New Report Offers Scientific Solution to Risk of Covid Spread by Musicians and Choirs

A new report by the University of Munich in Germany offers scientific based advice for singers and musicians which will be relevant for pipe bands and solo pipers. The report, which does not mentions bagpipes specifically, recommends the use of ‘pop’ screens, the small, thin circular barriers used on microphones, distancing of 1.5 metres, regular wipe downs of instruments, staggered arrangements for players. The reports conclusions read: ‘Our quantitative measurement…

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Canadian Association Launches Online Interview Series/ Nicol-Brown Goes Online

In the absence of collective physical gathering this summer, most pipers and drummers are seeking a bit of inspiration and entertainment and looking for opportunities to stay engaged with the piping and drumming community from home, writes Andrea Boyd. As a result the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario has launched ‘The PPBSO In Conversation’, a series of entertaining and educational webinars featuring prominent pipers and drummers from Ontario…

Rallying Call to International Pipe Band Movement as it Faces Toughest Period in History

The worldwide pipe band movement is facing the biggest challenge in its history the Chairman of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Mr John B. Hughes, said today. In a wide-ranging interview with Piping Press, Mr Hughes revealed that as a result of the pandemic: The World Solo Drumming scheduled for this October may have to be postponed Bands might have to get used to a more hygienic formation than…

Aboyne Games Lead the Way in Online Piping Competition

Aboyne Highland Games in Aberdeenshire have become the first outdoor gathering to introduce an internet-based competition during the Covid-19 pandemic. The contest covers their Open Piobaireachd and Open March and Strathspey and Reel competitions. They will ask pipers to make an audio recording on Games Day, August 1st. This will be sent to the Piping Convenor Jack Taylor who will send it on to the judges. Usual prize money will…

RSPBA to Hold 2020 AGM Online – Bands Vote via Portal

The Board of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association have decided to have our AGM on Sat 27 June 2020, but in a very different way. We’re asking all bands to vote through an online portal, as with the current restrictions we can not get people together in time to meet our legal responsibilities. We are focusing on the things which are legally required, so Committee Reports, Approval of Accounts,…