Having spent literally a life time associated with pipe bands as a competitor, educator and adjudicator, it struck me that not a lot had been written about this musical genre, or certainly not in published book form.
When discussing piping and drumming with fellow competitors, all have their own historical perspective mainly based on the bands they played in or competed against. These comments tend to be anecdotal in nature reflecting warm memories of individuals they knew, played with or who had influenced them over the years.
by
John MacInnes MBE
There of course exists a catalogue of recorded and transcribed interviews of prominent Pipe Majors and Leading Drummers that has been captured and available to peruse on-line. Social media has also enabled the sharing of information and views with respect to pipe bands that is both informative and entertaining.
Nevertheless, it struck me that no one to my knowledge had written a book that attempted to describe a personal history of pipe band involvement as it developed over a life-time, hence the motivation and commitment to write ‘Pipe Band Reflections’.
The original intention was to present the publication as one complete entity, however, as research and writing progressed, it became evident that this would result in a book of over 700 pages. This seemed excessively large and consequently the decision was taken to present the work in two distinct parts. Depending on the reader’s interest, each book can be read as a stand-alone entity, or as a complete set of two books. Between the two there are over 260 photographs of individuals and bands.
The books delineate a 60 year period of participation in pipe band competition, Part One covering the period 1950 to 1990, and Part Two from 1990 to 2022. While the content centres on the author’s personal involvement over this period, it also encapsulates developments across the genre at the highest level. It references the renowned pipe majors and leading drummers who made outstanding contributions to the progression and improvement of musical standards over this period.
The significant contribution of the Boys’ Brigade on individuals development as well as on bands in general and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in particular is recognised, as is the contribution made by the Army both Territorial and Regular. Within the text frequent reference is made to the importance of striving for improvement in performance, adjudication or administration.
A detailed analysis of the adjudication process is given which may enlighten competitors as to why, in their opinion, adjudicators ‘get it wrong’! The evolution of ‘Superbands’ and the wall of sound produced by ever-increasing numbers of pipers and drummers are discussed as is its effect on smaller, previously deemed adequately-sized, bands.
The admirable increased provision of piping and drumming tuition within schools is noted, however its potential adverse effects on the previous bedrock of tuition within community based bands is acknowledged. All of this is punctuated with reference to significant historical events as they occurred during this time frame.
- John is a chartered engineer by profession and has held senior positions with Weir Pumps Ltd, the Engineering Training Board and Rolls-Royce plc. From 1960 he played in competing bands including Anchor Mills, Paisley, Clan MacRae Society, Seagrams, 153 Royal Corps of Transport, and Denny and Dunipace. In addition, John has been Convener of the RSPBA’s College Board, Education Convener of the Music Board, and member of the Adjudicator Training Group. He was an RSPBA unattached Drumming and Ensemble Adjudicator for over thirty years. Each book is available on Amazon priced £14.99. Order here.
Is it possible for you to put me in contact with John MacInnes. I have been compiling a list of the top three places in all the major piping competitions and the Champion of Champions. I have completed the Cowal and World. Only one year remains on the European, but the British has turned out to be the hardest competition for records. From those records I have also put together a list of number of Major Pipe Band Honours per pipe band, per competition. In John’s books he has included the World Pipe Band Competition results for every year from 1957, but has not included the other Majors as it would have taken up a lot of space in the books. Therefore I assume he also has those records, and if so, I can fill in the information on the other Majors from 1957. By the way I am currently reading his first book, and I am really enjoying it. Also my interest of pipe bands comes from attending numerous European Championships, in my home town of Shotts. Regards – Archie