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…

£58k Funding Boost for Young Pipers and Drummers in Dundee 

Thanks to a funding boost of £58k from Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, a new programme of piping and drumming tuition in Dundee will be extended with up to 120 pupils set to benefit.  Above is a picture taken this morning at Fintry Primary School, Dundee, one of the feeder primary schools involved in the project. From l – r: Gregor Murray, Children and Families Convenor, Dundee City Council; Alexandra…

Scottish Government Announce Cash Boost for the National Piping Centre

The National Piping Centre has been granted £450,000 in the latest round of grants from Creative Scotland, the Government’s arts funding body. ‘Regular Funding 2018-21’, will deliver three-year funding to 116  ‘cultural and creative organisations across Scotland’, CS say. Their blurb reads: ‘The network demonstrates creative excellence, potential and ambition, with significant reach across Scotland, and internationally, and across many areas of practice. The network consists of organisations that produce, present and…

Boys Brigade History Down South / Piobaireachd Composing Competition

John Shone has written to the Editor on a still-thriving English BB company….. It was good to read your earlier story about the Boys Brigade history and in particular your own company the 214 Glasgow. Readers may not be aware that one BB company and its band is still thriving down in the deep south! It’s good to be able to report that the 5th Croydon BB Pipes and Drums…

Be a Better Piper – How to Practice Your Pipes in a Flat or Apartment

South Africa correspondent Nicholas Taitz has devised what may be a new practice idea for those unable to play their pipes because they live in a flat or apartment. There must be many hundreds worldwide with this problem. Nicholas writes… I recently came up with what I think is  a very effective practice idea for the big pipes. Like many pipers, I don’t have a venue available late at night…