Category: Blog

Some Innovative Suggestions on the Way Forward for the Pipe Band Medley

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RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson concludes his series on the future of the pipe band medley. The series was published by kind permission of the RSPBA. Read part 1 here and part two here. At the end of the day results are merely an opinion – and we all have those. It’s a by-product of the comparative analysis system we use. Yet I hope this three-part series, plus my earlier report…

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Changes in Pipe Band Make Up and Why the Medley Needs to Evolve

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RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson continues his expert analysis of the Grade 1 Medley with particular reference to the first Major of the season, the British at Gourock. This article appears by kind permission of the RSPBA. Read part 1 here. How do we encourage the evolvement of creative artistry in our medleys? The contest rules and constraints placed on the Grade 1 format has not changed or developed in over…

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The Need for Aesthetic Analysis in Grade 1 Medleys

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RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson continues his expert analysis of the Grade 1 Medley with particular reference to the first Major of the season, the British at Gourock. It was written immediately after Robert spent ‘a day in the dugout’ listening to all the performances in the grade in a non-judging capacity. This article appears by kind permission of the RSPBA. I heard and enjoyed all ten Grade 1 medleys at…

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A Short Review from the Atholl Gathering 2022

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This year’s Atholl Gathering piping was run very efficiently with something for solo pipers at every level. The day started brightly but conditions deteriorated as the day went on with cloud, cold winds and rain showers. Nevertheless, everyone was glad to be back out at the Games again, though the weather quickly reminded us that a certain level of stoicism is required where the Scottish Highlands are concerned. By Robert…

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Atholl Gathering Results

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A cold and sometimes wet day on the Perthshire slopes at Blair Atholl for one of the first major Highland gatherings of the season. There were strong entries in all grades with circa. 50 pipers on parade over the grades. Champion Piper was Sandy Cameron, Roy Bridge. P/A/Non CPA Piobaireachd (three tunes):1 Angus MacColl, snr.2 Sandy Cameron3 Sarah Muir4 Ben Duncan5 Steven LeaskJudges: P Henderson, W Morrison B Piob (three…

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