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The Basics of Pipe Band Ensemble Judging

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The word ensemble, translated from the French, means ‘together.’ How together are the various sections of the pipe band: the pipers, the side drummers and the bass and tenors? In current competition format, how clearly defined are the roles of the piping, drumming, and ensemble judges in measuring this togetherness? By Alan Jones Who measures it within a given section and between the various sections? Is there any overlap of…

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Review: ‘Garron’, a New CD from Stuart Liddell

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It has been a little while since I added to my collection of piping recordings but when I heard that Stuart Liddell had recently released a new CD I just had to buy a copy. I ordered it directly from www.stuartliddell.com and it arrived very quickly. The packaging is excellent with very attractive artwork and it contains a little booklet which lists the tracks and gives some background details on…

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Editor’s Notebook: Worlds Grade 2/ NM and AG Entries/ Book Promo/ Florida Academy/ Fintan Lalor

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We received this anonymous comment regarding the qualifying set up for Grade 2 bands at the Worlds. ‘One bad/ unlucky performance (on an extra day that you have had to take time off work/ fork out extra for accommodation) and you could be in the only group of adult bands that don’t get to play on the Saturday. Very unfair and very shortsighted from the RSPBA. ‘The requirements of Grade…

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New Role for Michael/ Ardmore Cup Details

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The RAF Pipe Band Association (RAFPBA) have sent this: We are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Gray [pictured above] as the new Pipe Major for RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums. Michael joins us following a distinguished career which included his position as a Senior Pipe Major at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming. As a former lead instructor at Inchdrewer House, he brings a…

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Review: The Vale’s Legacy and Gordon Duncan’s Music are Still Live, Still Well

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The Vale of Atholl pipe band of the 1980s and ’90s were indeed true originals. Led by Pipe Major Ian Duncan and his famous brother Gordon, ‘The Vale’ pushed boundaries of form, style, content and structure from day one of their arrival in the premier grades.  Arguably, the pinnacle of their artistic output was the 1995 concert at Motherwell Civic Centre, ‘Live n’ Well’. I was busy being seven. My…

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