Throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s the band were regularly featured on BBC Northern Ireland Radio programmes such as ‘Ulster Band’. In 1974 they were invited to perform in a BBC television programme entitled ‘The Rock of Fergus’ along with The Pattersons folk group and harpist Deirdre O’Callaghan. It was one of a number of television appearances throughout this period. The band is pictured above 1974/75 at Carrickfergus Castle. The band…

I had forgotten what a superb player Jimmy Hardie was until a video recording of a recital he gave in Canada in 1985 (see picture above) was pointed out to me on Facebook. There, thanks to Jim Barrie, was Jimmy in all his musical glory playing as well as any piper you will hear today, no exaggeration. The piping stars were aligned for Jim, born unto Bob Hardie and his…

The US’s Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming is offering a weekend-long Winter Workshop for Pipers and Drummers, February 19-21, 2021, for a fee of $275USD. The promotional material reads: ‘Students who refer new students to us will receive $50 off the price of the Workshop for every new student referred. ‘Workshop attendees will receive instruction on the great Highland pipes, Scottish smallpipes, and Scottish snare drum. Our guest piping…

Following the retiral of Harry Denyer, Tommy Geddis took on the role of Pipe Major which he held for two years, 1955 – 1956, after which his family went to live in Canada. The RAMS are pictured above in 1956. From the 1955 season the Armstrong played in the Open Grade at home whilst in Scotland it was Grade 3. Successes included winning the Open Grade Ulster title (also drums)…

By Robert Wallace Breton piper Patrick Molard has sent me a video recording of the ground of The Piper’s Warning to His Master from the Donald MacDonald MS where it is known as MacDonald’s Warning. Those not au fait with the tune will be intrigued to know of the legend which states that the imprisoned piper deliberately misplayed the piece so that his approaching chief would know ambush awaited. Patrick…