The following statement is from the Review Group set up to examine the RSPBA’s Pipe Band College, myself, John MacInnes and Robert Wallace. We felt clarification was needed regarding claims made publicly by former Pipe Band College Piping Principal Jim Campbell. We were particularly concerned about the suggestion that the review lacked credibility and integrity, and failed to communicate with any Pipe Band College member. [Read Mr Campbell’s comments here.] By…

The writer continues his response to last week’s article by Alan Jones on pipe band adjudication and the judging of ensemble…   The role of the ensemble adjudicator undoubtedly should embrace primarily the tonal balance, integration and combined musical interpretation to a much greater extent than say the piping or drumming judge. He/she should focus less on technical issues – but should not ignore any technical aspects of significance. There…

The recent article by Alan Jones regarding pipe band adjudication and the judging of ensemble, sparked my interest in view of my former role as a drumming and ensemble adjudicator and my involvement for almost 20 years in RSPBA adjudicator training.   By Alistair Aitken OBE The whole subject of ensemble in particular has been a somewhat contentious one since the concept was first raised well over 60 years ago. …