The full lists of bands entered for the World Pipe Band Championships are published today. A remarkable 234 will be taking part in what is easily the biggest competition of the year. All will gather on Glasgow Green three weeks from this Saturday (August 12 and 13) to battle it out for top honours. The most heavily populated list is, as expected, in Grade 4b where 67 bands have entered with…
The vast majority of the hundreds of readers who responded to our poll on minor band contests are concerned about the lack of support these events are getting. And they are calling on Grade 1 and Grade 2 bands – and the RSPBA – to do more to help. In answer to our question ‘Do Grade 1 & 2 bands have a duty to support the smaller competitions and Highland…
Our concluding excerpt on the history of the famous London Scottish Regiment and their Pipe & Drums taken from the January 1938 edition of ‘Piping & Dancing’ journal and from the Regiment’s website ….. ‘The Highland Armed Association of London and The Loyal North Britons had been raised in 1793 and 1803 as part of the country’s Volunteer Forces ready to repel Napoleon’s threatened invasion of England. These formations were later…
I see that Scottish Power pipe band have entered next Saturday’s minor contest at Paisley (July 23rd). Well done to the band for that. Their presence will inspire the smaller bands and give them a chance to hear one of the best in the world. It will be a good marketing opportunity for the Power’s sponsors too and help ensure continued funding – very important. The contest starts at 10.30am…
Some observations on Andy Donaldson’s recent correspondence based on my experiences with lower grade and youth bands post my time with Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. I agree with Andrew, however I believe there are additional factors that need to be considered and these may help to widen the debate. The area I have chosen to focus on concerns what Andrew describes as ‘semi-professional’ juvenile bands and how they may now be…
Recent Comments