Two new letters this morning, the first from Brian Mulhearn begins: ‘Hello Rob, Having been following the recent judging developments, I think you are looking at the situation from only one side….
The next is from Bill Robertson in New Zealand and begins: ‘Hello Rab, About two days ago I was on TV for the BBC world news when an item came up about the female Lone Piper for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2017. The scene was from a Royal Artillery parade waiting for the piper to strike up with The Flowers of the Forest…..
Read both here.
Joachim Zintl in France has sent this query regarding next year’s Donald MacLeod Memorial competition in Stornoway: ‘Dear Sirs, I am wondering if it has already been announced when in 2017 the Donald MacLeod Competition will be carried out. I plan to fly over from Nice and would be happy about a date to make my arrangements easier. Thanks a lot and looking forward to heading for Scotland! Cheers Joachim.’
Can the organisers let us know and we’ll publicise? It’s a great couple of days Joachim and worth staying on to explore the island.
Piping students will audition for the instructors on Wednesday morning, to be placed in playing-ability appropriate classes/groups. These groups will be flexible. Classes will run from Wednesday through Sunday. Classes are held from 9am to 5pm with lunch breaks each day. There will be an evening activity following dinner. Visitors from out-of-town will have plenty to do each evening with an Academy ceilidh or discussion each night.
Blurb: The daily schedule includes 3-4 personalized small classes per day plus a 60-90 minute mass band session. Students can choose to prepare for the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) and be examined for qualifications attesting to grade level. The academy will be limited to a maximum of six students per instructor: 24 piping students and eight snare/side drum students, and eight tenor and bass students. More tutors will be added to the faculty if registrations warrant it. If you are looking for to bring your musical talent or your band to the next level, come to the South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy!
Another academy, this one in South West Scotland:
