Month: October 2015

P/M Richard Parkes on Losing the Worlds and the Future for FM and Himself

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P/M Richard Parkes MBE of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is the most successful pipe major of recent times. He has ten World titles to his name and countless other major championships. This year he was heading for his fifth Worlds in a row when, at Glasgow Green last August, the band suffered a major reverse, the 2015 title going to Shotts and Dykehead. How does a band…

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PP Editor’s Blog: David Murray/ Glenfiddich/ Advertisers/ Pipe Band Roadshow

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It was a pleasure yesterday to speak to David Murray on the phone. David has just celebrated his 94th birthday and is still taking a keen interest in piping via Piping Press. In his time he was President of the Piobaireachd Society, Piping Convenor at the Northern Meeting, a highly respected Senior Adjudicator, Director of the Edinburgh Tattoo, and a writer of note. His articles on competitions and piping history…

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Famous Pipers; Archibald Campbell/ KO Correction/ Comedy Caption

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Our History column has been added to this morning with the first part of a look back at the life and times of piobaireachd scholar and writer Archibald Campbell, Kilberry (left). The column examines some of his letters and there is a piece on his father by the late James Campbell, Cambridge. The article first appeared in Piper Press magazine the print forerunner to this web magazine. Jimmy Banks of…

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Free Drumming Scores/ Gordon Wins Highland Games League/ Gordon Walker – More Great Pix

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In a very generous gesture, leading pipe band drumming expert John Moneagle has kindly donated his scores for eight popular tunes free of charge to Piping Press readers. Each score comes with a sound file of how the tune should be played. Access them via the Search facility and also read about John’s very distinguished career as a pipe band drummer, leading tip and drumming educator. We’d like to thank John for this…

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PP Editor’s Blog: KO Contests/ Caption Contest/ Rosneath Thoughts/ World Drumming

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Congratulations to Craig Muirhead on winning through to the next round of the Scots Guards KO against Brian Lamond. The first round of the SPA KO is on November 7 at the College of Piping. The jousters are Finlay Johnston and John Patrick. 7.30 start, bar and refreshments. The Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA have sent this: ‘Thanks to Ian Burrows, pictures from all 2015 pipe band contests (except Rostrevor)…

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