The Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario and the Piobaireachd Society today announce a new educational initiative aimed at further supporting solo amateur piobaireachd players.
The PPBSO, beginning this year, will purchase PS memberships for all pipers who compete in at least two of their (PPBSO) solo amateur piobaireachd competitions in any given year, in-person or online.
These memberships will enable each amateur piper to access the extensive database of manuscripts, recordings and notes that are available (and limited) to Piobaireachd Society members.
Of note, too, is the popular autumn-winter ‘Talk Piobaireachd’ series of live online seminars that offer members musical insights and perspective from a wide range of leading experts.
Michael Grey, PPBSO, President: ‘Over the last few years the Piobaireachd Society’s online database has, almost by the week, grown in size and scope.
‘To enable our amateur pipers access is one way to encourage interest, and excellence, in this important part of the music of the pipes.
‘At a projected cost of an estimated $500Cdn per year our Board of Directors was unanimous in supporting this initiative.’
In addition to individual PS memberships for amateur pipers, all PPBSO branches and the PPBSO parent executive will each hold an affiliated membership. This will allow branches – and the executive – to draw on Piobaireachd Society online resources should they wish to augment the presentation of piobaireachd seminars or workshops.
Michael added: ‘The PPBSO will continue to seek out creative ways for our pipers and drummers to improve their knowledge and musicianship. We anticipate more news before too long that will see a broadening of our outreach plans.’
Robert Wallace, President of The Piobaireachd Society, said: ‘This initiative by Michael and the PPBSO is a welcome development in piping. It demonstrates the opportunity for co-operation between piping societies throughout the world. Our General Committee is delighted to be able to work with the PPBSO in spreading the piobaireachd message.’
The Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario was instituted in 1947. Objects of the Society include the uniting of all pipers and drummers in the province to better preserve, promote and encourage participation and proficiency in the music of the pipes, drums and pipe bands. 2022 marks the organisation’s 75th anniversary.
The Piobaireachd Society was formed in 1905 and since then has been a leading light in the preservation and propagation of the classical music of the great Highland bagpipe: piobaireachd. Through their research, publications, teaching, student subsidy programmes, event sponsorship and promotion, the Piobaireachd Society has, since its inception, been the lynchpin for the global advancement of piobaireachd. The Society’s Patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.