P/M Richard Parkes on Losing the Worlds and the Future for FM and Himself

P/M Richard Parkes MBE of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is the most successful pipe major of recent times. He has ten World titles to his name and countless other major championships. This year he was heading for his fifth Worlds in a row when, at Glasgow Green last August, the band suffered a major reverse, the 2015 title going to Shotts and Dykehead. How does a band…

PP Editor’s Blog: David Murray/ Glenfiddich/ Advertisers/ Pipe Band Roadshow

It was a pleasure yesterday to speak to David Murray on the phone. David has just celebrated his 94th birthday and is still taking a keen interest in piping via Piping Press. In his time he was President of the Piobaireachd Society, Piping Convenor at the Northern Meeting, a highly respected Senior Adjudicator, Director of the Edinburgh Tattoo, and a writer of note. His articles on competitions and piping history…

Free Drumming Scores/ Gordon Wins Highland Games League/ Gordon Walker – More Great Pix

In a very generous gesture, leading pipe band drumming expert John Moneagle has kindly donated his scores for eight popular tunes free of charge to Piping Press readers. Each score comes with a sound file of how the tune should be played. Access them via the Search facility and also read about John’s very distinguished career as a pipe band drummer, leading tip and drumming educator. We’d like to thank John for this…

PP Editor’s Blog: KO Contests/ Caption Contest/ Rosneath Thoughts/ World Drumming

Congratulations to Craig Muirhead on winning through to the next round of the Scots Guards KO against Brian Lamond. The first round of the SPA KO is on November 7 at the College of Piping. The jousters are Finlay Johnston and John Patrick. 7.30 start, bar and refreshments. The Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA have sent this: ‘Thanks to Ian Burrows, pictures from all 2015 pipe band contests (except Rostrevor)…

PP Editor’s Blog: Poll Result for Major Championships/ Games Solo League/ World Drumming

It seems that most people are of the opinion that having the bulk of the major pipe band championships in and around Glasgow is a good thing. The majority of those who took part in our poll were in favour. However there was a significant group who felt that these important championships should be spread around more, and 20% believed Ireland should have the opportunity of staging the Worlds. Here’s how…