Alistair Bevan, British Columbia, Wins Top Canadian Amateur Contest

Bob Worrall reports: The 22nd George Sherriff Memorial Invitational wrapped up on Saturday night (Nov 18).  A great day all round with terrific performances from the 10 competitors.  Further details are on the contest website:  www.georgesherriffinvitational.com . The Overall Champion was Alistair Bevan. Alistair [main picture above] is the son of SFU P/M Alan Bevan, the noted double Gold Medallist. There were three different winners in the individual events so prizes…

Americans Claim US Junior Solo Piping and Drumming Titles 

George Balderose reports: The Eleventh Annual Balmoral Classic US Junior Solo Junior Bagpiping and Solo Snare Drumming Championships were won by piper Joseph Horwath of Saginaw, Michigan, and drummer Matthew Darmadi of Houston, Texas. Fifteen pipers from six states plus Ontario and Scotland, and three drummers from Massachusetts, Ohio, and Texas competed in the double event contest. The above picture shows, left to right: Liam MacDonald, Piobaireachd winner, Joseph Horvath, Overall…

Colin MacLellan Resigns from the College of Piping

The College of Piping has announced the following: ‘The College of Piping announces that due to pressure of other commitments, Colin MacLellan has decided to step down from his position as Director of Piping with effect from the end of November 2017. ‘The College is very grateful to Colin for his hard work in the short time he was in the role and is pleased that Colin will remain associated…

Judging Dilemma – When is it Time to Call it a Day?

At what age should a judge retire? In the pipe band world this is set at 75. After that, irrespective of your health, it is time to hang up the clipboard. No more standing in the rain listening to 30 Grade 4b performances and other such delights these dedicated professionals have to endure on the bands’ behalf. No, it’s straight into the armchair with a bag of peppermints and re-runs…

Shotts Junior Championship – Full Results with A Few Comments Added

One of the busiest junior competitions of the year took place yesterday at Calderhead High School, Shotts, Lanarkshire. Run by the World Championship winning Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, the event attracted over 185 young pipers and drummers. The picture above shows some of the earlier class winners. I spent most of the afternoon at the competition and it was very well organised, even with the large entry, the school an…