There has been a very good response to yesterday’s post about minor band contests, in particular a comment from Andy Donaldson, whose letter sparked the interest. Good response too to the poll. Have your say below, but if you haven’t already read the first story you can do so here.[polldaddy poll=9462566] Here’s a flavour of what Andy wrote: ‘I have played in every grade and it certainly wasn’t the norm…
I have to say I agree with drummer Andy Donaldson who messaged last week: ‘Just a wee note regarding Thornton. Our wee band (Cardenden) and Barney’s band (Methil, P/M Robert Barnes) were the only two bands that bothered to turn up. Every other band that was entered pulled out for no discernible reason. I think they should be ashamed!!! ‘We had members on holidays etc. but still managed to field…
Thanks to those who commented on the ‘Analytical Theorising’ post last week, particularly to Bill Livingstone, Steve Rooklidge and John Dally. Yes John, rhythm and melodic flow are vital. Like you, I have been interested in alternative settings for a long time (I did the Lady D’Oyly MS recordings for the BBC some 30 years ago) but they have to make musical sense. The Donald MacDonald competition you mention gets good financial…
The July 2016 edition of Pipe Band Magazine, the official publication of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, is now available. The magazine comes free courtesy the RSPBA. It features an interview with P/M Ross Harvey the new pipe major of Grade 1’s Boghall & Bathgate. Other features look at the judging of drumming and ensemble, go behind the scenes at a major championship. There’s an obituary for Fred Walker…
P/M Alen Tully is one of the new breed of Grade 1 pipe majors. Still aged only 33, P/M Tully has already secured two major championships for his band, St Laurence O’Toole, Dublin – and this in less than three seasons in charge. His latest success was at the European Championships at Forres last Saturday. Here he talks of what that meant to the band, of their meticulous preparation before every major…
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