Category: Tuition

Readers React to Robert Mathieson’s Groundbreaking Thoughts on the Future of the Pipe Band Medley

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Last week Piping Press ran a series of articles from RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson. The reaction is almost as important and interesting as the original thoughts. We print a selection here… Robert McCarthy: Mr Mathieson is saying out loud what has been on many peoples’ minds for years. The contest format has been mired in antiquated rules long enough; they are strangling bands. The ‘prescribed tune list’ and restricting them…

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Editor’s Notebook: Queen’s Awards/ Medley Analysis/ SPA/ Eagle Pipers/ US Piping Job/ Kyle’s Album

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Over the years many individuals have received recognition for their work for piping. I can’t remember anyone whose award has been met with such widespread approval and happiness as that for Iain MacFadyen. I think it would be fair to say that there has never been a piper more deserving of a Royal honour than Iain. Most correspondents echo that – and the view of Iain Marshall in our comments…

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Some Innovative Suggestions on the Way Forward for the Pipe Band Medley

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RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson concludes his series on the future of the pipe band medley. The series was published by kind permission of the RSPBA. Read part 1 here and part two here. At the end of the day results are merely an opinion – and we all have those. It’s a by-product of the comparative analysis system we use. Yet I hope this three-part series, plus my earlier report…

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Changes in Pipe Band Make Up and Why the Medley Needs to Evolve

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RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson continues his expert analysis of the Grade 1 Medley with particular reference to the first Major of the season, the British at Gourock. This article appears by kind permission of the RSPBA. Read part 1 here. How do we encourage the evolvement of creative artistry in our medleys? The contest rules and constraints placed on the Grade 1 format has not changed or developed in over…

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The Need for Aesthetic Analysis in Grade 1 Medleys

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RSPBA Adjudicator Robert Mathieson continues his expert analysis of the Grade 1 Medley with particular reference to the first Major of the season, the British at Gourock. It was written immediately after Robert spent ‘a day in the dugout’ listening to all the performances in the grade in a non-judging capacity. This article appears by kind permission of the RSPBA. I heard and enjoyed all ten Grade 1 medleys at…

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