The Tunes Bands Had to Play at Cowal’s World Championship in 1932

A few weeks ago I said I would take a closer a look at the small book of tunes to be played by bands competing for the World Championship held at Cowal Highland Gathering in 1932, writes the Editor. The book, published by the Cowal Committee, cost 6d, about 3p today, and has the title ‘Selection of Marches, Strathspeys and Reels to be played by competitors in the World’s Championship…

Editor’s Notebook: PS Summer School/ Larkhall Boost/ John Cruickshank VC/ Learning the Basics

The Piobaireachd Society Summer School has come to a close after a blazing week on the isle of Skye. Even if the weather had not been kind it would have been a rewarding experience. The venue was the Gaelic college at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Sleat, an ideal facility, with an extensive library and plenty of teaching space and an excellent refectory. More than anything, SMO has staff who are…

Latest CLASP Results

CLASP results from the competition held at the National Piping Centre, Glasgow, on June 3rd. Overall Winners: Grade 1 – Theo Pratt, Grade 2 – Donald Morrison, Grade 3 – James Acheson; Piobaireachd judges Graham Drummond; light music Emmet Conway Grade 1 – Piobaireachd: 1 Ben Hall 2 Colin Innes 3 Theo PrattGrade 2 – Piobaireachd: 1 Donald Morrison 2 Ernest Cho 3 Laura McEwanGrade 3 – Piobaireachd: 1 John…

Editor’s Notebook: Bob Nicol Tunes/ Jimmy Scholarship/ Craig’s Title/ Watson’s Piob Contest/ Eagles Results

As promised, here are another couple of recordings of Bob Nicol’s light music courtesy Breton piper Patrick Molard. These add to the tunes we had earlier this week. Firstly Delvinside and Lochiel’s Awa’ Tae France: And now Arniston Castle and Charlie’s Welcome: I think we should be concerned that all these old settings of tunes could be lost. Wouldn’t it be a good project for students on the piping courses…

Editor’s Notebook: Practice Time/ Low G Taorluath/ Sgian Dubh/ Internship/ Coronation Tune/ Results 1996

How many of you come close to following the guidance in this practice table? I suspect not many will manage the five hours a day. The maximum I could ever do, in say the run up to to Oban and Inverness, would have been two hours. For my pupils I recommend a minimum of an hour a day. This can be split into three sections: 20 minutes on the practice…