Two new piobaireachd recordings have been made available on the PP Audio Archive. The first is the ground and first variation of Lament for John MacDonald of Inverness by P/M Donald MacLeod. The performance is introduced by P/M MacLeod himself and he states that it was composed at Fort George so probably dates from the very early 1960s. John MacDonald, Inverness, was P/M MacLeod’s tutor for 25 years and died…
Re-reading Dr J David Hester’s letter of a few weeks ago has caused me to reflect…. Judging, any sort of judging – bands, solos, cattle shows – is not easy. I remind readers once more of the late Donald MacGillivray’s immortal words at Strathpeffer Games in the 1970s, ‘I hate judging – cattle shows or piping – one is always surrounded by a sea of disappointed faces at the end….’ But, Donald…
Last month we had the British Pipe Band Championships at Paisley but younger readers may not know that the area hosted the same championships for many years prior to 2016. In the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s it was held at nearby Renfrew. Here’s a report from the Piping, Drumming and Dancing Journal from before WW2: British Pipe Band Championship, Renfrew The annual Pipe Band Contest organised by the Renfrew…
A US-based piper has suffered an unfortunate accident to his little finger but is determined to play on after doctors pinned it back together again. Tom Hyatt plays with the US Border Patrol Pipes & Drums and is based at Marta Station in Marta, Texas. The band is made up of Border Patrol pipers and drummers from around the US. Tom takes up the story: ‘I injured the pinkie finger…
Two super opportunities for expert piping and drumming tuition are highlighted today. The first is the RSPBA’s Summer School ‘Launch Pad’. Here’s the info. For pipers and drummers aged over 10 Dates: Mon 1st to Friday 5th Aug Held at Glasgow Gaelic School, Berkeley Street Pipers and Drummers £180.00 for 5 days Drum Majors £120 for 3 days Pat Whelan, the Association’s Education Officer: ‘Summer School 2016 will take place in Glasgow Gaelic School,…
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