Dear Piping Enthusiast, Can any of us believe the torrid times our music has suffered in the past couple of summers? Who knows the damage the pandemic will have done to our great tradition. However, an end is in sight and already we can see the green shoots of recovery in the solo world. Sadly, there is not much doing in the pipe band world, but the solos? Yes there…
The news the other day that Scotland’s devolved government is to abolish fees for children learning a musical instrument at school should be welcomed, writes the Editor. We expect that this will cover piping and drumming tuition. As ever, the devil is in the detail. The £7m promised is for the school terms within the academic year 2021 -2022. Thereafter the government has pledged to work with local authority leaders…
Not surprised the RSPBA have cancelled the World Solo Drumming given that there will be no fly-in competitors, but could they not have put on something for the drummers in lieu? I really cannot understand the lack of activity from this great organisation. What about a Scottish drum championship or a UK drum championship or a British Isles drum championship? They could have used Headquarters in Washington Street and if…
The success of P/M Richard Parkes MBE and his Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is the stuff of legend. In a remarkable career beginning 40 years ago, Richard has amassed a trophy haul that is unlikely ever to be beaten. He continues his look back at that success and how he achieved it…. My brother Gordon was my first leading drummer. He had taken over from…
Inveraray & District’s John Dew is the new piping instructor at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh. Watson’s Pipe Major, Iain Simpson, said: ‘The position of Piping Instructor has been filled. ‘I received numerous applications and after conducting some interviews, I’m happy to announce John Dew will start at George Watson’s College in August. ‘The pipe band staff are looking forward to working with John. We’d like to thank Jonathon Simpson for…
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