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

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…

Thornton Games

Results from today’s games at Thornton in Fife. Junior Piob (only 2 entrants)1st equal: Brodie Watson-Massey, MacCrimmon’s SweetheartChris Happs, Cabar Feidh gu BraghMSR1st Chris Happs2nd Brodie Watson-Massey3rd Brandon MacDonald4th Matthew MacKelvieSenior Piob1 Eddie Gaul, Lament for the Children 2 Campbell Webster, MacGregor’s Salute3 Alan Russell, Mary’s PraiseMSR1 Alan Russell2 Amos Fox (Brisbane)3 Campbell Webster (USA)4 Eddie Gaul All events judged by Euan Anderson and Andrew Frater.

Braemar Gathering Photograph Identification Appeal

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…

Pipe Band Magazine – Latest Edition Available Now

The July 2016 edition of Pipe Band Magazine, the official publication of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, is now available. The magazine comes free courtesy the RSPBA. It features an interview with P/M Ross Harvey the new pipe major of Grade 1’s Boghall & Bathgate. Other features look at the judging of drumming and ensemble, go behind the scenes at a major championship. There’s an obituary for Fred Walker…

P/M Alen Tully Talks of His Important Victory at the European Pipe Band Championships

P/M Alen Tully is one of the new breed of Grade 1 pipe majors. Still aged only 33, P/M Tully has already secured two major championships for his band, St Laurence O’Toole, Dublin – and this in less than three seasons in charge. His latest success was at the European Championships at Forres last Saturday. Here he talks of what that meant to the band, of their meticulous preparation before every major…