Piper Olivia McLennan
Olivia soloing at The Royal Albert Hall in "The Maclennium" Tattoo
Sound:
Originally taught by Piper Roy Parker of the Ringwood Pipe Band. Such is her appreciation of Roy's excellent teaching skills that she
wrote a tune especially for him. "Olivia McLennan's salute to Roy
Parker". Roy is now in New Zealand but popped across to
see us all in June 2000.
Seeing the Edinburgh Tattoo as a wee tot certainly had a profound effect on Olivia. The oohs and aahs as the massed pipes & drums entered the arena led to the statement "I want to do that". Several years later I (dad) bumped into Roy Parker in Salisbury and he offered the services of himself and the Ringwood Pipe Band if Olivia was still keen. So aged 11 Olivia's chanter sprang into life. Exercises followed by "Scots Wha Hae" covered the first few weeks. Then, as we were going to Scotland for a holiday, Roy set Olivia "Homework". "Learn "I see Mull/Land of my youth" while you are away", he said. During the drive from Salisbury to Scotland (over 400 miles) Olivia practised and practised. By the time we arrived the tune was perfect.
That sums up Olivia's approach to piping and her accomplishments and experiences have been deserved but also reward for her effort and hard work.
She has a collection of gold, silver & bronze medals and is proud of her achievement as she largely prepares on her own. Having said that Ian Freeman of the Ringwood PB has also coached her periodically and adds discipline at times.
Piping courses have played a great part in developing Olivia's approach and thanks go to Robert
Mathieson, Roger Huth and most recently, Jim MacLean of the Piping Centre in Glasgow.
At 21, Olivia has many other feathers (besides her cock feather) in her cap/glengarry!
Olivia has played the solo for Amazing Grace at all four of The Ringwood Pipe Band's own Wessex Tattoo in Salisbury City Hall. This led to the solo at the first two "Scottish Tattoo's at The Royal Albert Hall" where she received a tremendous cheer on both occasions. At the third Scottish Tattoo "The Highland Spirit", Olivia played her solo piece on her small pipes. The solos continued at the South Coast Tour of "The Scottish Show" in 1999 and "The Scottish Tattoo Tour 2000" in major southern venues including small pipes.
In 2001 Olivia's musical ability has been tested once more. For the Highland Spirit Tour of the South's major venues, Olivia arranged some Scottish music for a String Quartet, in which she played her cello and small pipes. In addition, she performed solo on her small pipes. Accompanied the Gaidhlic (Gaelic) singer on her small pipes and with her string quartet and for the first time played her Great Highland Bagpipes for the Highland dancers. She really excelled and the difficult art of playing for dancers (very different to playing solo or for a band) was mastered rapidly during rehearsal.
Pictures are now on the Scottish Tattoo website - thescottishtattoo.com
Olivia was the Lone Piper for Birmingham City Centre "New Years Eve" (Hogmanay) celebrations in
Centenary Square, Birmingham.
Her midnight Spot welcolmed the New Year and was greeted by the 50,000 crowd singing Auld Lang Syne - courtesy of the words on big screens - and a spectacular firework display. She played on for her 10 minute spot and had them jigging and singing.
Flower of Scotland was requested.
Olivia came on stage to a wall of sound as the pop group "911" finished their spot at midnight.
They cheered Olivia and she punched the air to greet them. Happy New Year Birmingham.
On New Years Day Olivia made her radio debut on Bob Brolley's show (BBC Radio West Midlands). They had a really good chat and Olivia was able to thank everyone for a great NYE.
Olivia was chosen to be the millennium piper for the Salisbury District. Her playing of Auld Lang Syne was broadcast on two radio stations. The purpose was to link the district by the singing and piping and then fireworks in many villages, which created a visible 2000 when viewed from the sky.
Olivia also recorded Amazing Grace and Mull of Kyntyre for use by Warners Holiday Camp entertainers. The idea being that Olivia's playing would be broadcast and the entertainers would come on stage miming. So, if you are in a Warners Camp near a Scottish festival and hear the pipes - you know the truth!
During her time in London, Olivia has occasionally visited the Pride of Murray Pipe Band and has great admiration for their players and the welcome and encouragement she has received from Pipe Major Jim McGinn and the band.
Olivia has written several tunes and perhaps one day will publish them.
Like all pipers she performs at private engagements - parties, weddings, Burns, Hogmanay etc and loves rousing the audience. Word is definitely spreading about her ability.
As a cellist she has appeared at the Royal Festival Hall, with the orchestra, and Salisbury Cathedral.
Has also toured the Czech Republic with the Wiltshire Youth Orchestra.
On 24 June 2000 Olivia was chosen for the "Highland Cathedral" solo at "The Grand Military Tattoo" at Fort Nelson, near Fareham when a massed pipes and drums band comprising Ringwood, Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service & Rose & Thistle representatives joined forces. There were two shows and military bands from the Army and Navy were in attendance.
A much younger Olivia
taken prior to her first
hired
engagement (a wedding)
