New Covid Study Gives Boost to Piping

Playing wind instruments generates fewer airborne particles than speaking or singing and is no different than a person breathing, a study by scientists at Bristol University has found. This new research could have a significant bearing on the full resumption of piping contests and recitals. Scientists say the findings, published online in the journal, Aerosol Science and Technology, could help end restrictions in the performing arts. The study examined the…

CLASP Amateur Solos: Virtual Highland Games Results

There was a big virtual turnout from all across the globe for this event. It was the first time that CLASP ran Grade Four events also. Prizes were sponsored by R G Hardie & Co Bagpipes and the judges were: Alex Gandy, Dan Nevans, Connor Sinclair, John Mulhearn, Gail Brown, Alastair Dunn, Donald MacPhee and Calum Brown. Pictured above is Grade 2 Overall Winner, John Nevans from Airdrie, Lanarkshire. The World Solo Amateur…

RSPBA Announce Online Summer School/ New Teaching Deal From Balmoral/ Composing Project Deadline

The Association is happy to announce the launch of its Annual Summer School for 2021, writes John Nevans. The School opens on Monday 2nd of August 2021 and closes on Thursday 5th of August 2021 and will be an online event open to all of our Association members.  Broadly, the school is aimed at: pipers, snare drummers and bass and tenor drummers. The school’s focus is on the individual, the…

Editor’s Notebook: Medals Find/ Bands and Piobaireachd/ EUSPBA Go Ahead/ Set Tunes

Reader Robert Baker in Australia writes: ‘I recently secured two piping medals at auction in the UK. They mention the Lorn Ossianic Society and the ‘Loch Lubnaig Gathering’. ‘These very interesting pieces are now on their way to me in Australia. Once I receive them, further research will have to be undertaken. ‘I also picked up a ‘Silver Star’. I will keep you updated as I will eventually will find a…

Editor’s Notebook: Piping’s Poor Show/ Willie Ross/ Piping Live/ Controversy of Pipers

Chatsworth Games in the south have now been officially called off, organisers citing Boris Johnson’s four-week delay to ‘Freedom Day’ as the reason. There will be no band or solo contests in England this year. Here, the authorities in Inverness have confirmed that ‘Under Canvas’, an outdoor summer music festival co-curated with Fèis Rois, will run from 1 July – 30 September, providing ‘a three-month programme of music on the…