Noah Morrissette of the South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy: Hello, I hope everyone has had an outstanding summer and competition season…unless you’re in South Florida. Competition season in Florida takes place during the winter and spring months.
The South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is five full days of world-class pipe and drum instruction. In the past we have had the academy run from Wednesday to Sunday. This has worked, but we find ourselves overlapping with Highland Games somewhere in the state. This year we are trying a new format: Monday – Friday! I know, pioneers, right?
Our academy will take place February 26th to March 2nd, the week prior to the South Florida Highland Games in Fort Lauderdale. This academy has grown from day one, and has sold out the last 2 years. This year we are looking to keep the school the same size, and planning on selling out yet again. The cost of the school this year is $450 prior to January 1st, and the price will go to $500 on January 1st. As always this includes lunches, beverages, and evening entertainment. This year, we will also include an embroidered polo shirt in the cost of the class. Registration is now open!
From the PP photographic archive comes this historic shot:
Can anyone guess the names, the occasion and the approximate year? Star prize to the first correct answer.
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Whilst noting the sad passing of P/M Andy Donaldson a couple of weeks ago we coincidentally received this fine 3/4 march named for another hearty son of the Cardenden coalfield, drummer Alexander Brown. Eck is now the drum instructor for the Scottish Tradition Piping School in Calgary, Alberta, and the tune was written by the Principal there Ken Rogers. It’s a nice melody and deserves to be heard more: 
Here’s how it goes:
That other great son of Cardenden, P/M Bob Shepherd, tells me that things couldn’t be busier at his pipe and reed making factory in the Kingdom. With Douglas and James Murray, Brian Lamond, Allan Russell, Jimmy Banks, Robert Barnes, Bob’s factory and a host of other individuals and bands what a great centre of piping Fife is – not forgetting the legacy left by P/M Andy Donaldson through his teaching and his sons Andy and Brian.
Alastair Campbell, Secretary of the Inverness Piping Society has sent notice of a piping recital by Fred Morrison (pictured top). It’s on Saturday 25th November 2017, Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall; 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Tickets available on the door. All members of the public welcome. For further information: www.invernesspipingsociety.co.uk invernesspiping@gmail.com
Whilst we’re on a history pic roll here’s one of Freddie from the early 80s playing at the Uist & Barra Professional with Ronald Lawrie judging and Bob Hardie’s head just visible to his left:
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