Good Advice from MacStig on Playing in Arena 1

‘They seek him here, they seek him there, those pipers seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in hell, the elusive pipe band pimpernel?’  The MacStig algorithm and spreadsheet stack is more complex than the Cameronian Rant. I’m trying to keep tabs on who is where and when this hectic week. I have been a moving target all week, dipping in and out of practices around Glasgow…

RSPBA Confirm Grade 2 in Main Arena at Worlds

RSPBA Vice Chairman John Hughes, the man in charge of running our major championships, has confirmed that this year’s Grade 2 final will be held in the main arena at the World Pipe Band Championships (pictured above). This means these bands will have their performances broadcast live worldwide on BBC television and via internet streaming. A few days ago our correspondent MacStig wrote: ‘I do hope the RSPBA video crew…

PP Ed’s Blog: Perth Cancelled as Worlds Week Continues Apace

Pipers and drummers in and around Glasgow will hardly have time to draw breath today as the momentum continues to build towards Saturday's World Pipe Band Championships. Tonight we have the sell-out Shotts & Dykehead 'Rise' concert, the main attraction of Worlds Week, with over 2,000 enthusiasts heading for the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Check out PP tomorrow for our review of what is sure to be a stellar evening….

Skye Gathering: Silver Chanter, Kemble Star, P MacFarquhar Star, Clasp, Dunvegan Medal Results (Updated)

The Dunvegan Medal is one of our most important piobaireachd awards. Pipers have to submit four tunes from a list of MacCrimmon or MacCrimmon-related tunes. There was a mixed standard of play today with many pipers struggling with their instruments. Twenty-two played. The picture above shows the 2017 medallist Ian K.MacDonald from Toronto. Ian gave an outstanding performance of the classic Lament for Donald Ban MacCrimmon. Stay tuned for comment from the…

CLASP Grade 3 World Amateur Solos

Margaret Dunn reports: Here are our results for CLASP grade 3, World Solo Amateur Piping Competition at Piping Live!.  Held today, 8th August, at St Aloysius Convent. The winner, John Bertino, is pictured with adjudicator Brian Switalla. Grade 3 Piobaireachd  1st  John Bertino 2nd Alfred Graf 3rd Stephen Whitton Grade 3 Piobaireachd (Ground) 1st John Bertino 2nd Alfred Graf 3rd Andrew Richardson Grade 3 – 2/4 March 1st John Bertino…