The 2024 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is now open for registration, reports Principal Chris McKeown. The popular school will be held from 18 – 23 February in Jacksonville.
The week culminates in the North East Florida Highland Games on Feb 24. Sunday 18th at 6pm is the meet and greet with classes beginning formally on Feb 19 at 8am.
Holiday Inn Express is the host hotel. Event Address: Christ’s Church at 6045 Greenland Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32258; Contact Chris McKeown at 904-334-5472 or email FL.Pipeanddrumacademy@gmail.com
Instruction is available at all levels in pipes, snare, tenor, and bass. Confirmed instructors: Robert Wallace, Barry Donaldson, Matt Pantaleoni, Stephen Creighton, Simon Hodgett (tenor/bass) – both St Laurence O’Toole PB, Dublin) – with Bill Caudill (pipes) EUSPBA judge / President from North Carolina (pending confirmation), and more to be added as class sizes dictate. Tuition: $600
Andy Hosie
It is with regret we report the death of Drumming Champion Andy Hosie. The 214BB ex-Members website carried the details of his unsung career. Andy played with the 214BB pipe band from 1953 till 1958 and was leading drummer of the World Juvenile Championship-winning band in 1957.
After leaving the 214, he played with Red Hackle and Renfrew, becoming their leading drummer in 1961.
Under Andy’s leadership, Renfrew won the World and British drum corps titles in 1965. He was runner-up in the World Solo Drumming Championship of 1963. He was arguably the most exciting and innovative drummer to come out of the 214BB band.
Andy retired from pipe bands in 1965 to pursue a career with British Airways and went on to work with Loch Lomond Golf Club.
He passed away on 19th November after a lengthy illness and is survived by Mary, his wife of 58 years, and daughter Debbie. Andy’s funeral is on 1st December at 3.30pm at Dalnottar Crematorium, West Dunbartonshire, thereafter at Ingliston Country Club, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton, PA7 5PA.
Talk Piobaireachd
The Piobaireachd Society’s popular ‘Talk Piobaireachd’ sessions for 2023/24 begin tonight (Nov.22) at 8pm.
The talk will be given by the Society’s Music Editor Dr Jack Taylor. His subject tunes are Gunn’s Salute and MacSwan of Roaig’s Lament. Both are set for next year’s major competitions at Oban and Inverness.
The talks are open to all members of the Society and are recorded for later publication on their website. If you are not already a member of the Society you can avail yourself of these important presentations by joining here.
Bagpiper’s Handbook – Handy Maintenance Tips
A concise yet complete handbook for all pipers. Learn how to tie in a stock, adjust your reeds, test your bag and much, much more. A handy size, the book can be kept in the pipe case for easy reference. The comes complete with a set of video instructions which help explain each lesson. Access them here.
…£9.50
