After a few years’ absence, we are delighted to confirm that Inverness Piping Society will once again be running our junior solo piping competitions this year, writes Alastair Campbell, Secretary.
This event has a long history, and is a key element of the Society’s remit to promote solo piping in the Highlands. Many past winners have gone on to enjoy successful piping careers. We would be grateful if tutors, parents and bands could circulate the details and encourage as many juniors as possible to enter.
The competition is on 18th November 2023 at the Army Reserve Centre, Gordonville Road, Inverness IV2 4SU. We are extremely grateful to the staff at the Centre for permission to use this venue. Registration will be from 9.30 – 10am, with competitions commencing thereafter.
There are 13 events with prizes in chanter, Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey & Reel, Hornpipe & Jig, Slow Air and 6/8 March. Piping is split into Novice and U-15 and U-18 age groups. In addition there are prizes for dress and deportment and for the overall winners of each age group.
Contests are open to those aged 17 and under on the day of the competition. Competitors should submit an entry form by Friday 10th November 2023:
Junior-Piping-Application-Rules-2023Please note, we are unable to accept BACS or electronic payment of entry fees. These should be enclosed with your entry form, either in cash or cheque. Any queries, please email the Society at invernesspiping@gmail.com
Australian Success
On September 30th, Scots College in Warwick, Queensland, played host to the inaugural Australian Juvenile Pipe Band Championships and the Australian Solo Championships, writes Christine Peterson.
Warwick is the home to the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest Caledonian Society. The weekend drew visitors from far and wide, and was further amplified by the College’s own band celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Ten juvenile bands competed in four categories. The solos may have been the largest ever held in Australia, with approximately 300 competitors of all ages and skill levels.
College Principal, Mr Kyle Thompson, expressed pride in hosting the event. ‘This weekend was not just about competition; it was a celebration of our rich musical heritage and a testament to the dedication of our young musicians.’
Band results here; solo results here.
NB: The Scots College is also looking for a new ‘Head of Pipes and Drums’. Details here.
Schools Job
An opportunity has arisen for a piping and drumming tutor to teach at Forres Academy and its associated primary schools in Morayshire, writes Alexandra Duncan.
The role is to deliver high quality tuition with the aim of developing a school band. The roles of the tutors are on a self-employed basis and they must have the required skills to teach pupils from beginners through to the SQA exams.
Experience of working with pupils of all abilities from the age from Primary 5 upwards is desirable.
The overall project is a first for Scotland and gives every pupil in schools in a local education authority the chance to play the pipes or drums. After Forres, the opportunities will roll out to other school clusters.
The programme coordinator, Fiona Caldwell, has run workshops to assess demand, and on the basis of sign-ups, we are able to open up this opportunity for tutors. Those interested should contact Fiona here. Application will be by CV with a covering letter. Project information at www.sspdt.org.uk/moray
The Bagpiper’s Handbook…a must have for all pipers
