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Sorry grunger, I'm busy that day (when was it?)

ChrisE

Although your comment made me laugh, I was disappointed that you feel unable to support Grunger. We must all do our bit, encourage others in new ventures and so on. Still, I'm sure other PU members will rise to the challenge - and accompanying bagpipes definitely IS a challenge.

Malone

I also liked ChrisE's quip, but as it happens, I am available on Thurs morning to accompany Grunger, in the musical sense. I will take a few instruments but I will make my own way there.

I see what you mean that they probably didn't say there would be a harp there. It might have been a harpoon, which does not sound promising.

Jigjag

Great to hear that you and Grunger will pair up again - Wigan, Salford … who knows where you'll end up next. It'd be lovely if we got one of your reports afterwards - those are always informative and amusing.

PS If you send Grunger a quick telegram, I think she'll have time to make you a few pies. I wouldn't mention mincemeat as I think everyone's sick of that, but maybe minced meat (and onion) would be good.

Jigjag

Thanks for bringing the bagpipes yesterday, also the book "Teach Yourself Bagpipes" by Wyn de Bagge, the famous half-Welsh, half-Dutch composer.

I have been practising this morning and would like to play "Amazing Grace" at the audition tomorrow.

Malone

The pies are baked, some normal, some exotic. I am really quite nervous as I have only auditioned for the stage (am-dram and dancing parts) before.

Grunger

You will be fine. Amazing Grace is a good choice, I will accompany you on piano. An alternative is the Adagio from "Duet for Pipes" (with me on oboe), one of Mozart's lesser-known works.

I hope 5D in the Times crossword today inspired your baking.

Grunger and Jigjag

Thanks for your posts and your continued enthusiasm for tomorrow's audition.

Grunger

Although 'Amazing Grace' is one of my least favourite pieces - it's featured in too many funerals - I think it is a good choice for tomorrow. It will no doubt show your mastery of your instruments. Remember, the auditioning panel are looking for performers who will be demonstrating the versatility of the pipes, so any little improvisations could be warmly received.

It's understandable to be a little nervous, but try to think of the elation you will feel after delivering a superb performance. You and Jigjag can dance a celebratory Highland fling afterwards … h'mm, maybe that could feature in your audition?

Malone

The audition for the role of Pie Piper went very well. They were pleased with the pies and the Director, Wanda Pye, was feeling a bit peckish so tasted a few. She thought the minced rinsed quince one hit all the right notes.

The panel thought my skirt was unsuitable, so they gave me a dress to change into. It was covered in numbers and geometric shapes which was puzzling.

Jigjag introduced my piece as “Amazing Grace by the Amazing Brace”. They were pleased with my bagpiping, but asked if I could play something more mathematical, possibly something by Pie-thagoras in 3/4/5 time. I wasn’t familiar with that tempo, but Jigjag had taken a triangle and he played Euclid’s Triangle Concerto, with me piping in at random moments.

They were delighted and we did a Highland Fling to celebrate. I looked more closely at the numbers on my dress, 3.14159….. Of course. They wanted a Pi Piper.

Grunger

Wonderful stuff! You and Jigjag did extremely well, what a pairing. I am so glad I suggested this opening for you, it could be that a bright future
lies ahead.

I usually switch off at any mention of Pi and Euclid and all that … mathematical stuff, but you managed to integrate it so beautifully that I don't mind in the slightest.

It was good too that the pies went down well .. groan.

Jigjag

Well done on supporting Grunger/The Amazing brace so well. You certainly seemed to rise to the occasion.

PS There's a report on the BBC about Marks and Spencer's Christmas trading. A spokesman admits that they 'overestimated the demand for tight-fitting [men's] trousers'. As a result, they have ordered more (as in 'more supplies') of 'regular' and 'relaxed fit' clothing for spring.

Grunger

Thanks for your lovely summary of this morning's activity. It was a pleasure to accompany you. You did very well with so little practice. I also enjoyed the Highland Fling. I have never danced with a professional before, and you did well to get me moving.

Malone

I think Grunger has a chance, but as you intimated earlier, the pie-eyed piper who was on after us may well get the job.

With all this activity, plus a heavy football schedule, I haven't had a chance to study the trading updates from the supermarkets, M&S etc. From what you say, and from your comment last week about the market, there is quite a bit of work to do. I will do it next week and pay a few visits, as talking to the staff is often more useful than reading the reports put out.