CLASP, the Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers, runs three ‘live online’ competitions each year, writes Margaret Houlihan.
This format was introduced in Covid times, but continues to grow in popularity attracting amateur adult pipers to compete ‘live’ from the comfort of their own home and from anywhere in the world.
Once the live video performance is captured, these are emailed to the judges for consideration. This gives the judge a visual of the piper and with no internet connection interruptions in the performances.
Competitors perform live at their allocated time, with all time zones catered for.
This year, the overall winners of the 2025 ‘Live Online’ League are: Grade 1 – Charles David Mitchell (Canada, pictured top), Grade 2 – Mariko Arimoto (Japan), Grade 3 – Anna Binder (Austria), Grade 4 – Todd Schroeder (USA).
CLASP ‘Live Online’ Dates for 2026: 6th/7th February, 1st/2nd May, 6th/7th November
Cameron May Letter
MSP Meghan Gallacher has presented the following motion to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh: ‘Congratulations Cameron May, Coalburn IOR Pipe Band’:
The Cameronian book mentioned was featured on Piping Press a few months ago. Details here.
MacCrimmon Piobaireachd, the Classic Tunes
Download a complete tune played in full on the practice chanter by ceol mor expert Robert Wallace. By using circular breathing he is able to demonstrate the linking of lines, variations and phrases so vital to good piobaireachd delivery. These tunes are all associated with the great MacCrimmon family, hereditary pipers to MacLeod of Dunvegan. Most are suitable for the piping competitions at the Skye Gathering such as the Dunvegan Medal and Clasp. Recordings may sometimes vary slightly from the printed score…
