETTE SOLO 11 & UNDER Jake Johnstone
MUSETTE SOLO 9 & UNDER Emily Gold
POLKA SOLO SENIOR Susan Traynor Jr POLKA SOLO 16 & UNDER Kyle Anderson
POLKA SOLO 12 & UNDER Jake Johnstone
POLKA SOLO 8 & UNDER Emily Gold TANGO SOLO SENIOR India Smith
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Ceilidh dance with the Michael Philip Band Competitions for Fiddle, Accordion and Ceilidh Band Concerts, sessions and workshops All in the beautiful town of Falkland in Fife
Tel. Jimmy on 01337 840450 www.falklandtradfest.org.uk
12 th - 1 4 th June 2020
Old Time Dance Competitions - Sessions Sing-a-rounds - Concerts Bairns Ceilidh
