Category: Pipe Bands

History: The Origins of the Modern Day Pipe Band Part 3

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The late piping historian and military music expert Lt. Col. David Murray continues his examination of the origins of the pipe band. You can read earlier excerpts here and here. The influence of John MacAdam’s road surface also had its effect on the music. On the line of march, the Pipes and Drums and the Military Band played alternately, the Military Band usually being stationed half way down the column. The…

More History: The Origins of the Modern Day Pipe Band Part 3

PP Ed’s Blog: Pipe Cases/ Neil’s Run/ Glasgow Tattoo/ Band Indoors/ SA School

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Noticing the advert for the new RG Hardie pipe cases I was wondering what happened to the old wooden pipe box. I mean what do pipers sit on these days when they are waiting for a bus? Sorry, I forgot; they don’t do that any more. If you turn up at your band practice in anything less than a Ford Fiesta Titanium you get frowned on. Taking the boat to…

More PP Ed’s Blog: Pipe Cases/ Neil’s Run/ Glasgow Tattoo/ Band Indoors/ SA School

Origins of the Pipe Band Part Two and How the Retreat March Began

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Part two of David Murray’s treatise on the origins of the pipe band. Read part 1 here. Of the picture above David tells us: Pipers of the 78th Ross-shire Buffs, Shorecliffe, Kent 1862. P/M Alexander MacKellar and his five pipers. The Lance Corporal standing is Ronald MacKenzie, one of the giants of his day. The Pipe Major wears the medals for the Persian War of 1856/57 and the Indian Mutiny 1857/58….

More Origins of the Pipe Band Part Two and How the Retreat March Began

Pipers and Drummers wanted for Tattoo 2017/ Copenhagen Winter Competition

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Major Stevie Small MBE, Project Officer for the Pipers’ Trail, is looking for pipers and drummers who want to play at this year’s spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Major Small, recently retired as Director of Army Bagpipe Music, said: ‘This is a tremendous opportunity to take part in the world famous Tattoo and Pipers’ Trail is now recruiting for 2017! Pipers and drummers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.’  The…

More Pipers and Drummers wanted for Tattoo 2017/ Copenhagen Winter Competition

PP Ed’s Blog: Article on Pipers in Action in WW1/ Ban on Post 1947 Ivory Pipes Being Sold

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A WW1 article in the Scotsman at the weekend made poignant reading – five hundred pipers killed and six hundred wounded. It read: ‘London-born Sir Philip Gibbs (1877-1962), one of five official reporters during the First World War, wrote about the effects of the pipes and the extraordinary bravery of pipers and Highlanders among the British forces at the Battle of Delville Wood near the village of Longueval which raged…

More PP Ed’s Blog: Article on Pipers in Action in WW1/ Ban on Post 1947 Ivory Pipes Being Sold