Bruno Peek Pageantmaster VE Day 75 has sent this… We would be most grateful if your publication would assist us in encouraging every pipe band throughout the world to take part in the playing of Battle’s O’er and VE 75 Years, a new tune that has been especially written for this historic occasion next year.Pipe bands are being asked to take part in VE Day 75, being organised to commemorate/celebrate the…

We are well into the week here at the Northern Winter School in Germany about an hour south west of Hamburg. Last night we had a recital from pipers in the top class and today a mini band contest. Thursday it’s the final, public concert then home. The interest in the great music is growing no question. I have eleven in the Piobaireachd Class and another class every day for…

The prestigious George Sherriff competition for amateur pipers takes place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on Saturday. If you are in the area please go along to support this important day in the piping calendar. Promoter is the Music Board of the of the Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario. The Board has as one of its initiatives, ‘Competitions’. The George Sherriff Invitational is one of those initiatives and has…

The Argyllshire Gathering have launched a new compositing competition for a tune to commemorate their 150th Anniversary in 2021. The Gathering is offering a £1,000 prize, winner takes all, for the successful tune.  The tune is to be a ‘competition’ 2/4 march of at least four parts. The competition will be co-ordinated in conjunction with Piping Press. The judges will be P/M Jimmy Banks MBE, Scots Guards, Piping Press Editor…

I am writing this from the north German plain, from the well appointed youth hostel at Müden/Örtze the home of the Northern Winter School of Piping, Drumming and Drum-majoring. Sixty plus students have gathered and at the moment are getting to know one another round the log fire in the reception hall. They’re mainly from Germany of course, but there are pipers from Australia, Singapore and Ukraine too.  Largely self-taught,…