Revisiting the Past: 2/4 Marches and a Letter from Archibald Campbell

Until the advent of recordings, music was ephemeral. Performances faded from memory, save for occasional outstanding examples imprinted on our minds. Memories become clouded in time, however.  Historic recordings can remind us of what we heard in the past. I am old enough to detect that march playing has arguably deteriorated, even at the highest level.  I can assure readers this is not just a personal view – it is shared…

Royal Honour for the Piobaireachd Society

His Majesty The King has agreed to become Patron of The Piobaireachd Society. The news was received by President Robert Wallace in a letter from Buckingham Palace last weekend. It was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the King and Queen’s Coronation. In a message to the Society’s 1,000+ membership Mr Wallace wrote: ‘I am delighted to be able to tell you that HM The King has agreed…

Set of Silver Naill Pipes for Sale/ Victoria Piping Results

Seller Katrina Harris: I am selling a high quality set of pipes by David Naill and Co. They are the DN4A model, African Blackwood, fully combed and beaded with imitation ivory projecting mounts and hallmarked Sterling silver ferrules, slides and ring caps. The set also has closed end ferrules on the centre and top joints, and a full plain solid silver mouthpiece. They were my brother’s but he can now no longer play after…

St Laurence O’Toole Ready to Thrill North East Concert Audience/ Jimmy McIntosh Challenge Contest

St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, from Dublin, are in concert in Aberdeen on Saturday evening, April 27. Entitled ‘Inspired 2024’, the concert marks the return of this sort of gala occasion to north east Scotland, hosted, as before, by the local Bucksburn & District band. SLOT are one of the World’s top outfits, and are generally recognised as an outstanding concert band noted for their innovative approach and inherent musicality. The…

Northern Ireland News: Ulster Championships Blow/ Bereavements/ Blackthorn/ Irvine Mini Bands/ Leinster Contest

The RSPBANI Executive has announced that Mid & East Antrim Council has withdrawn funding for the Ulster Championships, due to take place at Ballymena Academy on the 3rd August.  RSPBANI Branch Chairman Alastair Patterson expressed the disappointment of the Branch whilst fully understanding the funding difficulties within councils. The Branch is appealing to bands people and their supporters in Mid & East Antrim to speak with their councillors to ensure…