PP Editor’s Blog: SFU Concert, SPA Vets, Cambridge PB

Simon Fraser University Pipe Band have announced a complete sell out for tomorrow’s ‘Pipe Up for Cancer!’ concert in support of leading piper Andrew Bonar. The band’s website has this info for those attending: ‘Doors to the SFU Theatre will open precisely at 5pm for a 6pm concert start. It is general seating, so come early to get a great seat. As we are completely sold out, we ask that you not…

Guest Blogger: The Three Wise Men and Some Thoughts on Technique

Your favourite web magazine, pipingpress.com, is open to all those who wish to blog about some piping or pipe band matter and who feel a shorter letter would not do their opinion justice. Today we turn a page over to piper, teacher and adjudicator Duncan Watson….. I read the letter from Jimmy McIntosh regarding the reference to piobaireachd embellishments and was reminded of, and amused with, the reference to  ‘The Three…

PP Academy: How to Improve Your Sound

The PP Academy has another useful chapter for all pipers wishing to improve their sound. A good tone can make a world of difference to your playing so check the article out here. You may never achieve the magical sound of the great Donald MacPherson (pictured above) but there is no sense in settling for the mediocre. The popular Eezidrones have been added to the ppresshop catalogue. Price includes mailing….

RSPBA Praises Scottish Schools On Overwhelmingly Successful Championship

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has issued a statement congratulating the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship on the running of their recent competition. Although not an RSPBA event, the Association has been fully supportive of the SSPBC since the outset, giving pipers and drummers from their registered bands sanction to compete with their school bands. In normal circumstances this transfer would not be permitted under RSPBA rules. Today RSPBA…

Iain Speirs Impresses at Piobaireachd Society 2015 Conference (video added)

The highlight of this year’s Piobaireachd Society Conference had to be the playing of Iain Speirs, writes PS Vice President Robert Wallace. Iain, the consummate professional, was asked to illustrate a paper given by John  Shone on the life and career of one of the greatest pipers of all time, Donald MacPherson. With a beautifully set pipe, Iain thrilled the large number of attendees with outstanding performances of ceol beag, the urlars…