Category: Tuition

RSPBA History: The Hallmark of a Solo Piper is Piobaireachd, But What Use Does it Serve Pipe Bands?

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We continue with our look back at the history of the RSPBA as described in an edition of the Piping, Drumming and Highland Dancing Journal of 1949. The author, Mr RC Whitelaw, Secretary of the then Scottish Pipe Band Association, demonstrates the misguided thinking which set the Association’s attitude to classical pipe music for 40 years, an attitude only overcome relatively recently. As ever, Mr Whitelaw is refreshingly outspoken, and…

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The SPBA’s Post-War History: The Problem With Massed Bands and With Teaching

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We continue with our look back at the history of the RSPBA. This is from the Piping, Drumming and Highland Dancing Journal of 1949. The author, Mr RC Whitelaw, was appointed Secretary of the then Scottish Pipe Band Association in 1948. Mr Whitelaw was refreshingly outspoken in his assessment on how the Association needed to develop. The photo below is of the massed bands at Cowal in 1950. Before passing…

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Editor’s Notebook: Alasdair Takes a Break/ School’s Piping Lessons/ Donald Main/ 1976 Results

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The late, great Alasdair Gillies takes a seat on the competition platform while warming up at a games in the US. I was always impressed with his finger positioning. Perfect. Look at the bottom hand. Thumb exactly where it should be, between fore and middle fingers. Top hand digits beautifully aligned. And no, the pinkie is not touching the chanter, though the camera angle makes it seem so. Posture relaxed,…

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George Watson’s Teacher/ SW Scotland Academy Programme/ ‘Flux’ Blowstick

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Award-winning school band, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, are looking for a new piping instructor. Some details: ‘This post has up to 15 hours of individual teaching, and two hours of group tuition per week. ‘The successful candidate will be committed, enthusiastic and will possess the ability to teach the full range of abilities from beginner to Juvenile band level and be familiar with SQA/PDQB exams. ‘They will be expected to…

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Be a Better Piper: Big Bore Blowsticks Do Not Cause Bad Blowing

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One of our readers in Sweden has pointed out an article which appeared somewhere on the internet in which the writer complained of an increasing prevalance of bad blowing among amateur and lower grade band players. He blamed the problem on the growing popularity of wide bore blowsticks. I’m afraid this analysis defies logic. By The Editor The purpose of the wide bore blowstick is to facilitate the flow of…

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