Author: Robert Wallace

Disturbing Comments on Band in National Press

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By Robert Wallace The Daily Telegraph, one of the UK’s most influential newspapers, has brutalised the bagpipe in its coverage of the opening ceremony for the Ryder Cup. Their report mentions the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, one of the top dozen or so bands in the world. Here is what the Telegraph wrote: ‘The bagpipes sweepstake was closed after under five minutes. That was how long it took for the…

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2015 Band Tunes Announced

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The RSPBA has announced the following: GRADE 4 AND NOVICE JUVENILE COMPETITION FORMAT FROM 2015 24th September 2014 Whilst the criteria for 4A retains the principle of 4 parts March in 2/4 Time Signature, the requirements have been altered. 4A can now play either 1 x 4 Parted March or 2 x 2 parted Marches. This change will also be applied to Minor Grade 4 MSR Contests. Grade 4 requirements…

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CPA Positive on Low Turnout at Games

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By Robert Wallace The Competing Pipers’ Association  has responded to press comment on the low attendance figures at some Highland games this past season. The concern voiced by myself and others is that thanks to the solo piping grading system, some of the smaller games are losing out, with entries in single figures in some places. Pipers need good results at the graded events if they are to get to play…

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All-Ireland Solos

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FMM piper Ashley McMichael (above) carried on his good form from the Northern Meeting at Inverness (1st B grade MSR) by winning the MSR and Piobaireachd runner-up titles at the All-Ireland Solos. Contest co-ordinator Mervyn Herron reports: ‘The 2014 All Ireland Solos were staged yesterday [Sept 20] in Monkstown Community School with a large crowd in attendance to listen to all the various grades. It started at 10 am and…

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