The RAF Pipe Band Association (RAFPBA) have sent this: We are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Gray [pictured above] as the new Pipe Major for RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.
Michael joins us following a distinguished career which included his position as a Senior Pipe Major at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming. As a former lead instructor at Inchdrewer House, he brings a high level of technical expertise, leadership, and pedigree to the Royal Air Force.
Air Officer Scotland, and President of the RAF Pipe Band Association, Air Commodore Mark J. Northover, commented: ‘To welcome a musician and instructor of Michael’s calibre is a testament to the growing strength and ambition of our Association.
‘His influence within the wider military piping community is significant, and his leadership of the Central Scotland band will not only elevate our musical standards but also foster even closer ties between the Army and RAF piping traditions.
‘This appointment marks a new chapter for the Central Scotland band. The RAFPBA continues to solidify its reputation as a premier home for world-class military music, attracting the very best talent from across the Armed Forces.’
Ardmore Cup
The Ardmore Cup will be held on Saturday, February 21st at St Declan’s Village Hall in Ardmore, County Waterford, Eire, writes Eric Stein. The MSR starts at 1pm and the Medley at 6pm.
On Friday night there will be a 50 and over medley event held at the Round Tower Hotel at 7:30pm. On Saturday morning there be 14&U events for four-part march and piobaireachd ground on the practice chanter. There will also be 14&U events for four-parted march and piobaireachd ground on pipes.
The MSR sets for the main competition: James Stone – Mrs Duncan MacFadyen, Susan MacLeod, Grey Bob; Alen Tully – Inveran, MacBeth’s Strathspey, Broadford Bay; Connor Sinclair – Inveran, Susan MacLeod, Drumlithie; William McCallum – Capt. Campbell of Drumavoisk, Dora MacLeod, John MacKechnie; Reece Doherty – Lonach Gathering, Maggie Cameron, Fiona MacLeod; Angus MacColl – Arthur Bignold, Atholl Cummers, Alick C MacGregor; Callum Beaumont – Mrs Duncan MacFadyen, Inveraray Castle, Little Cascade; James Frazer – Captain Carswell, Tulloch Castle, John Garroway; Finlay Johnston – Duncan MacColl, Cat Lodge, Sheepwife; Anna Kummerlöw – Colin Thompson, Monymusk, Fiona MacLeod.
Judges for the open events are Leonard Brown, Dr Angus MacDonald and Ronan Maguire. Tickets are €10. To enter the Under 14 or Over 50 events email ericmstein53@gmail.com or call 631-241-5757 by February 7th.
Donald Sutherland Collection – digital book
This is a digital, repeat digital, book which means you download it to your computer or tablet. This book has some very good music. It is by Donald Sutherland, a native of Rogart, Sutherland. It has been out of print for many years and is reproduced here as a service to followers of www.pipingpress.com. Tunes include Mary Horne, Kenny MacDonald’s Jig, Captain Lachlan MacPhail of Tiree and many other less well-known, but quality, compositions. The book is sized for use…
