Big Donald Retires

One of the big characters in the pipe band world, Donald MacPhee, has retired from his position as a senior member of World Champions Field Marshal Montgomery. On his Facebook page Donald has written: ‘In mid September I phoned Richard [P/M Richard Parkes] and retired from FMM and decided to go on to the full RSPBA adjudicator panel. ‘My nine seasons with FMM were very special. It’s time to start…

Glenfiddich and London

Reader, and top US piper Jori Chisholm, has sent a request for information on the past winners at London and Blair Castle. Happy to comply,  tables have now been added to the Letters pages. Please note, if you have a query regarding any aspect of piping or pipe bands please feel free to contact pipingpress.com and we’ll do our best to get you the answers; which failing we’ll put out…

PP Editor’s Blog 5/12/14

To the SPA WW1 concert tomorrow where a quartet from the Army School, Donald MacPhee and I will play tunes seldom heard in public. They are all linked in some way to the Black Watch and the Gordon Highlanders. This will be the third of author Colin Campbell’s lectures on pipe music connected with the conflict, and will be a model of erudition and interest if the last two were…

New Book, New History

Two items added  today. Firstly this press release about a new book from the Canadian Prairies. A very worthwhile project to support you will agree (see Letters) with a formidable list of contributors. Press Release: ‘The Winnipeg Collection is a full colour, 72-page book of pipe music compiled by Nathan Mitchell.  The book includes 68 tunes submitted by 29 composers from seven different countries (Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South…

Preston Lodge Junior Results With Pix

East Lothian Solo Piping and Drumming Competition 2014 Lee Moore reports: Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band hosted the third annual East Lothian Solo Piping and Drumming Competition on Saturday 29th November. The event was a huge success attracting an entry of 84 competitors, across eleven different categories, and there were a large number of spectators who came along to listen to some great music. In the piping events Alasdair…