Judging Dilemma – When is it Time to Call it a Day?

At what age should a judge retire? In the pipe band world this is set at 75. After that, irrespective of your health, it is time to hang up the clipboard. No more standing in the rain listening to 30 Grade 4b performances and other such delights these dedicated professionals have to endure on the bands’ behalf. No, it’s straight into the armchair with a bag of peppermints and re-runs…

Northern Winter School in Germany Comes to a Successful Conclusion

So that is the third annual Northern Winter School over and we are now travelling home, writes the Editor. I think it would be fair to say it has been a success and Principal Ronnie Bromhead has already booked his premises for the next few years ahead. The picture above shows students and instructors.Many of the students have expressed a wish to have a weekend refresher course a few months…

New Chairman for Solo Judges' Association Announced – Comment from the Editor

Jack Taylor, Secretary of the Solo Piping Judges’ Association, has sent this….. At the SPJA AGM today Andrew Wright stood down after four years as chair. Colin MacLellan was elected to succeed him, and Jack Taylor and Euan Anderson were returned as secretary and treasurer.  In his remarks Andrew Wright referred to it having been a busy year with four committee meetings and much email traffic. He used the phrase…

PP Ed's Blog: Schools/ Queensland/ Argylls Book/ Folk Awards

The Northern Winter School starts today in Lohheide, Lower Saxony, Germany, and not far from Fallingbostel the former British Army base. A great team of teachers brought together by Principal Ronnie Bromhead and at the last count there were around 50 students. There will be classes on all branches of piping and drumming, a concert, exams and evening ceilidhs. Report and pix to follow. Talking of schools, Jack Williamson, P/M of…

Pipe Bands Australia Appoint Nat Russell Their New Director of Ensemble

Pipe Bands Australia have announced the following: ‘Australia’s first Principal of Ensemble will be Nat Russell, the pipe major of Victoria Police when they won the 1998 World Championships and leading adjudicator in Australia and Scotland. [Mr Russell is pictured above on duty at the World Pipe Band Championships.] ‘His appointment follows the decision of Pipe Bands Australia to create an ensemble division within its Australian Pipe Band College, appointing a…