South East Asia Pipe Band Championships/ Chris Terry, South Africa

In a new development, Pipe Bands Australia (PBA) are to canvas support for creation of a South-East Asia Pipe Band Championship. The move follows discussion at the recent PBA biennial national conference. Australia and New Zealand have promoted a South Pacific Championship for almost two decades, the event alternating between countries every three years in conjunction with national titles. The formal agreement ended with this year’s South Pacific and New Zealand…

PP Ed’s Blog: NI Piper of the Year/ SPA 1999/ Pipe Bands Australia

The Northern Ireland Piper of the Year contest takes place in the Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, tomorrow. The piobaireachd starts at 12 noon and the MSR at 7pm. All are welcome. Judges are Angus MacColl and David Caldwell and the hosts Kenny Stewart and Chris Stewart. In the PP archive picture above a youthful Angus is photographed through the window performing at the now unfortunately defunct John MacFadyen…

Glasgow Branch Workshop & Contest/ Inverness Piping Soc./ N Mtg 2004/ Pipe Bands Australia

The Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch of the RSPBA are holding their annual October Workshop from Monday October 16 to Friday October 20th. Only £20 for a week of expert tuition. Correspondent Maureen Gilmour writes: ‘For many years the Branch has been committed to the enhancement of piping and drumming practical skills and theoretical knowledge of Branch juvenile pipers and drummers through the provision of a workshop held each year…

Australia Honours Drummer Alex McCormick

Pipe Bands Australia: Australia’s first principal of drumming Alex McCormick will be honoured at the 2017 Australian Solo Drumming Championships in Canberra next weekend where more than 45 drummers have entered for the premier event being hosted by Canberra College of Piping and Drumming.  Champions and placegetters in each event at the titles will receive The Alex McCormick Award certificate recognising their achievement. The certificates have been developed by Pipe…

Pipe Bands Australia Receive Cash Gift from Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Pipe Bands Australia report: ‘We will develop an expanded and enhanced online learning portal to assist players in developing best-practice skills under a donation from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT).  ‘The Board of Trustees of REMT has made the gift after the tremendous success of its overseas tour in 2016 that included sell-out performances in Melbourne over four days.  The “legacy donation” follows ongoing discussions with Tattoo chief executive…