It is clear that all the individuals mentioned in these three articles all had a desire to improve drumming technique and were committed to influencing the musical interpretation of bagpipe melodies.  They worked together towards these interests, although there is also evidence in the papers that during the 1930s and 1940s there was resistance from pipers and other drummers to some of their ideas.  There is no doubt that their…

Alex McCormick joined the drum corps of Glasgow Police Pipe Band in 1936 under Leading Drummer Jack Seton, son of his former drumming tutor, John Seton (previously also Leading Drummer of Glasgow Police Pipe Band).  Alex developed a strong friendship with Jimmy Catherwood and Paddy Donovan and shared their interest of drumming in the context of pipe band musicianship and pipe band ensemble.  He was joint Principal along with John Seton…

Recently I posted on Piping Press drumming advice written during the 1940s and 50s by all-time greats Jimmy Catherwood and George Pryde. I have now taken a look through other papers collected over the years of my involvement with the RSPBA, particularly as a member of the Association’s former Historical Research Group.  Other prominent legendary pipe band drumming pioneers of the early 20th century included Paddy Donovan, Alex McCormick, Gordon…

During my time as an RSPBA adjudicator I judged in the USA on six occasions.  The first two of these were at Costa Mesa in Orange County, close to Los Angeles.  The first time I travelled over with the late and legendary Pipe Major Angus MacDonald MBE, formerly of the Scots Guards.  Angus was a hilarious companion during the trip.  When we arrived we joined up with Pipe Major Harry…