Piping Press

A new report by the University of Munich in Germany offers scientific based advice for singers and musicians which will be relevant for pipe bands and solo pipers. The report, which does not mentions bagpipes specifically, recommends the use of ‘pop’ screens, the small, thin circular barriers used on microphones, distancing of 1.5 metres, regular wipe downs of instruments, staggered arrangements for players. The reports conclusions read: ‘Our quantitative measurement…

Eighty years ago today, at St Valery-en-Caux, France, men of the 20,000 strong 51st Highland Division surrendered to German forces under the command of Major General Erwin Rommel. The division had fought almost continuously for ten days against overwhelming odds. Exhausted and out of ammunition, they were surrounded by vastly superior forces. Rescue by sea from the coastal town proved impossible. The Division’s valiant effort bought time for the British Expeditionary…

It was heartening to read of the RSPBA’s determination to get band contests moving again in 2021. As John Hughes the Chairman said, everything must be done to restore our band tradition to its rightful place in our cultural life. I was interested in his reference to band formations. Wouldn’t it be ironic if it took the tragedy of this pandemic to get bands to change from the old fashioned…