Congratulations to successful candidates at the latest Johnstone Pipe Band PDQB/SCQF exam course, writes Keith Bowes Snr. The course started in mid-September, with exams mid-December (see picture above).
This can be a quiet time in the pipe band calendar and a lot of youngsters take it as a bit of a rest period; the course ensures their enthusiasm from the previous season is carried forward.
Courses and exams were held for snare drum SCQF 2 and 6, bagpipes levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. Level 8 is the highest possible level of educational achievement whilst still at school, and its syllabus is such that few experienced adults could achieve it. Well done to Peter MacKay on his Level 8 certificate.
Each level contains practical skills, theory, and maintenance; every candidate walks away with more knowledge and increased ability in their instrument.
Particularly rewarding this year was that three of our previous students instructed on this course. Our exam centre is the RSPBA so a huge thanks to everyone at HQ for ensuring smooth running on exam days.
Florida School
Registration for the 2026 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy ends this Friday, February 13. Thirty-two students are registered so far. The school is at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center on the St John’s River just south of Jacksonville.
Principal Chris McKeown: ‘The 2026 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is an all inclusive bagpiping and drumming school taught by world renowned instructors from Scotland, the US, and Ireland.
‘This year’s academy is in a beautiful venue and includes top notch lodging and dining. After hours you’ll have continued access to the instructors for evening workshops and fellowship around the fire pit. There is a covered deck on the river where sessions can be held weather permitting.’
Sign up here. Check out the Marywood website at https://marywoodcenter.org .
Piping Recitals
A recital will be given by champion pipers Iain Speirs and Ben Duncan on March 6 in the King Robert Hotel. Tickets £10 at the door. Time 7.30pm. The following day is the first Stirling Junior competition. Organiser Craig Muirhead reports very healthy entries so far. Contact Craig here.
This Friday sees another top level recital with Cameron May and Stuart Liddell on the bill. The venue is Airdrie Working Men’s Club (postcode ML6 6BN) in Lanarkshire. Close to 150 tickets have been sold already. All profits go towards the new collection of music featuring the works of county composers. Tickets £20 and £15 here or at the door.
Classic 2/4 Competition Marches – ‘Play Along’ Lessons
More of the all time greats of the 2/4 march repertoire are listed here. Each is played in full on the practice chanter by Robert Wallace. Firstly he goes through the tune very slowly at a practice tempo and then he plays it a little more quickly, closer to performance speed. If the tune you need is not listed email pipingpress@gmail.com.
