Tag: great highland bagpipe

PP Ed’s Blog: New Book from Jackie/ Minor Contests/ John MacDougall

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There has been a very good response to yesterday’s post about minor band contests, in particular a comment from Andy Donaldson, whose letter sparked the interest. Good response too to the poll. Have your say below, but if you haven’t already read the first story you can do so here.[polldaddy poll=9462566] Here’s a flavour of what Andy wrote: ‘I have played in every grade and it certainly wasn’t the norm…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Bands Failing to Support Small Contests/ SW Scotland School

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I have to say I agree with drummer Andy Donaldson who messaged last week: ‘Just a wee note regarding Thornton. Our wee band (Cardenden) and Barney’s band (Methil, P/M Robert Barnes) were the only two bands that bothered to turn up. Every other band that was entered pulled out for no discernible reason. I think they should be ashamed!!!  ‘We had members on holidays etc. but still managed to field…

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Two New Piobaireachd Recordings Added to the PP Audio Archive

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Two new piobaireachd recordings have been made available on the PP Audio Archive. The first is the ground and first variation of Lament for John MacDonald of Inverness by P/M Donald MacLeod. The performance is introduced by P/M MacLeod himself and he states that it was composed at Fort George so probably dates from the very early 1960s. John MacDonald, Inverness, was P/M MacLeod’s tutor for 25 years and died…

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PP Editor’s Blog: Analytical Article/ George McIlwham/ Worlds G1 bands/ Cancale

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Thanks to those who commented on the ‘Analytical Theorising’ post last week, particularly to Bill Livingstone, Steve Rooklidge and John Dally. Yes John, rhythm and melodic flow are vital. Like you, I have been interested in alternative settings for a long time (I did the Lady D’Oyly MS recordings for the BBC some 30 years ago) but they have to make musical sense. The Donald MacDonald competition you mention gets good financial…

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Braemar Gathering Photograph Identification Appeal

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Piping Convenor at Braemar Royal Highland Gathering, Jim Wood, has sent this: ‘Some interesting pictures for you this week, which if possible we would like some help with. We think we know the years, but are struggling with the pipers, are you able to help? ‘Braemar Royal Highland Society are undertaking an archiving project of the memorabilia they have collected over the last 200 years. Should your readers have any…

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