Registrations Open for Florida School

The 2027 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is an all inclusive bagpiping and drumming school taught by world renowned instructors from Scotland, the United States, and Ireland. This year’s Academy is being held at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center located in St John’s, Florida, just outside Jacksonville. By Chris McKeown, Director Located along the St John’s River, this beautiful venue offers breathtaking views and a peaceful campus – plus…

RSPBA Regradings/ Brechin Results

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association have announced the following re-gradings which will take effect for the 2027 competition season beginning next May. Two bands have been promoted to Grade 1, Grade 2 World Champions Ulster Scottish from the US and Scotland’s own Royal Burgh of Annan, the Grade 2 Champion of Champions. These promotions are a major boost for the top grade which has been struggling under low numbers…

Editor’s Notebook: NYC Pipes/ Historic Medals at Auction/ London Recital

On display in New York’s Metropolitan Museum is a set of pipes by Peter Henderson. The display commentary reads: ‘Piob mhór (Highland Bagpipes). Peter Henderson before 1940. Cocus wood, ivory, silver, leather and cloth. Paul and Barbara Krieger Gift, 1996. ‘Peter Henderson’s workshop was a celebrated maker of Highland bagpipes during the 20th century and a gathering place for noted pipers. The Highland bagpipes tradition draws upon the instrument’s long…

A Never to be Forgotten Trip to Scotland

Back home in Oz and back at work. Now a brief summary of my August pilgrimage. After committing to play with the Hawthorn Pipe Band at the Worlds, it was a great relief to actually arrive in Scotland for the first time since 2004.  After dragging my sorry self (cattle class ticket) through Edinburgh Airport, it was straight to adventure number one: formally meeting Tim Gellaitry and spending the afternoon…

National Mod Draws Updated/ Piping Tutor Job

The National Mod have announced the draws for their piping competition to be held in Glasgow on October 10. Senior events are in the Piping Centre, MacPhater Street, from 9am. The Competing Pipers Association, who organise the competition on behalf of the Mod, have forwarded these updated lists: P/A Piob: 1 James McPetrie 2 Angus MacPhee 3 Eireann Cameron 4 Darach Urquhart 5 Jamie Elder 6 Cameron May 7 John…