The RSPBA are now taking the issue of band sizes seriously. There was a commitment at last weekend’s AGM to take the matter forward via the Music Board and a consultation with the bands. The proposal is that piper numbers be cut to 22 and side drummers to 11. No apparent mention of bass and tenors.
The thrust of the argument put forward was one of fairness, always an emotional issue, especially in the highly competitive pipe band world. It is true that a pipe major who can pick from a pool of 30 pipers will have a contest advantage over the one with 20, so yes, something needs to be done about it in that regard.
But the other burning issue on sizes is that the big, fashionable bands draw good players away from perhaps more lowly placed outfits. Literally struggling to make up the numbers, a few members on holiday, a couple working, and these bands are likely to give up the ghost and we end up with the dwindling numbers we have today.
If the big bands are limited on how many they can take on board it stands to reason that there will be a filter down benefit for those lower in the grade.
So well done to all concerned in this initiative and I hope the bands back the common sense size restrictions the AGM approved for discussion. Personally I would take it down to 18 for pipers and six for sides but that’s just me.
- Strathmore Schools Pipe Band are looking for a tenor and bass instructor. Applications by March 22 to chairsspb@gmail.com
Atholl Gathering
This year’s graded games will be held on May 24 and entries open tomorrow, March 21. Here is the link to the entry form. Piping Convenor Jack Taylor: ‘Four Piobaireachd in P/A/B/C Piob events, otherwise 3 MSRs, own choice H and J, different one in final, and own choice all under 18 events.’
The first major games of the year, the Gathering always attracts a large entry to Blair Atholl. Here’s a nice picture of last year’s Champion Pipers, Lachlan Rennie and Steven Leask.
214 BB Renunion
We met a couple of weeks ago for the annual reunion. Numbers, as you would expect, are reducing every year but we still had over 30 in attendance. There was a special tribute for P/M Ian McLellan from Chairman Donnie Glass, and committee member Steven McQuillan produced this list of the BB band’s achievements under P/M Alex MacIver:
🏆 11 World Championships
🏆 16 European Championships
🏆 16 British Championships
🏆 11 Scottish Championships
🏆 13 Cowal Championships
🏆 17 West of Scotland Championships
And, in the days when bands could play ‘up’ at championships, the band also won the 1955 Grade 2 British Championship. Steven confirmed the plan to use cash from the 214 Centenary Fund to install memorial benches in Victoria Park, Whiteinch, where, as a juvenile pipe band, sometimes practised paraded at the cenotaph.
Duncan Johnstone Memorial
Huge entry tomorrow for this competition for B and C grade pipers. The draw may have altered slightly from last week:
Judges include B Donaldson, G McCready, D MacKay, R MacShannon and J Wilson. Results as we get them.
Piobaireachd Society Conf.
A week today sees the start of the PS conference weekend. I am pleased to say that the numbers are healthy. Central Belt pipers and enthusiasts might be finding the new location of the Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling a bit more convenient – though not so suitable for the northerners.
Our office bearers and committee look forward to welcoming everyone to what will be an enjoyable weekend of ceòl mòr study and good company. Our three after dinner pipers, Arran Brown, Andrew Pattison and Eala Niamh McElhinney will be playing the Old Men of the Shells, Lament for John Morrison of Assynt House, and the Battle of the Pass of Crieff, plus MSR selections. Book your stay or day visit here.
‘Highland Bagpipe Music’ by Donald Morrison – digital book
This book was first produced shortly before Donald died in 1988. Languishing out of print, it surfaced in 2021 following contact between Piping Press editor Robert Wallace and Donald’s daughter Sheona. Sheona agreed that it should be offered to the piping public once more at nominal cost, the aim being to preserve her father’s musical legacy. Donald Morrison was the complete piper a fine teacher, composer and soloist. He won the Gold Medal, the Bratach Gorm and many other top…
