Category: Piobaireachd

Analysis: The Cave of Gold and a New Addition to the PP Audio Archive

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Just saying the words ‘Cave of Gold’ conjures up all the imagery and romance that a modern day Ossian would have been proud of. In reality the eponymous piobaireachd, MacCrimmon by repute, is a fairly bland piece and not close to the zenith of that family’s creative canon. We can forget all idea of swooning fairies cavorting to the music of a celtic Croesus, to a melody of brilliant glister. If indeed it does…

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PP Editor’s Blog: New England Academy/ UK Champs/Tune Search/BB/Rod McFadyen

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The New England Pipe and Drum Academy began last night with a two-hour workshop at the Clan MacPherson band’s practice. They’re going to the Worlds to play in G4b. I spent some time with them going through their tunes on practice chanters and then sorting pipes. They have been good supporters of the Academy but the cost of going to Scotland has meant many of them couldn’t attend individually this…

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Games Round-Up: Strathmore, Corgarff

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Strathmore Games: Gordon McCready had a very successful day at a very wet & cold competition held in the grounds of Glamis Castle.. Piobaireachd 1 Gordon McCready (Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute) 2 Craig Martin 3 John MacDonald 4 Dan Nevans Judges: Duncan Watson, Gordon Clark March 1 Gordon McCready 2 Dan Nevans 3 Craig Martin 4 John MacDonald 5 Niall Robertson S&R 1 Gordon McCready 2 John MacDonald 3 Dan…

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New Summer Schools Announced at Home and Abroad

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Two super opportunities for expert piping and drumming tuition are highlighted today. The first is the RSPBA’s Summer School ‘Launch Pad’. Here’s the info. For pipers and drummers aged over 10 Dates: Mon 1st to Friday 5th Aug Held at Glasgow Gaelic School, Berkeley Street Pipers and Drummers  £180.00 for 5 days Drum Majors £120 for 3 days Pat Whelan, the Association’s Education Officer: ‘Summer School 2016 will take place in Glasgow Gaelic School,…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Live in Ireland Winners/ Blue Lagoon/ Lochaber Entry/ Gairloch Contest

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Winners of the ‘Live in Ireland 87’ video downloads are John McFadden and Chris Lee. The questions were: 1 Name two piobaireachd heard on 78th Fraser CDs. 2 What do Canadians like best about Scotland? a) The weather b) The fish suppers c) The Worlds The correct answer to the first was Lament for the Children from the ‘Live in Ireland’ CD and A Flame of Wrath For Squinting Patrick from…

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