The Piobaireachd Society has published a new book on piping in the British Army. The author, the late military historian and amateur piper, Diana Henderson, describes the ways in which the great Highland bagpipe was taught in the British Army from 1650 to 1959.
By quoting from original sources, the author outlines the extraordinary efforts of the Society in establishing and then supporting the ‘Army Class’, the foundation for today’s Army School of Piping.
The Society paid the wages of the Class tutors and organised examinations, insisting that only the best instructors such as John Macdonald, Inverness, and Willie Ross be employed.
The book includes a range of historic photographs and lists the early students of the Army School under P/M Ross. It has 160 pages and costs £20. Available here. Review to follow.
Piobaireachd Workshop
Twenty-three people have signed up so far for my PPBSO workshop in Hamilton, Ontario, this Sunday (May 10). Over the three hours we’ll cover generalities and then go into some specific tunes.
Participants are free to record whatever they wish and should bring their practice chanters, PS Collections and Kilberry, plus any other book they want to have a look at.
Band Numbers
Piper and reader Craig Martin: ‘I hope all is well with you. I read with interest a prolonged comment regarding the cap on band numbers on your publication by a ‘Craig M’.
‘This comment was not made by me and I wholeheartedly disagree with his sentiments. In fact I would argue that the Music Board does not go far enough in its proposed capping.’
Thanks for clarifying Craig. Among the naysayers I did not detect any reasonable or practical alternative to using a cap as a means of boosting band numbers.
Nor did any of them broach the fairness issue. Why should a band with 25 pipers on its books be allowed to compete against one with 20? Do people really think that fair?
Of course the super duper bands will attract the best players but should this be a free for all to the detriment of other bands? A cap would surely mean a more equitable distribution of skills.
RSPBA
Following on from yesterday’s story on the Pipe Band College, you can read the full statement from the Association about the College’s future here.
The Association has also announced the draw for the UK Championships to be held in Belfast on June 13. Just under 70 bands have entered – not a great figure but around what we usually get for a championship across the North Channel. It is an expensive business getting a band to Ulster.
Current World Champions Inveraray will be missed. They have concerts in the U.S. that weekend at Pfeiffer Hall, Naperville, IL on Thursday, and Friday June 11 & 12 at 7pm. Tickets are $50. The following day the band will play at the Chicago Highland Games.
As a result Grade 1 at the UKs has only eight bands, and will take an hour and ten minutes to complete. First on at 2.40 are Boghall, followed by the Power, Ravara, Shotts, FM, SLOT, Fife Police and Federation.
PIOBAIREACHD LESSONS – PICK YOUR TUNE HERE
Remarkable that when the NI branch hosted the UK major in Bangor in 2024, at short notice when HQ failed to deliver the goods, the event boasted over 70 bands… and within good time the bands where looked after very well with regards to getting travel and hotels sorted. Spectators were able to enjoy the day for free and the NI branch had a dedicated webpage with all the parking information and things to see and do etc. I was able to get disabled parking at that event and had a very wonderful day.
This time round, there is no real information coming from the so-called experts in HQ for the event in belfast which they announced before Xmas. One month out and I am unable to arrange any disabled parking, I don’t even know who or where to contact to find out. There is little information other than how to buy tickets to get in to the event and then pay even more if i want a seat to watch grade 1… seems to be all about money for Glasgow these days.
and then to state, it’s expensive to get a band to Ulster??? If RSPBA wants to be the world-wide authority on pipe bands… their words, not mine… then maybe they need to worry more about the world rather than just the centre of scotland. Little regard for the north of scotland, northern ireland or England it appears… what about the bands from these places and further afield in Republic of Ireland, NZ, Canada who have to spend money to get to central scotland each year… especially the NI branch bands, they are expected to be in scotland for 4 out of 5 majors and get frowns when they don’t enter due to cost – goes the same way folks…
Maybe IDPB had the right idea… go and do something more fun than go to Belfast to fight to get parking and pay extortionate prizes to feed the HQ piggy bank…
Hi.
I have an answer, re disabled parking, having emailed the association yesterday.
I received the following:
“With regards to accessible parking for the United Kingdom Championship in Belfast, this will be at APA Elim Pentecostal Church, which would be a few minutes’ walk away from the park.
Please note this will be a first come first served as no spaces can be reserved”
As I pointed out, those people with disabilities require certainty, not chance for parking, therefore many will be forced to stay away from the championships, which is a shame.
Hi
Re, the comment, “its an expensive business getting a band to Ulster”
We in Ulster know all about it.
For decades and decades, bands from Ulster travelled and paid for trips to Scotland, sometimes 5 times a year.
It was only after the troubles came to an end and the ceasefires were in place, that Ulster began to get a few major competitions our way.
So reciprocation from Scotland for one contest a year on this side of the pond, doesn’t seem like too much to ask.
Just a shame we won’t get a chance to see the current world grade 1.champions.