Author: Alistair Aitken

History of the World Pipe Band Championships – Part 1

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We are grateful to correspondent Alistair Aitken for this updated history of the World Pipe Band Championship……. The World Pipe Band Championships (WPBC) is the main event in the annual calendar of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA).  The Championships have a long history stretching back to 1906, but were not organised by the RSPBA (then SPBA) until 1947.  Initially the Championships were part of the Cowal Highland Gathering…

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Allan K Chatto OAM 1932-2022

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It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Allan Chatto OAM. Allan was well known and highly respected internationally for his enthusiasm and commitment to pipe band drumming and pipe bands.  Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1932, he started his interest in pipe bands as a learner piper in the local St George Pipe Band in 1948.  He then changed drumming and joined the Dulwich Hill Junior…

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Pipe Band Formations – Transforming from the Circle Part 3

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As already mentioned the RSPBA previously undertook a number of trials of the semi-circle format in 1998.  I participated in the trial at Bathgate Highland Games.  As far as I am aware no advice was given to the bands about how the pipers and drummers should form up in the semi-circle, so there were wide variations which resulted in different sound projections.  One band even had the drummers facing backwards…

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Pipe Band Formations and Transitioning Away from the Circle – Part 2

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Suggestions have been made from time to time for the circle formation to be replaced by a concert style semi-circle, the main argument being that bands would be able to face their audience.  It is not a new idea as the RSPBA conducted trials of the format in 1998 but decided not to implement it at that time.  I do not recall the reasons ever being made public.  As always…

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Pipe Band Competition Formations – Part 1

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I had not anticipated my article on Piping Press about the recent World Pipe Band Championships would generate debate about the circle formation for competing bands.  My reference to containing and balancing the sounds with the circle formation were intended merely as a reference to only one of the aspects of the original thinking when the circle formation was introduced.  I also did not suggest any preference for either a…

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