Category: Reviews

Pipe Band Formations and Transitioning Away from the Circle – Part 2

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Suggestions have been made from time to time for the circle formation to be replaced by a concert style semi-circle, the main argument being that bands would be able to face their audience.  It is not a new idea as the RSPBA conducted trials of the format in 1998 but decided not to implement it at that time.  I do not recall the reasons ever being made public.  As always…

More Pipe Band Formations and Transitioning Away from the Circle – Part 2

Pipe Band Competition Formations – Part 1

Posted on      by      1 Comment

I had not anticipated my article on Piping Press about the recent World Pipe Band Championships would generate debate about the circle formation for competing bands.  My reference to containing and balancing the sounds with the circle formation were intended merely as a reference to only one of the aspects of the original thinking when the circle formation was introduced.  I also did not suggest any preference for either a…

More Pipe Band Competition Formations – Part 1

Review: ‘The Pipe Tunes of Pipe Major Alex M MacIver’

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

This recently published collection of tunes composed by the late P/M Alex M MacIver, has been compiled by one of his former pupils, namely Hector Russell. For those who may not be aware, Alex was Pipe Major of the renowned Glasgow 214th Company Boy’s Brigade Pipe Band. This band led by Alex during the 1950s, 60s and 70s dominated the juvenile pipe band scene winning countless championships as well as…

More Review: ‘The Pipe Tunes of Pipe Major Alex M MacIver’

Bowhill Games Results/ Drum Tutor Wanted/ South West Scotland P&D Academy

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Here are the results from the very first solo piping event at the recently rekindled Bowhill Highland Games where I am the new piping convenor, writes Greig Canning. The contest, held on September 11, had nine entries in the Piobaireachd and March, Strathspey and Reel contests and we held an impromptu Jig contest on the day too with just the one prize, a bottle of malt whisky to the winner….

More Bowhill Games Results/ Drum Tutor Wanted/ South West Scotland P&D Academy

Northern Ireland Round-Up: Belfast Tattoo/ Pipe Band College/ World Solo Drumming/ Blackthorn/ All Irelands

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

After two years absence, the Belfast International Tattoo finally returned on September 2nd and 3rd with three shows at the SSE Arena. The cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 shows placed many challenges at the door of the organisers. I was present on the Saturday night when there was a very good attendance and I understand that was the case across the other two shows. This has obviously encouraged the…

More Northern Ireland Round-Up: Belfast Tattoo/ Pipe Band College/ World Solo Drumming/ Blackthorn/ All Irelands