Director Chris McKeown has announced dates and a new venue for the annual Florida Pipe & Drum Academy.
The 2026 school will be held from February 22 – 27 at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida.
Chris writes: ‘We’re planning something you won’t want to miss, and we hope to see you there. We are at a new venue where meals and lodging are part of your experience!
‘The 2026 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is an all inclusive bagpiping and drumming school taught by world renowned instructors from the United States, Scotland, and Ireland. This year’s academy is being held at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center just outside Jacksonville on the St John’s River.
‘This beautiful venue offers breathtaking views and a peaceful campus. Fees include top notch lodging and dining and tuition. After hours, you’ll have continued access to the instructors for evening workshops and fellowship around the fire pit! There is even a covered dock on the river where sessions can be held weather permitting. Come join us!’ More here.
North East Florida Highland Games follow the school on February 28.
Band Regradings
The RSPBA has announced the following upgrades:
3A to 2: Deeside Cal., Ronsed Mor (Brittany)
3B to 3A: Elgin, Scottish Borders, Carneigie Mellon, Syerla, Drumlough
4A to 3A: Black Raven
4A to 3B: Vale of Atholl, New Ross, Nat. Youth (Germany), East Ayrshire Cal., Culter, Govan Community
4B to 4A: Barrhead, Carrigaline, Letterkenny, Queen Elizabeth, City of Discovery, St Andrews, Youghal
Nov A to Juv: Lochgelly High, George Watson’s, W Lothian Schools
Nov B to Nov A: Oban High, Lochgelly Jnr., St John’s (Zim.), Scotch Coll. No. 2 (Aust.) Glasgow High, Scots Colllege (Aust.)
Downgrades:
2 to 3A: Bucksburn
3B to 4A: Mid Argyll, Ayr
3A to 3B: Milngavie, Buchan Peterson
4A to 4B: Perth, Stockbridge, Murrumba, Troon Blackrock
Rudimental Drumming
The Glasgow Rudimental Drumming Festival will be held at RSPBA HQ, Washington Street, from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th October 2025. There is no RSPBA involvement.
The promo reads: ‘Rudimental drumming is an art form with deep historical roots, developed through military, ceremonial, and cultural traditions across the world. While grounded in shared technical foundations, each country has cultivated its own unique stylistic approach, making rudimental drumming a truly international discipline that continues to evolve today.’
The three-day programme features workshops, lectures, panel discussions, collaborative sessions and live demonstrations. More here.
