Chairman of the RSPBA, John Hughes, has asked all band secretaries to write to their MSPs urging them get Scotland’s devolved administration to loosen the rules governing musicians practising together. Practices for all woodwind and brass instruments are allowed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but not Scotland. The concern is that the pipes could blast an aerosol of infectious particles into the air. Recent studies have shown that this…

Today is the celebration of VJ Day, Victory over Japan Day, in the UK. To mark the occasion a piper played When the Battle’s O’er on board HMS Belfast now moored on the Thames in London but a ship that formed part of the Royal Navy’s Pacific fleet in WW2. The national celebrations were led by HRH The Prince of Wales at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Pipers might…

With the World Pipe Band Championships not happening this year, Catrìona MacNeil offers a fantastic selection of pipe music showcasing the best performances from the Worlds over the last few years, say BBC Alba, Scotland’s Gaelic television service As well as previous winners of the Grade 1 competition, the programme will also show highlights from various world bands who have recently taken part in the competition. Amongst others, you will…

The 14th Annual Balmoral Classic, the only junior solo competition for both bagpipers and drummers in the USA, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, writes Elaine Lee. This will be a virtual event, with competitors submitting videos to our panel of renowned judges. Those invited to compete may sign up for any one of three Pre-recording Workshops with professional piper Sean Patrick Regan. Regan will work with competitors to…

Judge Robert Mathieson has released us from our suspense. His decision on the great Piping Press Lockdown Painting Challenge can now be revealed! Everyone will appreciate his detailed analysis, and the artists themselves will be gratified that their work was examined by an expert. Check out maestro Mathieson’s verdict now: Sincere thanks to Robert for all his time and expertise. Congratulations to the winner, John Archbold, Isle of Mull. John…