Why Ensemble Matters in Pipe Band Adjudication – Part 2

Pipe band adjudication expert Alistair Aitken concludes his well-received article on the place of ensemble judging in the modern pipe band world. Not read the first instalment yet? Click here….. There are of course other factors which affect adjudication. While the approach can be objective, the final assessment is very much a subjective process and it is highly unlikely that results and comments will be the same unless there is collusion…

PP Ed’s Blog: Vintage Pipes for Sale/ Dunedin Games/ Lament for the CoP/ NEPADA/ Robert Turner

A very special set of pipes is offered for sale today via our Online Ads service. The instrument pictured above is a vintage bagpipe by Peter Henderson and dated 1904/05. It is in fully engraved silver (no ivory worries) and African blackwood, complete with original pipe chanter. The pipes were made for a Gordon Highlander and have been in the seller’s family for many years. They come complete with wooden…

Australian PB Champs./ Skye Piping Review

On the eve of this year’s Australian Pipe Band Championships, Pipe Bands Australia have announced details of their plans for the 2020 contest, their Diamond Jubilee Year. Forty bands have entered the  2018 championship which take place at the Brisbane Boys Club, Toowong, Queensland, on Saturday, April 7. In the run up to the contest PBA have also instituted a Hall of Fame recognising individuals who have made an outstanding…

Latest Edition of Pipe Band Magazine Now Available

The April 1, 2018 edition of Pipe Band Magazine is now available as a free download courtesy of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.  Articles include a report on the recent AGM which saw Vice Chairman John Hughes installed as Chairman. John takes over from Gordon Hamill after his seven distinguished years at the RSPBA helm. A feature on changes at the World Solo Drumming states: ‘……There are several subtle…

PP Ed’s Blog: Glasgow Highland Club Contest/ Schools Teaching/ Aboyne Games/ Swiss Massed Bands

By all accounts the Glasgow Highland Club’s Schools Championship of a couple of weeks ago, won by George Heriot’s (above), was a great success. Such are the numbers wishing to take part that the event has had to be moved from an evening to a daytime affair. All good news. However perusing the lists it struck me that there were no state schools represented! Why on earth not? Perhaps when the…