Tag: piping

Review: ‘Around the Worlds’, a New Book on the Development of the Grade 1 World Championship

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In October last year I was contacted by the author Iain Duncan seeking some assistance with regard to Northern Ireland’s Grade 1 bands for a project he was working on relating to the World Pipe Band Championships.  As the months went by Iain’s project developed into a publication entitled ‘Around the Worlds’. It focusses on the development and evolution of the Grade 1 World Pipe Band Championship and also the…

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USPF: Review of the Piobaireachd and a Trial of Colin MacLellan’s Judging Proposal

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I judged the United States Piping Foundation Professional Piobaireachd with Paula Glendinning on Saturday 20th June. It is one of the major US competitions and continues in memory of its founder, Maclean Macleod.   By Dr Jack Taylor MBE It has moved from Delaware to Maryland, and is superbly organised now by Peter Kent, Michael Rogers and their committee. You may have read Michael’s report and full results on Piping…

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United States Piping Foundation Results 2026

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The 38th annual United States Piping Foundation Amateur and Professional Piping Championships, held in memory of founder Maclean Macleod, took place on 20th June 2025 at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Congregation in Bethesda, MD, writes Mike Rogers. In the Amateur events there were 13 pipers from throughout North America, and 17 in the Professional events. Donald MacPherson Silver Quaich Amateur Piobaireachd (four tunes):1 Logan Gorsuch, Nameless Hiharin Dro o Dro2…

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Editor’s Notebook: Judging & Teaching/ Plaid Brooch/ Iain Bruce/ World Cup

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I cannot see any reason why Colin MacLellan’s judging/teaching proposal should not be given at least a pilot run, a properly monitored assessment over several events. If it doesn’t work, well, fair enough, it’s back to the drawing board. But gather the evidence, examine the pros and cons, and make a fact-based decision. If approved, we then leave it up to the promoters as to whether or not they wish…

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Proposal to End Difficulties Over Judges and Pupils – Clarification and Reaction

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There has been considerable response to Colin MacLellan’s recently published proposal to end the problems associated with judging and teaching which continue to plague the solo piping world. The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Colin has been the recipient of several messages of support but wishes to clarify one aspect of the proposal which may have been misunderstood and adds further comment: ‘Since the publication of my judging proposal it has…

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