‘Pipe Band Reflections’ – Two Books Detailing a Lifetime in Pipe Bands

Having spent literally a life time associated with pipe bands as a competitor, educator and adjudicator, it struck me that not a lot had been written about this musical genre, or certainly not in published book form.  When discussing piping and drumming with fellow competitors, all have their own historical perspective mainly based on the bands they played in or competed against.  These comments tend to be anecdotal in nature…

Editor’s Notebook: Malcolm Ferguson and Remembrance Sunday/ Piper Poem/ City Mural/ Kiwi Film

Malcolm Ferguson’s grandson Colin Moulson has responded to our request for a picture. ‘Sadly we do not believe we have any of him in uniform or in whatever bands he was in post war. ‘The attached does however show some of his action in the First World War. He had a bullet lodged in his neck from being shot (on which occasion we are not sure) whilst leading troops to…

Entries Closing for George Watson’s Caritas Banner/ RSPBA Junior Contests This Weekend

Entries for the ‘Caritas Banner’ (pictured above) close tomorrow, Friday, November 8. The competition is run by George Watson’s College Pipe Band. It has so far attracted some of the best young players in the country but there are still spaces available in all events. The competition takes place on Sunday 24 November 2024 at the Edinburgh-based College. Sponsors are David Glen, Bagpipe-makers and the Piobaireachd Society. All competitors must…

History: ‘A great deal more could be done to give Scots, and visitors to Scotland, a chance of enjoying our unique musical heritage..’

The following article appeared in the Scotsman newspaper, and subsequently the Piping Times, 60 years ago. It is by Seumas MacNeill, co-founder of the now defunct College of Piping and a Gold Medallist. He also had the ability to write about piping in a cogent, entertaining, yet deeply felt manner. This article, is of its time, yet still relevant today….. The many visitors who attend Highland Gatherings throughout Scotland have…

US Junior Solo Piping & Drumming Championships

The 18th ‘Balmoral Classic’ Championship was held on November 2, 2024, in the Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PIPING OVERALL (15 competitors)1 Alex Pavlovic (Bellaire, Texas)2 Abby Long  (Houston, Texas)3 Mihir Zambre (Pearland, Texas)4 Andrew Zhao (Sugarland, Texas)5 Magnus Stone (Natick, Massachusetts)6 Ray Flanagan (Grand Rapids, Michigan) PIOBAIREACHD1 Alex Pavlovic2 Abby Long3 Magnus Stone4 Mihir Zambre5 Ray Flanagan6 Andrew Zhao MSR1 Andrew Zhao2 Alex Pavlovic3 Mihir Zambre4 Abby…