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I hope everyone is enjoying the free download of Pipe Band magazine. Couple of missing things. The names of the two brothers on the front cover (below) are Marcus and Matthew Wenlock from Cullybackey, Northern Ireland, and very well done to them. Two World Champions in the same family is some going by any estimation.
Moving on to the adults, here’s a recording of Steven McWhirter and Stuart Liddell (our Piper of the Year) with Steven’s winning MSR. I forgot I had this and it should have been embedded in the relevant page of the magazine. Wonderful playing from both and the tunes are Lord Alexander Kennedy, Cameronian Rant and Pretty Marion.
And here is Steven with his trophy. The third year in a row he has lifted this coveted title:
Don’t forget the ppresshop Classified Ads if you want to sell off that set of old Hendersons from under the bed or even that tartan underwear you got for Xmas.
The Celtic Connections Festival runs in Glasgow from Jan 15 to the end of the month and a quick look at the line-up shows a very impressive list of concerts and sessions. The main piping event I found in the schedule was ‘Crossing the Minch’, a celebration of Donald MacLeod’s music. The blurb reads: ‘Named for one of his best-loved tunes, ‘Crossing the Minch’ pays tribute to Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE (1916-1982), arguably the 20th century’s greatest bagpipe composer. Born in Stornoway, he served (and played) throughout World War II – once reportedly escaping capture by speaking Gaelic – before sweeping the boards on the post-war competition circuit. ‘Renowned for his melodic inventiveness, he published seven collections of his tunes, and pioneered the use of recording in teaching. To celebrate this remarkable legacy, a multi-generational cast includes pipers Calum MacCrimmon, John Wilson, John Mulhearn, James Duncan Mackenzie and Rona Lightfoot, plus Alasdair White and the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band.’
Ken Rogers Calgary: Scottish Tradition roster: Upcoming Events-The events listed below are an overview of confirmed dates. Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance, King George Masonic Lodge, 2323 Osborne Crescent, S.W., Friday, January 23, 2015; Pipe Sgt. Bob Amiss, Pipe Sgt. Wayne LaRoche, Piper Ewan Ferrier, and Master of Ceremonies Gordon Ritchie will be assisted by dancers from the Wilson School of Highland Dance for this event.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Kilt and Caber Ale House, 53 High Street, S.E., March 17, 2015.
I understand there has been some technical problem with the DVD and CD recordings from last summer’s Worlds Week concert given by Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band – to much acclaim. I don’t know what the issues are but it will be a real shame if anything from this enjoyable evening has been lost. Any info gents? Read my review of the evening here.
Tom Johnstone, President, Scottish Pipers’ Association: In my last update for the next meeting in January I indicated that there would be two meetings – the first one as Jim McLean was visiting from Benbecula. He has informed me that he has had to go back early. Therefore the next meeting will be on: Friday 9th January 2015 at 7.30pm in the College of Piping. Look forward to seeing you all there.