The Editor: Just to add a little flesh to my earlier comments about flaws in the grading system, I do think the whole business needs re-assessed with greater involvement of the judging fraternity. After all, it is the judges who sit through lengthy contests listening intently to each player as they come forward – something the current Competing Pipers’ Association Grading Committee don’t seem to do. They operate primarily on…
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…
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…
Saturday sees the RSPBA Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch’s first ever Solo Drumming and Pipe Band contest being held in Coatbridge High School, Lanarkshire, writes Robert Wallace. The running order is below and a quick look shows a rather disappointing entry from the bands. Only Glasgow Police (pictured) of the branch Grade 1 bands have entered. I’m not sure why the others, Shotts & Dykehead, Inveraray and Scottish Power are giving…
Reader Nicholas Taitz has sent a copy of a letter he has submitted to the Chicago Tribune following their recent controversial comments on piping and pipe bands: ‘I am a keen piper, and I was very much offended by your article as above. The article is pejorative in the extreme about the bagpipes, which those of us who know them call the ‘pipes’. Your writer clearly has limited acquaintance with piping,…
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