Category: Tuition

Peter Bain’s Bagpipe – Part 2

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

I was contacted by the current owner, Peter Aumonier, and a previous student of my great-grandfather’s, Malcolm McRae, writes John Gillies. Malcolm purchased the pipes on behalf of Donald Bain who took them with him to New Zealand after my great-grandfather’s death. Peter and I were able to video call so I was able to see the pipes, a beautiful set of 1908 hallmarked silver and ivory Hendersons, with a unique…

More Peter Bain’s Bagpipe – Part 2

Florida Pipe & Drum Academy/ RSPBA Regradings/ Drumming Festival

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Director Chris McKeown has announced dates and a new venue for the annual Florida Pipe & Drum Academy. The 2026 school will be held from February 22 – 27 at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center, St Johns, Florida. Chris writes: ‘We’re planning something you won’t want to miss, and we hope to see you there. We are at a new venue where meals and lodging are part of your…

More Florida Pipe & Drum Academy/ RSPBA Regradings/ Drumming Festival

Review: ‘The Ivernia Collection’ by Tim Farrelly 

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

Ivernia is one of the oldest recorded names for Ireland and this book contains many old melodies and contemporary pipe music from that island. The compiler, Tim Farrelly, is the current P/M of Grade 2 St Joseph’s PB, Clondalkin. His upbringing in piping has been strongly influenced by the Irish traditional music scene and in this book he pays tribute to a variety of individuals who have shaped his music,…

More Review: ‘The Ivernia Collection’ by Tim Farrelly 

Editor’s Notebook: Ensemble Judges/ SPA Nights/ Inveraray Show/ MacLean request/ Peter Bain/ Cancale

Posted on      by      1 Comment

This week’s anonymous contributor should be thanked for raising the matter of wandering ensemble judges. Personally I felt that he wrote well but was guilty of pipe band overthink. Get up close to the tenor drummers to see if they are integrating with those around them. Really? What is ensemble if it is not an assessment of the entire package, pipes and drums, and how well they work together? I…

More Editor’s Notebook: Ensemble Judges/ SPA Nights/ Inveraray Show/ MacLean request/ Peter Bain/ Cancale

Editor’s Notebook: John Cruickshank VC/ Glasgow Skye/ Helmsdale Results/ Lorient Bagads/ Weekend Games

Posted on      by      Leave a comment

The death has been announced of war hero John Cruickshank VC, Aberdeen. He was 105. Readers will recall the tune competition the Royal Northern & University Club and Piping Press ran for a march to honour Mr Cruickshank’s and his remarkable bravery. The result was a fine 6/8 by South African composer and piper Dave Mason. It was presented and played to Mr Cruickshank at a dinner in Aberdeen. It…

More Editor’s Notebook: John Cruickshank VC/ Glasgow Skye/ Helmsdale Results/ Lorient Bagads/ Weekend Games