Category: Blog

PP Editor’s Blog: Readers, MacCrimmon Trophy, USPF, WW2 Letter, New England Schedule

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I am constantly, and pleasantly, surprised by the breadth of readership we get here at Piping Press. This week alone (Sun – Tues inc.) we have had 2,560 readers come to the site from, among others, the following countries: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Germany, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brazil, Oman and the Philipines. What is interesting too is that it is not always the current features that people are…

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Retreat March/ BB King/ US Piping Foundation/ Highland Games

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The opportunity to travel and meet interesting people is just one benefit that accrues to we pipers over the years, be it as a soloist or as a member of a band. Such a trip came my way in 1998 (I think) as a guest member of the Lothian and Borders Police Band. We went to Rome to play at a concert at the Vatican. Apart from the interest any…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Highlands & Islands/ SPA Juniors/ Music Downloads/ New England Camp/ Band Championships

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To the Highlands & Islands contest at Oban tonight for a spot of judging. I’ll publish the results as soon as I have them tomorrow evening so stay tuned for that. There is a good entry in all events and my fellow adjudicators, in no particular order, are Iain MacFadyen, Andrew Wright, Ronald MacShannon, Stuart Shedden, Neil Mulvie, Ian McLellan and Walter Cowan. The juniors will be in good hands…

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PP Editor’s Blog: GWoS Indoor, RSPS Champion, Spring Gathering, New England camp, Rab Mathieson

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Here are a couple of pictures missed from the report on Saturday’s successful Glasgow & West Indoor contest at Coatbridge. They are of Adult Section drumming champion Craig Lawrie (below) of Lomond & Clyde PB and the other trophy winners (above). Good to see one of the ‘old stagers’, Eric Ward, putting his reputation on the line against the younger generation. I am sure the promoters appreciated his support for…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Judging/Bellows Piping/Band Re-Grades

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Mr McCombie-Smith made some interesting comments yesterday regarding manufacturers and judging in the 1890s. In more modern times this is something that has been an issue, but more so in the bands. The matter was quickly sorted a few years ago when the RSPBA introduced monitoring. Any judge giving preferential treatment to bands playing his instruments could be easily identified and the matter is no longer a concern.  Unfortunately it has, indirectly, reared…

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