The RSPBA has reminded all bands that subscriptions for the 2025 season are due by this Saturday, November 30th. Currently registered bands pay £264 (adult) and £240 (juvenile).
Late payment incurs a 20% penalty, adding over £52 to the adult fee. Overseas bands wishing to compete next summer in RSPBA competitions pay £132 and £120.
Fees for bands registering for the first time are £288 and £264. More information: UK Bands and Overseas Bands. For information on how to pay or to register an interest in becoming a member of the Association, email enquiries@rspba.org.
Jimmy McIntosh MBE Piobaireachd Workshop
Andrew Carlisle reports: The third annual workshop will be held at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, on February 21-23, 2025. We had 54 attendees last year, so are hoping to have another good weekend.
The Pittsburgh Piping Society and the university will host the workshop. Pipers of all competitive grades are welcome, with the requirement that each attendee can already play at least one piobaireachd. Members of the public may register as ‘observers only’.
The weekend begins on Friday at 7:30pm with a gathering of the Pittsburgh Piping Society, where pipers of all abilities will perform for their peers. The evening concludes with a recital by instructor and Gold Medalist Mike Rogers.
On Saturday, Mike, myself, Peter Kent and Alex MacIntyre will lead classroom instruction. Instructor bios (all have strong ties to Jimmy McIntosh) can be found here.
Saturday’s session concludes with performances from this year’s Jimmy McIntosh MBE Scholarship recipient, Meghan McElhinney. She will share two new piobaireachd she has been studying since June 2024 under the tutelage of Amy Garson.
Sunday morning will conclude the workshop, again at Carnegie Mellon University.
Individuals must arrange their own travel and accommodation. Cost for the weekend workshop is $150, Saturday lunch included. Further information and registration here.
