Category: Tuition

Piobaireachd Society Conference Final Details

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The Piobaireachd Society Conference at the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling, this weekend March 27-29. This local landmark is right in the centre of town, on King Street, less than 10 minutes walk from both the bus and train stations. It has a long history, the most famous guest perhaps being Robert Burns who scratched a poem on one of the windows. By Peter McCalister, PS Vice President Stirling Castle is…

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History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981, Part 3

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We continue with our article from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison, their piping correspondent at the time. Having dealt with the Gold Medal, he now reports on the other events….. Former Winners Piobaireachd Competition: This took place in the Phoenix Cinema. Eight tunes were set and each competitor had to select four tunes, one of which he was asked to play. Eight competitors…

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Editor’s Notebook: Band Sizes/ Atholl Gathering/ 214 BB/ Duncan Johnstone/ PS Conference

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The RSPBA are now taking the issue of band sizes seriously. There was a commitment at last weekend’s AGM to take the matter forward via the Music Board and a consultation with the bands. The proposal is that piper numbers be cut to 22 and side drummers to 11. No apparent mention of bass and tenors. The thrust of the argument put forward was one of fairness, always an emotional…

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History: Argyllshire Gathering 1981, Part 2

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We continue with our article from the Oban Times of early September 1981. It is by Alfred Morrison, their piping correspondent at the time. He continues his examination of the performances in that year’s competition for the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal….. The next player was P/M Gavin Stoddart who has had a successful a successful season as a competing piper. He was asked to play the Fingerlock. He…

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Important Decisions Following the RSPBA AGM

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The hybrid AGM was conducted from RSPBA HQ in Washington Street, Glasgow, on March 14, with the majority of directors and some local band representatives present in person. Others joined online. A total of 49 bands attended. Two major decisions which will be of interest are: 1 The Music Board and Format Group will consider a limit on the maximum number of registered players in a given band: 22 x pipers and…

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