Review: ‘A Guide to the Judging of Piping’

This attractive book is structured as follows: firstly a short Foreword by Robert Wallace; then ‘A Code of Practice at a Glance’; ‘A Guide to the Judging of Piping’ by Dugald Graham-Campbell, who was born in 1921, and Malcolm McRae’s comments on that work, ‘A Review of the Guide’. Then we have, James Campbell’s ‘A Different Approach to the Judging Problem’, Colin MacLellan’s ‘A New Approach to a Judging Problem‘,…

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…