PP Ed's Blog: Band Dates/ Andy's Tune/ South Florida

Spotted this on the internet and it may be a handy reference for the coming pipe band season: Download a printable PDF here. Northern Ireland piper Andy Wilson (above) achieved a highly commendable second prize in the ‘B’ piobaireachd at the recent Winter Storm contest in Kansas. Here’s part of his prizewinning performance of The Fingerlock: Chieftain at the last European Pipe Band Championships to be held at Forres in…

PP Editor’s Blog: Kilberry Bagpipes/ British Championships/Piping Live

Double Gold Medallist Douglas Murray has taken over Kilberry Bagpipes in Edinburgh and reports brisk business at his premises in St Mary’s Street just off the Royal Mile. The above pic shows Dougie outside his new shop. Visitors are welcome to call in for a chat or to have their pipes looked over by an expert. Douglas will be leading his much-improved Fife Constabulary band onto the field at the…

PP Editor’s Blog: Reid’s Award, Chris Terry Tune etc

SFU lead drummer Reid Maxwell is to be honoured for his work as a performer and teacher in his home province. Band and BC Pipers President Rob MacNeil has sent this: ‘It has been announced by British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, that Reid Maxwell, Lead Drummer of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band and Director and Life Member of the…

Scotland’s Jim Murray Wins ANZAC Tune Competition

P/M James Murray of Western Australia Police Pipe Band has won a prestigious composing competition for a tune to commemorate 100 years since the bravery and sacrifice of the Gallipoli landings during WW1. The tune, complete with harmony, is being made available here for the public with the composer’s permission: A press release issued by the promoters of the competition, Pipe Bands Australia and the New Zealand Pipe Band Association,…

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Invitees Announced

The City of Edinburgh Pipe Band have sent this: WHEELS ON FIRE: The City of Edinburgh Pipe Band is pleased to announce the line-up for the 2015 Pipe Majors Wheel of Fortune competition. The event, which will be held on Saturday 7th February, will feature performances from some of the world’s finest traditional musicians. It will be contested by: Alasdair Henderson, Angus J. MacColl, Angus Nicholson, Brian Lamond, Callum Beaumont, Douglas Murray, Lee Moore and Niall Stewart.  Top pipers Alasdair Henderson…