Review: ‘A Guide to the Judging of Piping’

This attractive book is structured as follows: firstly a short Foreword by Robert Wallace; then ‘A Code of Practice at a Glance’; ‘A Guide to the Judging of Piping’ by Dugald Graham-Campbell, who was born in 1921, and Malcolm McRae’s comments on that work, ‘A Review of the Guide’. Then we have, James Campbell’s ‘A Different Approach to the Judging Problem’, Colin MacLellan’s ‘A New Approach to a Judging Problem‘,…

Registrations Open for Florida School

The 2027 Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is an all inclusive bagpiping and drumming school taught by world renowned instructors from Scotland, the United States, and Ireland. This year’s Academy is being held at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center located in St John’s, Florida, just outside Jacksonville. By Chris McKeown, Director Located along the St John’s River, this beautiful venue offers breathtaking views and a peaceful campus – plus…

Tutor Book 1 Now in Hard Copy & Digital

This world-beating tutor book is now available in both hard copy and digital. Each version comes with accompanying audio or video lessons making it the ideal way to start a piping career. In 20 easily understood chapters, the learner is shown all the required technique needed to become a top piper. There are comprehensive exercises all geared towards improving dexterity and accuracy. The first tune is Amazing Grace and with…

Editor’s Notebook: NYC Pipes/ Historic Medals at Auction/ London Recital

On display in New York’s Metropolitan Museum is a set of pipes by Peter Henderson. The display commentary reads: ‘Piob mhór (Highland Bagpipes). Peter Henderson before 1940. Cocus wood, ivory, silver, leather and cloth. Paul and Barbara Krieger Gift, 1996. ‘Peter Henderson’s workshop was a celebrated maker of Highland bagpipes during the 20th century and a gathering place for noted pipers. The Highland bagpipes tradition draws upon the instrument’s long…

A Never to be Forgotten Trip to Scotland

Back home in Oz and back at work. Now a brief summary of my August pilgrimage. After committing to play with the Hawthorn Pipe Band at the Worlds, it was a great relief to actually arrive in Scotland for the first time since 2004.  After dragging my sorry self (cattle class ticket) through Edinburgh Airport, it was straight to adventure number one: formally meeting Tim Gellaitry and spending the afternoon…