I found some of the responses to the worries over the numbers of bands in Grade 1 disappointing but not untypical of grassroots attitudes in the pipe band world.
Something’s wrong, therefore criticise those who offer solutions whilst offering none yourself. Strange, but not uncommon. We met the same grumblers when we proposed an open semi circle instead of the circle arrangement for Grade 1.
Sadly the grumblers have prevailed. Bands will continue to play professionally but behave in a strictly amateur fashion towards their audiences. If you want parity of esteem with other musicians you need to put your listeners front and centre. But soon it might not matter….
Anyone who thinks that having only six Scottish Grade 1 bands is acceptable cannot have the welfare of the art at heart. We are in the midst of a managed decline. We need to do something, and a pilot scheme for a cap on numbers would be a start. If it doesn’t work then at least we tried. Doing nothing is surely not an option
Tutor Jennifer
Reader Matthew Reynolds: ‘Any chance I can get an email address for Jennifer Hutcheon? I took chanter lessons from her in 1985-86! Thank you.’ We’ll leave it up to Jennifer to respond. Matthew’s email is mreynolds113@gmail.com . Jennifer was the renowned tutor of the highly successful Craigmount High School band and latterly worked at Strathallan. A former member of World Champions Shotts & Dykehead, she is a senior adjudicator for the RSPBA
Chariots of Fire
Correspondent Nicholas Taitz has kindly supplied this link to a YouTube show on the Paris Olympics of 1924 where Harold Abrahams won his 100 yards Gold Medal and Scot Eric Liddell the 400 yards Gold. Their story was the basis for the film ‘Chariots of Fire’.
At the opening of the film you will see a pipe band leading out the British team. Nicholas and I are wondering if anyone has information on who the band might be. From the uniforms might they be an Army band stationed in France?
Couldn’t see a band among the technobabble of today’s opening ceremonies, but there’s a chance we’ll see a piper or two at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.
Ross Record
Ross Miller: I have some new music coming out today (May 1). We’re using our distinctive sound to breathe new life into classic jigs, alongside my brand new reel.
Tunes: Paddy’s Leather Breaches, Would the Minister Not Dance?), El Retiro Park – Ross Miller. Anyone can pre-save on their favourite music platform using this link.
Highland & Islands Festival
To Oban this afternoon for the Festival. Very large entries in all categories. Oban High School is the venue. I’ll be sharing the adult benches with my senior judging colleagues Robert Barnes, Barry Donaldson, Ian Duncan, Peter Hunt, Angus MacDonald, Ronald MacShannon, Jack Taylor and John Wilson. Results as we get them.
Draw for the P/A and B Piobaireachd:
‘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…
