Outstanding Recital by Donald McBride Posted on PP Audio Archive

Featuring on the PP Audio Archive today is a recital given by leading piper Donald McBride in the Savoy Hotel, Kansas City, MO in March 2010. In it Donald displays all his mastery of timing and technique on a superb 1908 silver and ivory Lawrie bagpipe with a Hardie chanter (1975).  Donald was taught originally by his father Willie Mc Bride, and played in his band, the Monktonhall, for many years. From 1972 until he…

PP Ed’s Blog: J Ban MacKenzie/ Weekend contests/ Govan concert/ Donald McBride

A painting of John Ban MacKenzie reputed to be worth £10,000 has been stolen from a house in East Lothian in what police have described as a ‘targeted theft’. The picture entitled ‘Piper to the 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane’ by JM Barclay, which dates from 1842, was taken from a house near Kippielaw Farm, near East Linton. The BBC reported that four other paintings of black and gold Asian-style design were…

PP Editor’s Blog: Donald McBride on that Contest in 1972

Donald McBride, one of our instructors at the South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy, has given more information on yesterday’s post on the SPA Amateur contest in 1972. During a break in the lessons Donald told me: ‘When I arrived at Washington Street I discovered my bag had burst so my father called Donald MacPherson. I had been going to him for lessons for two months. We went up to…

New Piping and Drumming School for Florida

A  new school of piping and drumming will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, next March. The press release reads: Are you a piper or drummer looking for a break from a cold winter and an opportunity to improve your skills? Does some serious fun in the sun working on the music you love sound an attractive proposition? If so the South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy is for you….