Month: May 2015

Grading of Solo Competing Pipers/PP Miscellany

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The Editor: Just to add a little flesh to my earlier comments about flaws in the grading system, I do think the whole business needs re-assessed with greater involvement of the judging fraternity. After all, it is the judges who sit through lengthy contests listening intently to each player as they come forward – something the current Competing Pipers’ Association Grading Committee don’t seem to do. They operate primarily on…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Readers, MacCrimmon Trophy, USPF, WW2 Letter, New England Schedule

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I am constantly, and pleasantly, surprised by the breadth of readership we get here at Piping Press. This week alone (Sun – Tues inc.) we have had 2,560 readers come to the site from, among others, the following countries: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Germany, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brazil, Oman and the Philipines. What is interesting too is that it is not always the current features that people are…

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Retreat March/ BB King/ US Piping Foundation/ Highland Games

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The opportunity to travel and meet interesting people is just one benefit that accrues to we pipers over the years, be it as a soloist or as a member of a band. Such a trip came my way in 1998 (I think) as a guest member of the Lothian and Borders Police Band. We went to Rome to play at a concert at the Vatican. Apart from the interest any…

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West Lothian Schools Concert/ New England Academy/ USPF/Letters/ Drummer Sought

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Abi Smith of the Piping Centre has sent this: ‘We’ve just announced a new Pipe Band Concert which is taking place at The National Piping Centre on 5th June featuring West Lothian Schools Pipe Band. All information can be found on the event page here: https://wlspbconcert.eventbrite.com; Tickets are on sale online and at The National Piping Centre. We would appreciate if you could add this event to your blog.  +44 (0) 141 353 0220;  +44 (0) 141…

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VE Day Commemoration – Tears for Piper George Morrison, Black Watch

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One of the most touching moments in the VE Day commemoration concert at the weekend came when actress Jane Horrocks wept whilst reading the last letter home of Lieutenant George F Morrison of the 7th Battalion of the Black Watch.  Lt. Morrison was a piper and talks of going into battle ‘happy as a cricket’ with his ‘chanter in his knapsack’. He was from Crieff in Perthshire the son of Andrew…

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