Category: Comment

Pipe Major Comments on Recent Discussion on Low Attendance of Bands at Minor Contests

Posted on      by     

Some observations on Andy Donaldson’s recent correspondence based on my experiences with lower grade and youth bands post my time with Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. I agree with Andrew, however I believe there are additional factors that need to be considered and these may help to widen the debate. The area I have chosen to focus on concerns what Andrew describes as ‘semi-professional’ juvenile bands and how they may now be…

More Pipe Major Comments on Recent Discussion on Low Attendance of Bands at Minor Contests

Inveraray Games/ Worlds & Dumbarton Draws/ Denver Cardwell/ PP Logo

Posted on      by     

Very healthy entry for Inveraray Games on July 19, not surprising given that there are events for all grades and under 18s – and the contest is generally very well run with covered areas for competitions performance and turning. Here is the batting order in the B Piob: Read the full list of entries here: Inveraray order of play. Check out the Guide to the Games for the rest of the…

More Inveraray Games/ Worlds & Dumbarton Draws/ Denver Cardwell/ PP Logo

PP Ed’s Blog: New Book from Jackie/ Minor Contests/ John MacDougall

Posted on      by     

There has been a very good response to yesterday’s post about minor band contests, in particular a comment from Andy Donaldson, whose letter sparked the interest. Good response too to the poll. Have your say below, but if you haven’t already read the first story you can do so here.[polldaddy poll=9462566] Here’s a flavour of what Andy wrote: ‘I have played in every grade and it certainly wasn’t the norm…

More PP Ed’s Blog: New Book from Jackie/ Minor Contests/ John MacDougall

PP Editor’s Blog: Bands Failing to Support Small Contests/ SW Scotland School

Posted on      by     

I have to say I agree with drummer Andy Donaldson who messaged last week: ‘Just a wee note regarding Thornton. Our wee band (Cardenden) and Barney’s band (Methil, P/M Robert Barnes) were the only two bands that bothered to turn up. Every other band that was entered pulled out for no discernible reason. I think they should be ashamed!!!  ‘We had members on holidays etc. but still managed to field…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Bands Failing to Support Small Contests/ SW Scotland School

PP Editor’s Blog: Analytical Article/ George McIlwham/ Worlds G1 bands/ Cancale

Posted on      by     

Thanks to those who commented on the ‘Analytical Theorising’ post last week, particularly to Bill Livingstone, Steve Rooklidge and John Dally. Yes John, rhythm and melodic flow are vital. Like you, I have been interested in alternative settings for a long time (I did the Lady D’Oyly MS recordings for the BBC some 30 years ago) but they have to make musical sense. The Donald MacDonald competition you mention gets good financial…

More PP Editor’s Blog: Analytical Article/ George McIlwham/ Worlds G1 bands/ Cancale