Category: Pipe Bands

Band Formations Poll/Nicol-Brown Information/Hawick BB

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There was considerable response to yesterday’s essay on pipe band formations and to further gauge opinion we have a new poll. We hope as many readers as possible will respond:   [polldaddy poll=8982241] Our last poll on 2/4 marches posed the question: ‘Should we be free to alter music for 2/4 marches as we see fit’. 33% said ‘yes’, it was traditional music after all; 31% it depended on the…

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Time to Follow Chicago’s Lead on Band Formations

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IN the US the Midwest Pipe Band Association report that at the recent Chicago Highland Games they trialled a ‘concert formation’ for the Grade 2 and 3 Medley contests (see picture above). The feedback from bands and audience has been very positive, so much so that the organisers plan to use the same arrangement in 2016. All I can say to that is well done to all concerned. Here’s what…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Corby Games/ German Results/ Inverness Games/ Film Gig

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Forty years ago I was at Corby, in Northants, for the World Pipe Band Championships (yes, the fated we wuz robbed event). Last weekend saw me back there almost to the day to judge the solo piping. Thanks to the influx of steelworkers in the 50s and 60s, Corby has a strong Scottish heritage, and a few thousand turned out for the games and pipe band competition. Before proceedings got…

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Famous Pipers: Angus MacKay Conclusion/ Mod Reminder/Braemar Jnrs./Worlds Tickets

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Today we end our look at the life and times of piping genius Angus MacKay, how he was consumed by mental illness and eventually escaped from an institution and drowned in a river in south-west Scotland. There are tributes and an assessment of the life of the man who more than any other laid the foundation of our modern piping tradition. Final day for entries to the National Mod piping…

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New Drumming Job/ Thoughts on the Worlds Draw/Killin Games 2015 Cancelled

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Carnegie Mellon University is looking for a  new drumming instructor for its Pipes and Drums. Professor of Music, P/M Andrew Carlisle, the recent winner of the top US solo piping prize, the USPF, said : ‘Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a drumming instructor to lead the drum corps of its ‘Pipes and Drums’. The creation of this new drumming position is a huge step forward by the University. For many years, Carnegie Mellon…

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