Pipe Band Magazine/ New England Piping Academy/Northern Meeting

The latest edition of PIpe Band Magazine, the official publication of the RSPBA, is available from today.  The front cover features L/D Eric Ward of the Glasgow Police Pipe Band. His drum corps won both the British and UK titles earlier in the summer. In other features the magazine continues with its ‘Know Your Judges’ profile of Jim Wark and looks at the service of long-time Shotts man Sandy Bell….

Brighde Recital/ Donald MacLeod Recordings

Up and coming young piper Brighde Chaimbeul is giving a recital in Haddington, East Lothian, on Sunday (July 5). It will be held in St Mary’s Parish Church from 4 – 5pm. The publicity blurb reads: Seventeen-year-old Brìghde  comes from the Isle of Skye and has been immersed in Scottish/Gàidhlig music from a young age. She was offered a place at St Mary’s Music School in 2010 and since then has been…

Ceres Games

A pleasant summer day at Ceres in Fife but a low entry of only seven in the professional ranks, possibly as a result of the clash with the pipe band championship at Forres. Jimmy Banks judged all events. Piob 1 Darach Urquhart (left with his winners’ trophy), Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay 2 Edward Gaul, The Groat 3 Peter McCalister, Lament for the Viscount of Dundee (pictured top playing for…

New England Piping Academy/USPF/Piobaireachd by the Sea/Letters

New England Piping Academy Principal Robert Wallace writes: ‘Well here we are in the deep woods of Massachusetts and the birds are singing and the pipes playing. It is quite an idyllic surrounding in which to study the great highland bagpipe. ‘The students are all responding well to treatment, crossing noises diminishing and breathing improving every day. There is the occasional increase in blood pressure when playing in public but most…

Review: USPF Annual Solo Piping Competition

Piping trips to the US are invariably characterised by superb hospitality, friendship and good music. Last weekend, at the United States Piping Foundation Maclean Macleod Memorial, was no exception. The contest was held at the University of Delaware. The organising committee led by Arthur McAra, Mike Rogers and Peter Kent, could not have been more accommodating. Visiting adjudicators, as I was, are given the kind of warm welcome that quickly banishes the…