PT Editor

This and That

2012-01-30T15:31:00.000Z

DuncanWatson writes: ‘I have quite a quantity of past issues of Piping Times. I have
just sent a quantity of haggis to a piping family in Kladrum Germany. The nameis Kummerlow. The daughter of the family, Anna has got herself into some of theprize lists last summer. Her father Jochen was her initial teacher and hastaught the basics to her very accurately. John-Angus Smith was teaching heralso. But to the haggis. I did have
it in the freezer and prior to sending itpacked it in a box and surrounded it with past
copies of the PT. I got a message from Jochen Kummerlow to the effectthat 'he had arrived and that he was still frozen!' Quite a useful piece of kit this PT thing.’ And
Iused to like you Duncan.

NicholasTaitz has replied re the anthem stuff: ‘Myquestion is what is your answer
to what I say? I am not challenging you – wouldnot presume to challenge your piping knowledge which is so much more developedthan mine, but why do you say Flower of Scotland can’t be fitted onto the pipescale? Yes we play it in a different key – is that
what you mean?’ NoNicholas. One of the end notes is too low for us and we need to compromise witha harmony note. Otherwise it is a fine tune, as you have indicated.
It’s thewords that I don’t think are appropriate however.

On the sametheme Andrew Hayes from Canada writes: ‘This just came out today.
There is aninteresting reference to Flower of Scotland at the midpoint of the article. Ithought that it was timely considering your recent blog posts...

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Anthems+study+ranks+Canada+fourth/6051301/story.html

It seems that the Canadian national anthem is fourth best for singingand the French the tops. God Save the Queen bottom of 25.

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Alan Chatto, Australia: ‘I am emailing a couple of items of interest. One is thecover of the Escola de Gaitas (College of Piping),
Galicia 2008, showing twotraditional pipers. The second is an article from that magazine detailing theGreat Highland Bagpipe in Japan, where the interest is quite strong.’ Alan has written an interesting piece on the Banda deGaitas in the current
Pipe Band magazine.

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Sorry to read today of the passing of Bob Crawford. He used to produce the BBC’spiping programmes in the 70s and 80s and
will be well known to soloists andbands who were on air during
that era. Bob was a thorough gentleman, alwaysquiet spoken and re-assuring. He empathised greatly with pipers and moregenerally with musicians – being one himself
of course. He would sit followingthe Kilberry Book whilst you did your best in the
cubicles at Queen MargaretDrive. He would quietly mention a wrong note not because it bothered him (itdidn’t) but he knew the outcry there could be in the piping world about suchminor indiscretions. He was a renowned composerin his own right something I
only discovered after he had moved on. He bemoanedgreatly the closing of the BBC studios in Edinburgh. Everyone still does.

Hugh MacCallum was in the College today. He’s stillhaving a tune most days on that outstanding Henderson pipe of his. He has quitea few pupils to his house in Dunblane and will be judging at a number ofevents over the summer. Hugh (left) told me that the first person he ever saw use a longwatertrap was his uncle Ronald – Gold Medallist and piper to the Duke of Argyll.It was a bit of garden hose pressed into service inside the sheepskin bag butdid the trick keeping his chanter stock as dry as needed. The first person Iever heard of using the long water trap was Campbell McGougan when he was pipemajor of the Lanarkshire Police. His band had a terrific sound but wereconsumed into the new Strathclyde Police band after local government re-organisationin the 1970s.

I hear Angus MacColl played an outstanding recitalat Celtic Connections at the weekend. Angus will be at the Metro Cup in NewJersey next month so we can all look forward to hearing a man at the top of hisgame. Angus is a four times winner of the Inverness Clasp and seven timeswinner of the Hornpipe and Jig at the same gathering.

January Jumble

2012-01-24T15:07:00.000Z

Piper Lindsay Davidson has sent this: 'It is with greatpleasure that I can announce the release of my short e-book 'On TeachingBagpipes'. The ebook is availablefor free download from my website at: http://www.lindsaydavidson.co.uk/onteachingbagpipesshort.pdf. This short book has beenwritten as a personal reflection after more than twenty years of teachingpiping both as a teacher for soloists and as a Pipe Major, specialising incommunity bands, trying to spread enthusiasm as well as competence. It is hopedthat new piping teachers will find advice and ideas that will help them developtheir own style of teaching and that experienced teachers will find not onlyrefreshing thoughts, and perhaps a different perspective, but also feelthemselves encouraged to reflect and discuss how our great instrument istaught. By no means have I said it all - it is a short reflection after all! Ihave aimed to keep the writing style more or less an easy discussion buthopefully without compromising the theoretical side of it.I would be verygrateful if you could pass the information and link on to the readers and amvery interested indeed to hear your comments and suggestions, and those of yourreaders, as to how this short book may be improved.'

Still on new products Bagpipe Star have sent this: 'I am hoping you would like toreview BagpipeStar. It’s apiping karaoke DVD that scrolls sheet music on the screen as you perform tobacking tracks that are specially tuned to the great highland bagpipe. BagpipeStar includes 20 tracks thatlet you play “lead bagpipe” to a range of rock, folk, orchestra and brass bandaccompaniments. It’s perfect forpub performances, busking, karaoke sessions with your pipe band friends,playing on laptops with electronic pipes, or just making solo practices moreinteresting. For moreinformation, and to listen to samples of the 20 tracks, visit http://www.bagpipestar.com.'

Reader James Hall has sent this: 'I was interested in yourcomments in a recent Scotsman article aboutthe need for a new Scottish anthem. I have been working on this for time andthe article re-invigorated me. Iwould welcome your thoughts on how it could be brought to the attention of the relevant bodies and indeed anycomments you might have on it. I'mhoping to have a recording of it in the next few days. I look forward to your reply.' I don'treally know what you can do Mr Hall other than write a good tune, get somewell-crafted words to go with it and then send it in to Mr Salmond. Having itprofessionally recorded and then air played on radio might help too.
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Regular correspondentRobert Gunther writes: If you haven't seen the new Sherlock Holmes 2 movie, doso! I saw it last night at a new theater in our town. When Watson gets married (minute33:09) two pipers from the Gordons are there to pipe him into the church.According to the script, Watson is a (2nd) Afghan war vet. I can relate to hischaracter quite a bit.
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Derek Midgley is back in Scotland for a flying visit and somepractice with the Power band. Still with the bands I hear SFU are doing theThursday night concert at Glasgow's SECC during Worlds Week. They're supportedby their BC buddies Triumph Street, who with City of Victoria started the bigupsurge in that part of Canada back in the 70s. Hal Senyk did the Grade 1business with T Street and Jamie Troy with the equally superb City of Victoriaband out on Vancouver Island. I have an LP of theirs with a young Bruce Gandyon the front cover. On the up at that time were a Grade 2 outfit I think calledCanadian Pacific Railways or some such under the guidance of Terry and JackLee. If my memory is not quite accurate maybe someone could fill in the gapsfor me.

Just putting the Feb PT to bed hence the delay with this post.Up to the eyes so does anyone have time to help this young student? My name is Gemma and I am from Catalonia. Iam doing research project on Scotland and its traditions for the high schooland it is the 10% of the final mark to enter to university, so I would be verygrateful if you could answer the questions below. Thank you very much for yourtime and your answers. Yours faithfully, Gemma gemmagg527@hotmail.com

-How do you celebrateSt. Andrew's Day?

-Have you ever worn akilt? In which occasions is it worn?

-Do you know how todance any of the Scottish Dances?

-Did someone teach youhow to dance them at school?

-Does your surnamebelong to a specific clan? Which one?

-Do you know itsmeaning?

-Have you ever (orsomeone in your family) taken part in the Highland Games?

-Which are the mostpopular Scottish songs?

-Do you drink whisky? Doyou have a favourite one?

-How do you feel about your nationality?

-From which area of Scotland are you from?

-Do you have a favouriteScottish legend?

Alasdair Tribute

2012-01-16T16:01:00.004Z

I hear that film director John ‘On the Day’ McDonald is putting together a tribute to the late Alasdair Gillies. It will take the form of film footage and photographs and will be shown at the Spirit of Scotland Pipe Band concert at Celtic Connections later this month (28^th Jan) when the band plays Cabar Feidh Go Brath, the piobaireachd played at Alasdair’s funeral. His son Norrie will join the band and play the ground of the tune at the end. John tells me he has had quite a few photographs sent in and these included a couple from the PT I was happy to give him. Will be an emotional and fitting tribute I am sure.

Someone has emailed this about the Anthem discussion: ‘I was reading your blog with interest on Flower of Scotland and the anthem debate. I am not sure I agree with you that the sentiments are so outdated – if one looks at current Scottish politics! But what I am really puzzled about is your saying we cannot fit Flower of Scotland on the pipes – seems to me it fits OK. The only thing is we pipers play a setting slightly at odds with the way Roy Williamson sang the song, but that is corrected by staying on E instead of down to D in the relevant spot. The ending phrase is played a wee bit down to fit – but then so is Auld Lang Syne – surely more so? One has to go way down at the end of Auld Lang Syne. I think Flower of Scotland is the best option, as it is popular, has spirit and amazingly sounds ancient though it is new. Plus Flower has never received the recognition it deserves in my view as a wonderful song and a fine piece of historical composition. New anthems always ring false in my opinion.’

I discovered this photograph of Angus MacKay’s Memorial Cairn on my phone. I took it when I was down for the British Championships at Annan last summer and stopped off to check everything was shipshape. Good to see the grass had been cut and everything was in order. Thanks to the farmer Mr Edward Murray and his wife for looking after it. Anyone wishing to visit the cairn needs to follow the B725 south from Dumfries. It is on the right about half a mile before the village of Glencaple.

CoP Radio should be on the air v soon. Features Piobaireachd of the Month from Gordon Bruce (Glen is Mine) his winning tune in the Silver Medal at Oban. Also on are Finlay Johnston and Neil Walker plus a track from this year’s ‘concert’ band Boghall.

There’s been a late rush for places at the Winter School in Homburg and I am pleased to remind everyone that we will again be offering the Joe Wilson Memorial Trophy for the most promising student supported by Joe’s family and Dr Christian Grosser one of Joe’s many pupils. Joe’s book has done very well and is now in its second reprint. Excellent review of it in Pipe Band magazine by Barry Donaldson. His fulsome praise is well deserved.

In case you missed it, the Piobaireachd Society in association with the College is now offering a Bursary for young pipers. Check out the PS website http://www.piobaireachd.co.uk and your PT for more details.

New Athem 2

2012-01-09T11:25:00.002Z

Following up on the new Scottish anthem topic I’ve just re-discovered and article I wrote for the Herald newspaper on this subject way back in 1998:

It would be a travesty if a new Scottish national anthem excluded national instrument. Our bagpipe has gone round the globe and recognised universally as the sight and sound of the nation. It is embedded in the psyche of every true Scot, make no mistake.

When the country weeps, we expect Flowers of the Forest, and when we celebrate we somehow expect a piper to be there leading the party. The evidence in favour of including the pipes is overwhelming. Exclusion would be yet more proof of our unwillingness to assert our cultural identity. Conversely their inclusion, if done properly, could engender a new respect for an instrument that has had its fair share knockers over the years, not least in the music establishment. The great Highland bagpipe to give it its proper name, has stirred men to action and brought tears to the eyes of many an ex-pat stranded with his beer on some far-eastern veranda. Every Scots schoolboy and girl should know of Piper Findlater VC rallying the Gordons at [Dagshai] Dargai; of Mad Mitch leading the Argylls into Aden’s Crater; and of pipes at the Alamo, Alamein and the funeral of JFK. More recently when Hong Kong bade farewell to the British, the bands of the Black Watch expressed what everyone was feeling, with poignant rendering of the air Highland Cathedral. Chris Patten could scarcely contain the tears. And when the Royal Yacht Britannia tied up for the last time, the pipes were at the quayside playing her out with the help of a military band. We read this week that the same Black Watch band is heading for the US, where it will play to audiences of more than 300,000, President Clinton included. In matters ceremonial there is hardly an instrument more appropriate than our own bagpipe. Moreover, on a more highbrow level, our classical music, ceol mor, is recognised as Scotland’s only unique contribution to the culture of this earth.

Anyone who has heard the pipes played properly, not the screeching and wailing of the Buchanan Street busker, or the Glencoe chanter wrastler, cannot fail to be impressed by its glories: the sonority of the drones, the power of the harmonics, the bittersweet laments and the sparkling sprightliness of the lighter music. Like Auld Lang Syne, the instrument and its music have captured the world. Still there may be some who hold their ears at the mere mention of the word bagpipe. But they probably know nothing of music anyway, so their opinion in this debate matters not. So what have we got by way of a suitable tune?

Not very much. Flower of Scotland with its questionable sentiment and unsuited melody (it requires a flattened third which the great Highland bagpipe does not have) is a non-starter. Auld Lang Syne can be reached on our scale, bar a couple of notes, but it probably has too many other associations to make it suitable for a national anthem. Amazing Grace has become hackneyed from over use. A Man’s A Man for A’ That has possibilities and again can be reached on the pipe scale with the exception of one note. Scots Wha Ha’e, Scotland the Brave and Freedom Come All Ye are certainly in the frame. The aforementioned Highland Cathedral could work. It has all the dignity of a national tune and has quickly become a standard among the military. The fact that it was written by Germans Uli Roever and Michael Korb, makes it all the more appropriate in these pan- European days. As yet there are no words, but that would be something easily rectified. The problem with all the tunes I’ve mentioned is that when they are played on the pipes they are not, for the average crapulent crooner among us, in a suitable key for singing. What we have is in short, a job for a skilled composer. We need a new tune with appropriate lyrics.

A new anthem for the new parliament should have the required dignity. It must sound Scottish; it must be playable on the pipes and easily sung. No easy task. But there are the men and women out there who are up to the job. The commission should be awarded soon to give the recipient time to have it ready for the piping in of the new parliament.

College evening and Saturday morning classes begin next week. It’s not necessary to register beforehand just turn up on the night at 7pm or at 10am on the Sat. Fees are £70 and £60 for ten weeks tuition subsidised by the CoP Shop. Term dates are listed below. Classes run from 7pm till 9pm Monday to Thursday. Tuition is given on one to one basis. You will learn under the instruction of one of our expert tutors using College of Piping Tutor Books.
To enrol for the new term, please follow this link. Enrolments may also be made by contacting Andrew Wallace, telephone 0141 334 3587 or email.

Evening Class Term Dates

Winter Term: Monday 16th January to Thursday 22nd March 2012

Spring Term: Monday 16th April to Thursday 21st June 2012

Those at a distance from Glasgow might like to try lessons over the internet. These will be with Darach Urquhart one of Scotland’s top young players, a member of Strathclyde Police PB and already an experienced teacher. Darach took over from Derek Midgley who has returned to the States though he’ll be back in a couple of weeks for a Power practice. As I've said before, internet lessons are not ideal but in the absence of any other form of tuition are an acceptable alternative to nothing. We charge £7 for 20 minutes. Check out what you'll pay elsewhere and you will realise how important the subsidy from the CoP Shop is for students. Another example of the CoP operating as a genuine charity.

I hear Glasgow based piper Donald MacKenzie has joined St Laurence O’Toole.

Scottish Anthem

2012-01-03T12:01:00.003Z

The CoP opens tomorrow at 9am after the New Year holiday. Anyone still experiencing difficulty with the malware alert for the CoP Shop please just email your order to Gary at college@college-of-piping.co.uk or call 0141 334 3587/ 0141 342 5253.
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I gave a comment to the Scotsman newspaper about composer Donald Glass's call for a new Scottish National Anthem. (Donald is the guy who raised so much money for the NZ earthquake appeal by writing a tune for the Scottish World Cup rugby team.) My view is that 'Flower of Scotland' - supposedly the popular favourite - conveys sentiments that are outdated and politically embarrassing. If some don't like God Save the Queen and its references to crushing Scots then sending proud Edward packing is surely worthy of equal disdain. If we are to have a new anthem and (who says we actually need one?) then my first concern is that it should be playable on the pipes, the national instrument. 'Flower of Scotland' has a superb melody but falls when pipers have to compromise at the end. We have to do the same in the second part of Scotland the Brave but it is not so damaging to the melodic line. We just about get away with 'A Man's a Man For A' That' apart from the one note above our high A. Scots Wha Ha'e would be fine as would Highland Cathedral - we would need some good words for the latter though. Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' is another justifiably popular song but perhaps lacks the rousing quality you need in an anthem - and I don't know if it works on the pipes. What about Hamish Henderson's magnificent 'Freedom Come All Ye'? Great tune (Bloody Fields of Flanders) and no kitsch, kailyard jingoism in his beautifully crafted lyric though there will be ojections to his references to Red Clydesider John MacLean etc. Some of you may know Hamish's other famous song 'The Banks of Sicily' set to James Robertson's 6/8 Farewell to the Creeks and about the Allied landings in southern Italy in WW2. It was a great privilege to have known Hamish reasonably well and one day we will all wake up to his unique gifts as a writer and songsmith in the great Burnsian tradition.

Jeannie Campbell: The Scottish Pipers' Association Annual General Meeting 2012 will be held on Friday 3rd February in the College of Piping at 8pm. We hope as many members as possible will be able to attend. This is the meeting when decisions are taken on our activities for the year and the committee members are elected to run the events on behalf of the members. Would annual members please note that subscriptions of £7.50 for 2012 are now due and should be sent to the Treasurer. If any annual members wish to change to a life membership then the cost is £50.

I hope everyone has received their PT and or Pipe Band Magazine. The mail can be fickle at this time of year. The entries for the Lt Young composing contest are very healthy but if you have a suitable tune in your head then you need to get it to us before Feb 1; and March 15 is the cut off for the Piobaireachd Society Bursary reported in the PT.

I hear that the Red Hot Chilli Pipers were top of the bill at Stirling Castle's Hogmanay Party. Their music may not be to everyone's taste but the Chillis are taking the pipes to areas of the showbiz stage never before attainable.

Got a chance over the holiday to watch a re-run of the SLoT/ FMM documentary made for BBC Northern Ireland. Very well done it was too. The sheer professionalism of both bands came through as did the excitement and anxiety of the Grade 1 competition arena. The show was crisply narrated and edited and all credit to BBC N Ireland that they saw fit to devote some of their budget to capturing the island's top two bands at such a high point in their history. These shows are archive material and will be of considerable interest 50 years from now. What would we all give today for something similar from the 60s and the era of Bob Hardie (he took over Muirheads in 1962 I think), Donald Shaw Ramsay and JK McAllister?

Back to Work

2011-12-28T13:45:00.001Z

Feeling bloated after the Xmas excesses? One hour a day on the pipes. Guaranteed cure all. Piping instructor Betty Anne Muckle has sent this nice photo from the other Banff as she calls it (left) in

Canada

. No snow this year over here Betty Anne but plenty of rain and high winds. Thanks for the pic and hope you had a good time.

Metro Cup organiser Eric Stein has sent this: ‘I was reading the comments in your blog about Derek [Midgley]. I had no idea he was moving back to the US. Perhaps he will be available in 2013. I will put him down as first alternate in case we have a drop out or two.’ Well done Eric. Derek’s presence will give the locals something to cheer.

Pipe Band magazine will be with subscribers this week. Nice feature on P/Sgt Donald Mackay of Scottish Power. There are also pix from the World Drumming and a feature on the Banda de Gaitas from Galicia in Spain. The magazine is now available in digital format and on iPad.

Robert Gunther has sent this: ‘I had the honour of playing for the US Army Europe (USAREUR) Commander, LTG Mark Hertling (3-stars) at our St. Barbara's Day ball on 16 DEC 11. St. Barbara is the patron saint of the Field Artillery and we hold a ball/ceremony to commemorate her patronage of us each year. My playing was well received. I am working a good bit right now on piping music theory with my instructor Benedikt Groh in preparation for the Winter School!’ See pic left.

A new series on piping begins on Gaelic TV next week. Producers MacTV have issued this: ‘An Ribheid Chiùil Reed Music; BBC ALBA From 2^nd January 8.30pm. The pipes are one of the music world's most distinctive sounds and piping is one of its earliest musical forms. Reed Music / An Ribheid Chiùil brings the amazing story of the instrument and its players to BBC ALBA for a new series starting on 2nd January.’ One of the episodes is about Gordon Duncan and there are six other half hour shows. Well done to all concerned for highlighting the great pipe.

Still on the Gaelic front Cailean MacLean says he’s featuring the Barlinnie Highlander on this week’s Crunluath Radio Show. For the uninitiated here’s the story again: The Barlinnie Highlander was written for Jimmy Stewart who was at one time Deputy Governor of the notorious Glasgow jail. He was (is) a piper and he played in the Wallacestone PB. He was in the habit of empathising with his cons (anything for a quiet life) and this went to the extent of him eschewing the Ralph Slater in favour of HM's denim. One Saturday, the day of a band competition, I was to pick him up in the morning from the jail. When I arrived his bottom half was kilt, spats, hairy sporran etc and the top half white T shirt and prison issue denim jacket, hence the tune name, top half Barlinnie; bottom Highlander. I had had the first two parts in my head for some time but no name to that point. I went to New Zealand in 1983 and the well known piper and excellent composer Stuart Finlayson heard the tune and said I had to give it a 3rd and 4th parts.

Very pleased for Neil Clark (left) who was in the College last week to sit his Level 6 PDQB/ SCQF 8 exams. Neil passed both sections with flying colours and is now setting his sights on the Teachers’ Certificate. The Level 6 exam is the toughest there is but all the more rewarding once it is achieved. No self respecting piper who has the ability should be without it.

Burns Book compiler Iain Duncan was in the College today and bumped into his fellow Campbeltonian Davy MacIntyre brother of the great composer George. I left them having a natter about matters Kintyre. Those involved with Burns Suppers next month might like to get a copy of Iain's book. It has all the tunes associated with the Bard and details the correct protocol for piping in the haggis etc. If you are new to this branch of the piping art and don't want to risk mucking things up, make sure you get a copy.

Xmas Cracker

2011-12-20T07:25:00.004Z

The gruesome twosome in the CoP back shop,
affectionately known as the 'bombsite'

I hope I don't keep going on about this, but after being away for a couple of weeks I return to hear from Willie and Gary (above) that the CoP Shop has never seen a busier run up to Xmas. They tell me there's still time to get smaller gift items in time for the big day so give them a ring on 0141 334 3587 if you need anything. We really depend on the shop doing well so thanks to all our many customers around the globe. In return for their custom they get an honest deal and the recognised expertise of two guys with years of experience in the Highland supplies business.

Tickets go on sale soon for the Boghall concert in August. If ever there was a band deserving of our support it is Ross Walker's fine outfit. Year after year their school system turns out top class pipers and drummers and all with no help from the public purse and no high profile sponsorship. I can appreciate (and I am sure readers can too) what Ross and Gordon Brown have achieved. 2012 is the Boggies 40th Anniversary, almost all of those four decades in Grade 1 with home grown talent. I know everyone in the pipe band world will want to congratulate Ross and Gordon and the rest of the band on this fantastic achievement - and well done to Douglas Orr and the guys and gals at Glasgow Skye for giving the Boggies the opportunity to appear on the biggest pipe band stage of all - the World's Week concert. There's a clip of the band in action above.

The PT for January has gone to bed and look out for some good news on the piobaireachd front and also the latest on the John Young composing competition. Remember we're looking for a Retreat March to commemorate this real Scottish hero who until recently had gone unhonoured despite giving his life for his men in the Far East during WW2. Send your 3/4, 9/8 or whatever to me at the College or email it to thepipingtimes@gmail.com.

This magazine also has reports and pix on the following contests: SPA Juveniles, Robert Burns Juveniles, Springbank, the US's Nicol-Brown, and the Festival of Juvenile solo piping.

After a couple of years here, New Jersey's Derek Midgley (left) is returning to the US at the end of the week. Latterly he has had a successful stint in the Museum of Piping. Derek's place will be taken by Iain Watson, formerly of Strathclyde Police, who will combine teaching duties with museum work. Derek tells me he will be returning to Scotland to play with the excellent Scottish Power band for the 2012 season and will, of course, be continuing with his promising solo competing. We all wish Derek well and hope that his shoulder continues to recover after his recent operation. I was looking forward to hearing him play at the Metro Cup at Newark in February but he hasn't been asked. Strange given that he must be the top piper, or one of the top pipers, in the state. Derek has been doing most of our Skype or internet teaching and this will be taken over for now by Darach Urquhart an outstanding piper of the younger generation

The CoP will be closed from lunchtime on Friday (slap up Xmas lunch) and will re-open Dec 28 at 9am. Over New Year we'll close as normal on Dec 30 and re-open Jan 4. But there's no rest for the hardworking Willie Morrison who has his Xmas Class over the piece.

Worlds Deal for Glasgow

2011-12-11T16:21:00.002Z

There really is nowhere on earth more suited to hosting the Worlds than Glasgow is there? Unquestionably the Celtic music capital of the world, it is appropriate that the biggest single day celebration of one of the branches of that music is held here. Mentions have been made in the past about it going to Belfast, to the Lorient Festival in Brittany and even to North America. None of these venues has what Glasgow has to offer: rain, fish suppers, Irn Bru. How could you possibly run a Worlds without these essential ingredients? And underpinning everything a heritage and history. If St Andrews is the home of golf, Wimbledon tennis then the city of St Mungo is the home of piping and pipe bands. Never been? As the late Scott MacAulay used to say in his advert for the PEI College, you'll know when you get here.

RSPBA President George Ussher says the Worlds are only going to get bigger and better and we can thank the Association's executives for the huge strides made over the past 10 years. A two-day Worlds beckons in 2013 and all things being equal the £10m the event brings in to Scotland each year will double over the next ten.

Drew Wilson of the 'Costa Blanca Pipers' has written: 'I have read through the PT Editor's Blog; it too made me smile about the European mainland piper asking if there was anything new at the Winter School. Oh how fortunate to be in that position to be able to base a decision on whether to go or not on that criteria. If it was me or anyone else and the funds were available we would be there like the proverbial rodent up a rainwater pipe (i.e. rat up a spoot). I view the snippets on CoP TV and on the PDQB 1 2 and 3 exams - brilliant but you can't beat face to face tuition. I have also renewed my yearly subs to the Piping Times so that at least keeps me sane. May I ask perhaps for you to add more to the Be a Better Piper section? Though I have the College Tutor 1 and 2, updates are always welcome. I spoke to Margaret [Maxwell] about a Diary insert for The Costa Blanca Pipers; maybe there wasn't space this month but we would be delighted if sometime in the future it would be possible to have our events included? May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Kind regards.'

Thanks for that Drew. I'll try to make the Be a Better column a more regular feature, at risk of repetition. It's not too far to Homburg from the Costa Blanca so maybe you and your amigos would like to give it a try, and please send on your stuff for the Diary.

CoP Radio 'Piobaireachd of the Month' is the Lament for Captain MacDougall played by Sarah Muir. This was one of Sarah's winning tunes in the MacGregor Memorial contest. She plays it very well and has a terrific crunluath movement. I am sure listeners will enjoy it. On air from Thursday (15th). Other excerpts from the Echoes on the show too and there's more on the MacGregor in the next PT.

Did anyone see the documentary on SLoT and FMM, second excerpt broadcast this week? Unfortunately I missed both episodes but I'd be interested in someone writing a review for the magazine or for this Blog. Any volunteers? There are not enough piping journalists out there. Plenty of bar room politicians and axe grinders hiding behind cloaks of anonymity but not enough people prepared to put their name to sensible thoughts and then place them into the public domain. I want to encourage more pipers to do so, especially the younger generation.

In these harsh economic times thanks to everyone for their continued support for the CoP Shop. We couldn't survive without it. The business in the run up to Xmas has been especially welcome. Thanks too for supporting our advertisers. These firms are the backbone of the bagpipe industry.

Awards etc.

2011-12-04T13:01:00.001Z

Congratulations to all the winners in the Scottish Trad Awards last night, in particular Field Marshal Montgomery for winning the Pipe Band of the Year title (it couldn't really be anyone else could it?) and to P/M Ian Duncan for his being inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Though the PT managed a nomination, the award in our section went to the Transatlantic Sessions television show. Some may ask what that was doing in the media section with a wee mag like the PT but there you are! TS is a fine programme of traditional music showcasing superb musicians.

Rod Caird one of the winners in the Echoes of Oban prize draw posted this on Facebook: 'Thanks so much to all concerned for getting my new chanter off to me so swiftly; it's really fabulous. Last time I won anything in a raffle was a pot of jam... Wonderful. best, Rod.'

Thomas Lorenzen will be the CoP PB's DM for 2012. Thomas did well during 2011, his lessons from Billy Jordan clearly paying off. Thomas writes: 'My results at the first year at DM competition was better as I expected: Angelbachtal, Ger 1st, North Berwick, Sco 3rd, Bridge of Allan, Sco 9th, Worlds, Sco 21th, Alden Biesen, Be 1st.'

To remind everyone we will have two bands on parade in 2012, the Training and Development band and the College band. The better players will play in the latter and our aim is try to get into the prizelist. Everyone is welcome to play in the T&D band as before.

Gap year opportunity in Queensland, Australia. Sandy Dalziel writes: 'Please see/advertise the wonderful opportunity for a Gap Student to spend 12 months involved with the development of The SCOTS PGC College Pipes and Drums, Warwick, Queensland, Australia.

CVs with covering letter to Pipe Band Master Sandy Dalziel at: sandy.dalziel@scotspgc.qld.edu.au . Please also contact me directly with any questions on this opportunity. Applications by Friday 20 January 2012. The College Assistant is a temporary appointment for a ‘gap’ year student, prior to his or her entry into higher education or shortly after completion of a higher education course. The position will be filled normally by a student from England, Scotland, Germany or Ireland. It will commence as early as possible in Term 3 (middle of July) 2012,and conclude on the last day of Term 2 2013. We want our College Assistants to benefit from their stay in Australia and to enjoy a variety of working contexts at the College. College Assistants will be sponsored by the College to provide support to College Staff in a number of areas. Regards and Seasons Greetings, Sandy Dalziel.'

I hear the Wheel of Fortune contest, one of the major events in the east (Danderhall to be precise) has been re-vamped and will have some of the top prizemoney available when it is held early in 2012. Watch this space for more news.

I've added two of the tunes set for the 2012 Gold Medal to CoPiobaireachd. I was sure I had already done both Mackintosh of Borlum's Salute and the Black Wedder's White Tail but scrutiny of the list showed I had not. Enjoyed getting them up again. Anyone playing the 'Wedder' should consider dropping the cadence Es in the variations as per the canntaireachd - much more musical. Some may consider that if we are playing additional cadence Es added by the PS in the ground we should do so later on too. I don't agree. The important thing is the music. If the ground sounds better with the cadence Es added (as it does) and the variation better without them (as it does) then so be it. Musicality must always triumph over musicological dogma.

A wedder is a sheep I am told by my country cousins and this particular bundle of fluff was the subject of a dispute between the Colquhouns and the MacGregors hence the weird name for the tune. Borlum's is very like Black Donald and like the latter should lean more to 3/4 than 4/4.

The best tunes in the 2012 GM list are the Daughter's Lament, My Dearest on Earth and King George III but the best tunes don't always win the medal. Look at last year with Keppoch's and MacKenzie's Gathering successful and Mrs Smith nowhere to be seen.

Snow on the hills here now and the chill of winter pervades.

Echoes Appraisal

2011-11-28T14:18:00.005Z

Every one a genuine Champion Piper

From speaking to everyone on the night and since, this year's Echoes of Oban was nothing less than an unqualified success. The Lecture Hall was full (more than 100 people), the bar did a good trade, the raffle tickets sold well and above all the pipers played superbly. They were Iain Speirs, Chris Armstrong, Mike Fitzhenry, Neil Walker, Finlay Johnston, Sarah Muir, Callum Beaumont, Gordon Bruce and Gavin Fergusson. We had ten performances and started promptly at 7.30pm and even with a half hour interval were finished by 9.40pm. This met with universal approval. At the conclusion people could hang around to discuss the evening or go home or on to another venue for the remainder of their Saturday night. I have to thank the pipers for their co-operation in keeping tuning time to the absolute minimum. How pleasant this made it for the audience. For the piobaireachd the pipers marched in playing - so we had a good bit of theatre too. Contest promoters worried about backsides on seats should take note. It is not the music that clears a piobaireachd hall but the lack of flow and tuning time. Remember how successful Allan MacDonald's concert at the Edinburgh Festival was a few years ago? As one piper finished the next walked on playing. Given this slick treatment ceol mor is as accessible as any other music and capable of drawing a decent crowd.
But back to Saturday night. Firstly the raffle results:

3x RG Hardie: Cap/T shirt: Green 103 W Park, CoP, Pink 116, P McLaurin, Texas, Blue 7 A. Kinnie, Hamilton;
MacMurchie: Collection Book and CD Vols. 1&2: Pink 2 J.W. Roxburgh, Kyle of Lochalsh

CoP Shop J MacFadyen Book 1, Binn. is Boreraig, J McIntosh Piob.CD: Green 82, P Messenger, Wales

Murray Blair: 3 x Tune Tape: Blue 149 (audience); HBT2 Bagpipe Tuner, 1 T Tape: Pink 73, C MacNeill, Edinburgh; Bagpiper Case, 1 Tune Tape: Darach Urquhart, Kyle

Greentrax: Masters of Piobaireachd Complete Set (Vol. 1-10): Green 174 Gordon Rowan (Army School)

David Chesney: 12 Pipe Chanter Reeds: Green 16: Norman MacKinnon, Glasgow

Canmore Pipe Bag: Pipe bag (size of winner's choice): White 87, Craig MacFarlane, Glasgow

MG Reeds: 10 Bagpipe Chanter Reeds: Green 65, Ron Aitkenhead, Caithness; MG Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds: White 9, Gordon Webster, London

McCallum Bagpipes: MC2 Blackwood Pipe Chanter: Pink 137 Rod Caird, Henley; C2 Blackwood Pipe Chanter Pink 180: Marianne Clark, Montrose

RG Hardie Bagpipes: Blackwood Pipe Chanter: Green 7, Peter McCalister, Dunblane
David Naill Bagpipes: Blackwood Practice Chanter Silver Engraved: Patrick McLaurin, Texas

Prizes will sent out to winners this week. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and especially to our sponsors who donated such terrific prizes. Your generosity meant that we had a small surplus on the night and will, as usual, put this to subsidising our lessons and other charitable activities.

As regards the piping, what I said earlier was meant. It was superb and I mean to go over the performances in a little more detail in the PT. Suffice for now to say that I spoke to most of the senior judges in attendance, and there were quite a few. Every one was highly complimentary of the playing. It was clear that each piper had earned his or her honour as a champion piper of the 2011 Argyllshire Gathering.

Another aspect of the night was the support the pipers received from their peers. Competing pipers I noticed in the audience (and as usual apologies for any I missed) were: Tracey Williams, Fiona Manson, Nils Michael, Graeme Roy, Jonathan Greenlees, Robert Gray, Ally Henderson, Donald MacKay, Glenn Brown, John Mulhearn, Peter McCalister, Colin Campbell and Andrew Hall. There are more pix from the night on the CoP Facebook page and you can hear recordings from the Echoes on CoP Radio beginning December.

Thank you gentlemen and lady!

CPA Grading etc.

2011-11-22T19:18:00.000Z

Firstly sincere condolences to Walter Cowan on his recent, sudden and very sad loss. The thoughts of everyone in the piping community will be with Walter, one of the most pleasant, genial individuals on the circuit.

Far be it from me to tell the Competing Pipers Association how to run their affairs but following my recent editorial on competitor numbers I'd like to add a further few cents worth. The CPA should not be in the business of culling the numbers of pipers eligible to play at Oban and Inverness. Their job, as I see it, is merely to put their members into appropriate grades and hand these lists to the promoters. Trying to sort out the top end B minuses from the Bs and other such engineering is a thankless task and one that will only engender ill feeling within the association. Leave it up to the promoters to worry about the numbers. These can easily be accommodated at Oban and Inverness if a system of heats is employed. If it means the CPA running these heats themselves then why not? Much better than excluding deserving pipers from a place at the top two contests. A couple of hotel rooms with appropriate bedrooms for tuning, a couple of judges and the top six or eight go forward to Eden Court or the Corran Halls finals. Same for Gold and Silver. There are far too many very good players nowadays. We cannot keep a lid on all this talent. Who has the right to deny anyone who reaches the required standard a place at the two majors?

Not much more to add about the Echoes on Saturday other than to say it looks all set for a great night of piping. Derek Midgley has done a terrific job in organising everything. I hope the sponsors can get some advertising display material to us on time so that we can put it up in the hall.

Good entries so far for the Lt. John Young retreat air competition. In the December PT David Murray has some poignant additional information on this real Scottish hero. We are looking for a 3/4, 4/4 or some other time signature tune. It must be minimum two parts. Contest open to all. A donation will be made to the Help for Heroes services charity on the winner's behalf. Judges are myself, P/M Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery and Captain Steven Small, Director of Army Bagpipe Music. Email tunes to thepipingtimes@gmail.com. Closing date Feb 1, 2012.

I had to laugh the other day when someone from mainland Europe was swithering on whether to come to the Winter School or not. He'd been for the past two years and asked what would be different this time. My answer was absolutely nothing. Some people just do not understand that the object of the school (and any of the others we run) is to make students who attend better at what they do. When I was starting out I spent every available minute I could in the company of good players, listening, watching, trying to emulate them. Pipers, drummers and drum majors on the European mainland should see the Winter School as an opportunity to do just that. We are all still learning. You never stop. Anyone who thinks they know it all is only confirming the opposite. This said, registrations for the school in Homburg Feb 19 - 26 are healthy so it would be wrong to label everyone with my friend's going nowhere attitude.

Echoes Running Order

2011-11-18T16:16:00.000Z

The order of play next Sat is as follows: Callum Beaumont - Echoes of Oban, jig; Sarah Muir - MacGregor winning piob.; B March - Mike Fitzhenry; B S/R - Gavin Fergusson; Gordon Bruce - Glen is Mine; INTERVAL; A March - Neil Walker; A S/R Finlay Johnston; Callum Beaumont - Keppoch's March; GRAND PRIZE DRAW; Chris Armstrong - Former Winners MSR; Iain Speirs - Port Urlar. Clearly there is a lot to get through so we will have to keep things moving though we're all looking forward to hearing these champion pipers. Tickets are selling well. Please come early.

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RSPBA West of Scotland Juvenile contest at the CoP tomorrow. Please come along if you can and offer the kids some support.
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Uillean piping lessons at the College in the shape of Rasmus taught by Joe Armstrong and playing a set of Ray Sloan pipes costing £5,000. What a sound.

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Voting closes tonight in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. The PT has been nominated in the media section.
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If you haven't already done so don't forget to download the CoP/PT app from iTunes.

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Derek Midgley has contributed this: If there were one word to describe the grandeur and ceremony of the Glenfiddich Piping Championships, I would choose humanizing. I know it sounds weird, but the Glenfiddich is an odd combination of something both venerable and vulnerable, where our piping idols are put through the appropriate test commensurate with their ability and position. We put them on a pedestal of expected excellence, yet under a microscope. As someone who attended the Glenfiddich for the first time this year, Blair Castle and the Great Hall are a sight to behold, but you probably knew that already. The colour of the turning trees along with misty rain created an ambience that I think you have to attend to properly understand. This contest is different for several reasons, not least the ceremony-like manner with which the day seems to unfold. The piobaireachd offered remain the competitor’s own choice, not from any list thus ensuring the finest touches of personalised musicality. Jackets are required, creating the air of formality like the Northern Meeting, but there are no tuning lights, adding that informal touch for the benefit of the performance. But the additional comforts given to the performers are betrayed by the crushing weight of pressure and expectation by the audience who want to see magic unfold up on the stage. That pressure makes the Glenfiddich the great equalizer that it really is. We thought these pipers were beyond things like nerves or mistakes or perhaps the umpteen niggling things about the pipes that frustrate us all like drifting drones or a missed crunluath, but it turns out they are just as human as we are. I finally saw many of these things happen to all those people I thought were immune to piping mishaps, and it was both surprising and reassuring at the same time. Once you move through the realisation that these ten pipers are just as human as you are and make mistakes just like you do, then the Glenfiddich becomes an immensely inspiring event because it shows what people can achieve with this instrument. The playing on offer was, start to finish, a series of stirring performances infused with a healthy dose of brilliance. The pipes were gleaming with freshly polished silver coupled with resonating drones and crackling chanters that just seemed to sing. My first time at Blair Castle was an inspiring experience, and during the drive home I just wanted to practice so I might one day play music like they did on that stage.

Terrific Prizes for Echoes

2011-11-09T12:09:00.003Z

I want to thank sincerely Martin and Les Cowell of D Naill and Co for this magnificent £550 practice chanter they have donated for the Echoes of Oban Grand Prize Draw. You'll see from the photographs the quality of the finish. The engraving is Victorian - the most expensive. Huge thanks too to all the other sponsors for what is shaping up to be a great night. Organiser Derek Midgley reports: 'The College of Piping is proud to announce that the Echoes of Oban Grand Raffle, which will take place on the 26th of November has two additional sponsors: Canmore Bags: A canmore pipe bag (size determined by winners preference); Macmurchie Bagpipes: The MacMurchie Collection Vol. 1+2 Books and CDs; David Naill Bagpipes: Engraved Silver Practice Chanter, RG Hardie Bagpipes: Blackwood pipe chanter; McCallum Bagpipes: MC2 and C3 Blackwood pipe chanter; MG Reeds: Set of Mark 2 Carbon Fibre Drone Reeds and 10 Chanter Reeds;

Murray Blair: Bagpiper Case, a MBT2 Bagpipe Tuner, and 5 Packs of Tuning Tape; Greentrax Records: Complete set of Masters of Piobaireachd CDs; College of Piping Shop: Binneas is Boreraig, John MacFadyen Book 1, Jimmy McIntosh Piobaireachd CD. Raffle tickets are priced at £2 each, £8 for 5 or £15 for 10. Tickets are already on sale and prizes will be drawn on the night. With four different pipe chanters and an assortment of other prizes this is a great chance to get a new chanter for the next season or an early Xmas present. We look forward to another excellent night of piping at one of the best events of the winter. Check out the link below to buy your raffle tickets: http://www.college-of-piping.co.uk/acatalog/Echoes.html '

The draw will be filmed for CoP TV.
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It seems the London competition has become a victim of its own success with the competitions this year running on until 9pm. It is to the organiser's credit that they let everyone play but 9am to 9pm is a very long day and does not allow enough time to meet friends and socialise to any great extent. Mightn't the new president consider a Friday night start?

A new piping society has been formed in Northern Ireland - well done to everyone concerned. Secretary Andy Wilson has sent this: 'The Blackthorn Pipers’ Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting bagpipe music within the region of Ireland (both North and South). The Society has been formed by solo pipers, RSPBA Judges, band players and dedicated bagpipe enthusiasts. After several meetings the forming members identified the need for a piping society in Ireland as most musicians who enjoy bagpipe music are normally affiliated with bands. We believe that by having a society this will give those musicians as individuals the opportunity to come and enjoy The Blackthorn Pipers’ Society giving them the chance to perform as a soloist, learn from other performers, share information on the instrument, share music and to mix in a like minded environment. The Society is open for anyone with an interest in piping and we invite you to join us to play, to listen or to simply enjoy our company. The Blackthorn Gatherings are run with members performing throughout the Gathering. We encourage all types and styles of music as it is the instrument and the music that we celebrate. The Blackthorn Gatherings have a main performance at the end of the gathering where a member will bring us to a close playing a piobaireachd. We meet once per month in beautiful surroundings at The Thyme Square Bistro, in Dromore, County Down. Doors open at 7.30pm where all visitors, guests and members will be warmly welcomed into The Blackthorn Gathering. We encourage our members to wear society regalia with the exception of the main performer of the evening who will wear a uniform. In saying that we do like to see kilts! Society regalia such as The Blackthorn Pipers’ Society Tie or Polo Shirt are included with an application for membership. These can also be purchased separately. For your diary, the next three Blackthorn Gatherings will be held on: 23^rd November 2011 - 14^th December 2011 - 18^th January 2012 The Blackthorn Pipers’ Society is not a place to come and be judged, nor a place to come and judge. It is a way to celebrate the Great Highland Bagpipe and all that comes with it. We hope to see you there. Enjoy your piping!'

Hamish Moore has taken over as President of the Lowland and Borders Pipers' Society. Hamish was one of the founder members of the Society many years ago and really got the bellows tradition going again through his recordings and manufacture of superb instruments.

I hear the standard of performance at the World Solo Drumming was as high as it gets with the prizes going to the drummers who showed most empathy with the tunes their piper played. Some great combos on parade: Stuart Liddell and Stephen McWhirter, Barry Wilson and Chris Armstrong, Blair and Glenn Brown, Ross Walker and Gordon Brown, Robert Mathieson and Reid Maxwell. So good to see the judges considering the musical side of things, how the scores chime with the pipe music, rather than just the technical aspects, brilliant though these are.

The Winter School gets closer by the day and thankfully the registration figures are very healthy. This year I'll be conducting a piobaireachd class all week looking at the classic tunes and discussing the history and how they can be tackled. The class will be open to everyone with an interest in the great music irrespective of ability though obviously not suitable for the beginner.

Oz, London, Echoes

2011-11-04T16:02:00.000Z

Those ceol mor enthusiasts in Queensland, Australia are having a piobaireachd day this Sunday. Here's the batting order etc:

Good luck with that chaps. A great idea and a sort of indoor version of what Jakez Pincet runs at Cancale in Brittany each September.

Still in Australia Murray Blair has sent this: 'Details of my new iphone/ ipad/ ipod - wanted to share with you the info.The App is made initially for iPhone/ iPad & iPod, programmed for the Bagpipe scale and compliments the HBT2. It's part of series of Bagpipe tuners.The UI features an Analog style meter, digital frequency meter, relative frequency position bar, waveform display and input monitor providing plenty of feedback for the user. Being digital it's extremely accurate and can auto detect/ display each chanter note and drone. It has a frequency range of 430-500Hz. It's easy to use, the 'Learn' button detects Low A which sets a calibration frequency and tuning can start from there. If you receive a phone call while tuning, the App stores your Low A frequency, so when you return it's still there to continue on.The internal iPhone mic performs very well, an input limiter protects the tuner from clipping at high volumes. There's also an adaptor available so the HBT clip-sensor mic can be attached in noisy environments adding even more flexibility.The App is a great introduction to learning about Bagpipe tuners, software updates will provide further functionality.There are limitations using smartphones as tuners, this App is designed to support more powerful units like the HBT2 and the upcoming HBT-C1 which will be released in 2012. I'm an audio engineer so helping pipers accurately tune is what I'm about. Tuning pipes and keeping them in tune is a challenge, so using a bagpipe tuner can help train the ear. This series of tuners is part of a new era so pipers of any level can sound good and play confidently. Release date- approx. mid November, strong possibility before.'

London contest tomorrow and looking at the lists there are very healthy entries in all events. The Bratach bench is John Wilson, Willie Morrison and Bib Worrall. Will post results as they arrive.

Echoes update: Iain Speirs the winner of the Senior Piob at this year's Argyllshire Gathering has emailed to say that he can make it to the concert on Nov 26. Great stuff Iain. Also playing and not on the published roster is Sarah Muir, winner of the MacGregor mem. piob. So we now have a full house for what should be a great night. Thanks to all those who have bought our raffle tickets so far and to Canmore Bags and MacMurchie Bagpipes for the additional prizes.

Jimmie's Funeral

2011-11-01T17:27:00.002Z

Jimmie McGregor's funeral today, a sad but beautiful service. Blairgowrie Parish Church is one of those welcoming old Scottish churches with the soaring spire, rich sounding organ and genial minister. The warm red sandstone typical of Strathmore helps too, as did the glorious sunshine. A good metaphor for Jim's life really - warm and sunny. Pipers were well to the fore among the mourners: Duncan MacGillivray, Brian Donaldson, Roderick MacLeod, Innes Smith, William McCallum, Tracey Williams, Fiona Manson, Tom Speirs, Murray, Patricia and Faye Henderson, Calum Beaumont, William Geddes, Walter Cowan, Neil Walker, Colin MacLellan, Jenny Hazzard, Jack and Mary Taylor, Scott Drummond, Gavin Stoddart, Euan Anderson, Robert Gray, Donald MacLeod, Angus Clarke, Ian Duncan, Duncan MacDiarmid, Bob Worrall and Ann Spalding. There will have been others. Apologies to those I missed. The minister told us of Jimmie's very auspicious Christening in 1947. It was in Crathie Kirk on the Balmoral Estate and who should be there but King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth (the present Queen) and and many other Royals. They were attending Sunday service and there before them all was a young Jimmie wrapped up in his new knits thinking to himself this is just the sort of welcome to the world I deserve. The card for the order of service became a cherished family possession thereafter.

A very special tribute was delivered by one of Jimmie's relatives. It perfectly captured the man and his life. Margaret ran through all his likes and dislikes and some of his distinctive character traits. She painted a wonderful picture of the true gentleman we all knew and whose memory we will now cherish. Jimmie was laid to rest close to his father and mother in Blairgowrie Cemetery. It is 20 years since Jim Snr. passed on and I remember that cold, chilling day well. Snow on the ground and P/M Stuart Samson, his hands almost as blue as the sky today, playing from gate to grave the last duty of a pupil for his master. Today we heard Murray Henderson play part of one of Jimmie's favourite tunes, the Earl of Seaforth's Salute, the repeating high G, our crying note, poignantly sending us home with our thoughts.

Voting is now open for the Scottish Trad Awards in which the Piping Times has been nominated in the Media section. If anyone would like to vote for us click here. Whether we are successful or not is not really that important. The standard of the magazine won't alter one way or t'other. Good to have a mention however and sincere thanks to whoever put us forward.

The Piobaireachd Tutor, Tutor 4 (or yellow book as it is sometimes called), is now available for iPad and in digital format. New video files of exercises have been added to the extensive sound files that are embedded with this version of the book. Also embedded are the four tunes in full on the pipes: Company's Lament, MacIntosh's Banner, Lament for Alasdair Dearg and Glengarry's Lament, so there is no need to buy the additional CD that comes with the print version. All in all a pretty comprehensive introduction to ceol mor is provided, and anyone who gets through the book will be ready to buy their Kilberry Book, Binneas or PS Collection. Download the iPad App here and take a look. It's free.

Jimmie McGregor etc

2011-10-28T16:39:00.000+01:00

Above is a short clip from the Essen Tattoo that we were at last weekend.

Jimmie McGregor, who died this week, was a good, good man. 'Gentleman Jim' was not a misplaced nickname. Jimmie worked away in the piping background throughout his life, organising and stewarding. He was proud of his dad's achievements (the late Gold Medallist Jim snr.) but never over bearing about it. His last couple of years were a trial he bore with typical fortitude and good nature. His funeral service is at Blairgowrie Parish Church on Tuesday at 11am.

Those studying the set tunes for next year might like to download something from CoPiobaireachd. Most of the tunes are covered. The tunes are on the practice chanter and are played in their entirety without interruption. The student can play along and get my idea of the timing and the linking of phrases, lines and variations - so important.

Neil Hall tells me he has taken over at Lothian and Borders Police but former P/M Ian Duncan will continue to play with the band and have a role as music consultant. Good luck to Neil and the band in what is a very tough challenge. To make the top six in Grade 1 is extremely difficult. If they can make it there within the next few years that will a tremendous achievement.

Our very best wishes go to Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the RSPBA who is in hospital recovering from a small operation. Typical of Ian's dedication to the cause that he waits until the band season ends before having his plumbing sorted.

I'm told that Toronto Police are re-thinking their music after a few years dalliance with ....well you know my thoughts. P/M Ian K is a great player and if he can get his pipers to follow his lead in re-establishing the basics then this band quickly be back where it belongs - challenging for the big prizes.

November PT will be mailed next Monday. The iPad edition is particularly pleasing. Murray Blair's ad with the audio and video files is pretty special. I would urge all other advertisers to take advantage of this brilliant marketing tool. Send us your files and we will embed them for free.

Thanks to Jim McIntosh for sending on some of his excellent Piobaireachd CDs. They'll be on sale via the CoP Shop soon. Jim, who's moving house soon, has also sent us some very interesting archive material for the Museum of Piping. Lots of old bills of sale and correspondence from the now defunct bagpipe maker Thow of Dundee who he used to visit as a boy (see photo). Thanks again Jim and good luck with the move.

Essen Tatoo

2011-10-24T15:55:00.000+01:00

If ever proof were needed of the interest there is in Scottish culture on mainland Europe then it can be found in the number of military tattoo shows springing up all over the continent. They are attracting crowds of thousands and selling out in days. Copying the Edinburgh model we have them in Berlin and Basel and now another organisation has joined in the fun. Based in the Netherlands but touring mainly in Germany at the moment, 'Musikshau Schottland's' promoters are so confident of their future that they have bought everything they need. I really mean bought everything. A do-it-yourself castle, a cannon, pipers' No 1 dress, lighting rigs and the pantechnicons to shuttle it all up and down the autobahn. I went to Essen the famous Ruhr steel city to see the show at the promoter's invitation.
Ten hours building the castle and a day of rehearsals and they were ready to go. More than 4,000 people enjoyed the reliable mix of marching, drum-majoring, music, dancing and songs and with a good dose of humour thrown in. All the old favourites from Highland Cathedral to Danny Boy to Auld Lang Syne were there.
Piper Stuart Cassels told me the story of the first. The composers Micheal Korb and Uli Roever were both musicians of note, though not pipers. They were on a hillwalking holiday in Lochaber. As they surveyed the spiral peaks of nearby mountain tops one of them remarked that it was just like a cathedral but one made by nature. On the way down they began humming over some ideas for a melody to commemorate what was for them an unforgettable scene. This was back in the early 80s. P/M Angus got permission to publish it in his book. What happened in the interval I'm not sure but the tune was a sensation when the massed bands played it at the Berlin Tattoo in 1995 and the rest you know. I used to think it had something to do with Elgin Cathedral (the Lantern in the North) and the subject of another good tune by Donald MacLeod. So thanks Stuart for putting me right.

Musikschau's 'Cathedral' went down as well as any I've heard.

The show itself was very well done and you can see why the audiences lap it up. The pipers are led by first class players in ex-Scots Guardsman Ronnie Bromhead and former 214 BB boy Eoin Ashford but they had little time to sort out a lot of the basic errors in blowing and fingering evident from my ringside perch. If the pipe majors of the constituent bands were to attend our Winter School we could put them to rights and they could then go back to their bands and get things smartened up all round. 99% of the audience would not have been aware on any shortcomings and they went off into the night having given all the performers a rousing, and well deserved, standing ovation.
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North East piping Project have sent this: 'You are cordially invited to the concert performances of the YMI funded youth music project SOS (Sea of Souls). Programme features new music by workshop participants, Patrick M. Keenan, Jo Nicholson and Robert Aitken
Time and place:7pm, Thursday 27th October, The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Fraserburgh
3pm, Saturday 29th October, Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Free entry and children welcome

Golden October

2011-10-21T08:19:00.000+01:00

Keith Bowes, one of our top young professional pipers, has sent this: 'I have just left the Scottish Power after six good years to join Lomond and Clyde (grade 2) as their new pipe sergeant. I was hoping you could perhaps make a short mention of this in you blog firstly as a way of advertising for new recruits. After 8 years of playing under Chris Armstrong at David Urquhart Travel and the later 6 years at Scottish Power I felt I needed a new challenge. I would like to thank both Chris and Donald MacKay who I learnt a great deal from and wish the band every success in the future. They may not have got rid of me completely as both my sister and girlfriend are tenor drummers with the Power so I will still be cheering them on. If there are any aspiring grade two players looking to join Lomond and Clyde under Pipe Major David Wotherspoon and Allan Craig the band would be delighted to hear from them. They should contact the band direct at lomondandclyde@hotmail.com .

Keith is pictured left with another top player from the younger generation Finlay Johnston after both had achieved considerable success at the SPA professional contest.

Eric Stein the organiser of the Metro Cup held each year in New Jersey has sent this:

'The 2012 Metro Cup will be held on Saturday, February 18^th at the Ramada Inn on Frontage Road, Newark, New Jersey. The Piobaireachd starts at 1:00, Medley at 7:00pm. The Metro Cup is one the world’s premier piping events. This year invitations have already been accepted by Bruce Gandy, Andrew Hayes, Iain Speirs, Willie McCallum, Stuart Liddell, Alen Tully, Angus MacColl, Andrew Hayes, Alex Gandy, BrianDonaldson, Gordon Walker, and John Patrick. We will also invite the top EUSPBA Open player. The Metro Cup’s goal is to break even or make a small profit. We cannot do this without your continued support. Any and all donations would gladly be accepted as well as items for our auction. In the past pipe makers, piping schools, pipe bands, and individuals have made this event possible. Once again we are looking for donations of prize money $1000, 600, 400, 200, 100 for both the piobaireachds and the medley as well as the two overall prizes of $1000 and a one ounce American Gold Eagle coin ( current value approximately $1700.) Interested vendors can set up a table for the entire for a $250 donation. We appreciate your support and look forward to another high calibre contest. Tickets are $30.00 or (8) for $200.00. Please send your check made out the EUSPBA Metro Branch and mail them to: Eric M. Stein, Metro Cup, 21 Pondview, St James, New York 11780. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me at 631 241 5757. Regards, Eric M. Stein, Metro Cup Chairman.'

Ian Duncan and I are judging the professional event. Neither of us has been at it before but we are both looking forward to the trip.

Off to Essen today for the Scottish Tattoo. It seems to be a spectacular event involving hundreds of workmen building a huge 'Edinburgh Castle' type set and a cast of thousands.Will be good to catch up with our German friends once more.

Talking of which a lot of our continental students have been over at the College this week getting lessons. Five teachers going full pelt all week. Gilles from Luxembourg says he will be posting some pix on CoP Facebook soon.

I hope we get good support for the Echoes of Oban Grand Prize Draw. All the money raised will help pay for the overheads and the piper's fees. I say again. this concert is a worthwhile event. Winning at either Oban or Inverness is the high point of any piper's career but too often too few people hear the winning performance. It can even be written off as a 'piece of luck on the day' or some other sort of good fortune. I know it puts the pipers on the spot but in the six years we have run the concert not one has ever given the impression that they did not deserve their award.

Dugald MacNeill tells me the John MacLellan contest was a splendid affair with four of John's tunes getting an airing. He was the best ceol mor composer of the recent past but the tunes are difficult to memorise. Too many changes for changes sake. A little judicious editing is required and these pieces will enter the mainstream of the repertoire. They are that good.

We may have two CoP pipe bands next year. The Training and Development band will continue as it is and a more senior band, possibly called the College of Piping Members Band will take the field under P/M Iain Watson and P/Sgt. Willie Park with me firmly ensconced in the back rank where I belong. At least that is the plan. The T&D band will be led on by P/M Andy Wallace and will be open to everyone as before. So any CoP student coming over for the Worlds can make those plans now and have a tune on the big day.

PT has gone to bed for Nov 1. Don't forget those of you with iPads and iPhones you can now get the mag straight to your device via the Apple App store. Tutor 1 is also available via the CoP/PT app as well, and we hope to have the piobaireachd tutor, Tutor 4, live next week. It will have all the sound files and new video files embedded right there on the page showing learners how to make the complex movements, crunluath, double echoes, chedari etc. The four tunes in the book The Company's Lament, MacIntosh's Banner, Glengarry's Lament and Alasdair Dearg are there too all played in full on the pipes. There is something really user friendly about getting instruction on the iPad. Next best thing to having your own teacher. Get the App here and keep checking for T4. Those without the iPad will be able to get a digital edition just the same via the CoP Shop.

Autumn Days

2011-10-14T12:51:00.000+01:00

Widow and friends of Tam Lorimer were in the CoP this week to see the brass memorial plaque in situ in the entrace hall. Tam, a former PT subscriber, was an old soldier and Pipe Corporal with the Royal Scots Greys, the forerunners of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Tam was also Army Dancing Champion at Oban in 1964. He passed away a couple of years ago from motor neurone disease. I think there can be no better way of remembering a loved one who loved piping than by having a memorial plaque in the home of piping. Incidentally did anyone see the programme on BBC 4 the other night on the RSDG? (You can catch it on the BBC iPlayer if not.) Very interesting, and there were brief mentions of Amazing Grace etc and a brief comment from young soldier and piper Ben Duncan.

The College's Dugald MacNeill is back from a successful trip to the top of Kilimanjaro. Remarkable given his age (81). He tells me he only started to peck seriously when he got to the rim but he is now back in Scotland safely clutching his 'summit' certificate.

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Martin Lowe the other day. As the pic on the Fast News shows he was judging at Lochearnhead only a few months ago looking hale and hearty. We never know what's round the corner do we? In the words of the song, 'enjoy yourself - it's later than you think.'

CoP Radio for Oct will be on air from tonight. We have Strathclyde Police, young US piper Nick Hudson (left), some cracking, if different, playing from Tommy Pearston in the archive spot and the Lament for Patrick Og from Brian Donaldson.

College tutor Willie Morrison is off to Benbecula tomorrow to judge the Mod. I don't know how it is going to work out with the choirs in Stornoway, the piping in Benbecula and this Saturday's ceilidh dance in Castlebay, Barra. Wouldn't it be better if the Mod operated on a circuit of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Oban and Fort William, rotating venues a bit like the R&A do with the Open golf?

I hear the John MacLellan recital competition on Saturday is a sell out so well done to all the organisers. Dugald will be there to report for the PT.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI have sent this: Former BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, Julie Fowlis, and Mod Gold Medallist Gillebrìde MacMillan, were among 45 students awarded degrees and course certificates from College Principal, Professor Boyd Robertson,at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s annual graduation ceremony last Friday. Julie and Gillebrìde were among the four graduates from the MA Material Culture and the Environment course and were joined by Gordon Cameron, who is the Curator of Applecross Heritage Centre and Emily Edwards, who is the Gaelic officer for Scottish Natural Heritage and a previous SMO student. Gordon was also awarded the Farquhar Macintosh prize for the student who attained academic excellence across all courses. The course leader, Professor Hugh Cheape, said, “The MA Material Culture and the Environment course draws on many subjects in order to gain a new perspective on Highland history. Working through the medium of Gaelic allows the students access to community based knowledge and heritage which is used for research and is then given back to the community through the students’ own work. I hope the four who graduated this year produce a book from their findings!” Also celebrating on the day were the first graduates from the BA (Hons) in Gaelic and Traditional Music course, Roya Maclean and Lisa Moyes. Lisa was awarded the Calum Bàn prize – for excellence in Gaelic singing and musicianship - in memory of the late Calum Robertson, the College’s long-serving Head of Corporate Services. The winner of the UHI prize for the SMO Student of the Year was Heather Clyne. Donalda McComb, Headteacher of Glasgow Gaelic School, delivered the Graduation Lecture. In her address, she encouraged the graduates to pursue their engagement with the language and spoke of the many benefits of being bilingual. She outlined the links that exist between Glasgow Gaelic School and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and expressed a desire to further develop the connectivity between the two largest Gaelic-medium educational establishments. John Norman MacLeod, Director of Studies, commented, “Donalda McComb’s lecture was particularly encouraging and the fact that 600 children, aged between 3 and 18, attend Glasgow Gaelic School, is an inspiration to us all.” In addition to the awards bestowed on the College’s students, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig also recognised the contribution made to the Gaelic language by two leading Gaels by awarding this year’s Honorary Sàr Ghaidheal Fellowships, which honour the important role played by both in promoting the language, to Jonathan MacDonald, from Kilmuir in the north of the Isle of Skye, and to John Farquhar Munro, from Shiel Bridge in Kintail. After attending Kilmuir School, Jonathan left aged 14 with an interest in craft work. He learned how to weave and work with clay and in 1951 he started a craft workshop in the village he grew up in. In 1963 he was invited to be a member of the Crofters’ Commission and spent the next 6 years travelling the Highlands and Islands in that capacity. Although he did much travelling during that period, he was also busy at home and in 1965 he opened a museum in Kilmuir. In 1970 Jonathan took over the Duntulm Hotel which he ran until 1997. Between the craft workshop, museum and hotel, Jonathan did a great deal to stimulate tourism in the north of the Isle of Skye for nearly 50 years and he promoted his language and culture in all aspects of his life. This year’s graduation saw another historic day for SMO with the graduation of its first students from the BA (Honours) Gaelic and Traditional Music programme. Roya MacLean (22) from Muir of Ord and Lisa Moyes (22) from Maryburgh successfully completed four years of full time study at the college where they undertook a range of Gaelic language modules and more music-specific modules including one-to-one lessons on their principal instruments, Group work, Music Theory, Composing and Arranging, Teaching Music and Recording and Producing. In addition, Lisa, who is a fiddler, studied for a semester at the University of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia where she researched Cape Breton style fiddling for her honours’ dissertation. In light of the great difficulty in finding employment faced by recent graduates from all over the country, MacLean has managed to buck the trend, “I think having an honours degree in Gaelic and Traditional Music has given me more opportunities for work in the Highlands and it has also helped me so much with my music. Since becoming fluent in the language, my musical interpretation has improved vastly. My degree has helped me get work through the Fèis and also my radio job which I am very grateful for...Gaelic was a very hard language to learn, but definitely worth it.” The BA (Honours) Gaelic and Traditional Music course began in 2007 and remains the only degree programme of its kind that teaches entirely through the medium of Gaelic. Piper might recognise Decker Forrest far left and Hugh Cheape far right, both second back row.

Autumn has Arrived

2011-10-07T14:15:00.000+01:00

After a week of unprecedented high temperatures, Scotland is now fully in the grip of autumn with cold winds and rain. Our students are getting down to some solid chanter practice (as everyone should) and re-examining their pipes to see if there is any area that needs attention. Some are switching to sheepskin; some back to synthetic. Some of those in the top bands play sheep with the band and syth in the solos.
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There has been an encouraging response to the PT on iPad and iPhone. A number have asked about an Android version. Working on it. These things are expensive to do. Those of you who have downloaded the App can look forward to more content going in over the next few months.
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Simon Grant our drumming instructor at the Highland School last year will be beginning monthly classes at the CoP starting November 13. Keep checking the Lessons tab on the CoP website for details. The fees will be affordable, I can assure you, and exams will be available. Drummers needn't sign up for the whole six weeks if they don't want to. Simon will tailor his teaching to individual needs and all levels from beginner to advanced are welcome. Simon is currently playing in the Lothian and Borders police corps.
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Jack Willis (83), who featured on the College Facebook page a couple of weeks ago, has given us a short bio: 'My piping career began in 1946 when I was called up for National Service to the Gordon's Barracks in Aberdeen. After my initial six weeks training I was sent to Dreghorn Camp in Edinburgh to await joining the 2nd Battalion Cameronians (S.R). While at Dreghorn I volunteered to train as a piper and was very lucky to be picked out. I was then sent on leave and returned to the Scottish Command School of Piping which was a collection of Nissen huts a short distance from Dreghorn Camp. Nothing like the luxurious present day Army School of Piping and Drumming. Our instructors were P/M Slattery, P/M Imrie and P/M W Denholm under the Senior P/M Logie. After four months we were given a certificate. Mine states: 'Has made good progress as a piper and with further tuition should be a fair performer.' I then joined the Cameronians at Gibraltar. Sadly, instead of extra tuition I was used as a dummy piper and a 'fatigue' man. When I came home I bought a set of pipes for £11. Yes, eleven pounds, and have been told on good authority that they were made by Robertsons of Edinburgh. Sixty-five years later I still have them. Some time ago I mentioned my certificate to Captain Small, Commanding Officer at the present day Army School. He was interested in its historical value to the present day learners so I gave it to him and he kindly had it framed and it now hangs in the school. As is well known the Gurkha Regiment is a 'clone' of the Cameronians so when I visited the school I was very pleased to let one of them see the certificate. a few years ago I joined the Veterans Piping Society at the College of Piping and since then I feel I have learned more about piping than ever I knew before. In fact I have recently taken up piobaireachd under the instruction of P/M Ian Sinclair, a very patient man. I would like to invite anybody who plays pipes or even just enjoys pipe music to come along to the Vets. They will be made most welcome as I was. J Willis'

PT on iPad etc.

2011-09-30T15:39:00.000+01:00

I never imagined when I took over the PT 12 years ago that we would be printing it digitally, far less on such a remarkable device as the iPad, but there it is. We need to move with the times and all the indications are that paper publishing will decline over the next few years as e-reading increases. The PT does look particularly good I have to say and very easy to read - and we can embed multi-media content with the articles. Advertisers, please send us your video and sound files and we'll put them in for free.

I should mention that Pipe Band Magazine and Tutor 1 are also available now for iPad via the CoP app in the iStore. The tutor is an even better teaching tool in this medium with the sound files and videos right on the page at the tap of a screen.

Inverclyde Piping Project are contributing to a concert in Greenock Town Hall at 7pm on October 11. All proceeds go the 'Dreams Come True Inverclyde Charity' www.dctc.org.uk.

John MacFadyen Book 1 now out priced £10 from CoP Shop. A great tune on every page. Book 2 to follow soon.

Many thanks to Murray Blair for becoming a sponsor of the Echoes of Oban concert on November 26. already on the list are McCallum Bagpipes, MG reeds, RG Hardie, D Naill and Co.

Could the person who submitted the piping Christmas Card a few weeks back please get in touch with Jock Barr .

Re the PT developments, I suppose it is a case of everything changes and everything stays the same. The standard of journalism will be no different and the content will be no different other than additional multi-media input. The basic fact is that to report on events properly you have to be there and experience them. You have to talk to people to get their opinions and ideas. These basic tenets of the reporter's trade still apply irrespective of the medium through which readers access the resultant articles and their information, comment and opinion. And a word of re-assurance to all shell-backed traditionalists out there: the paper PT will be with us so long as there is a demand.

New Magazine etc

2011-09-27T15:54:00.002+01:00

Karl Wallner from Austria tells me of a new internet piping magazine 'Droned'. Karl says: ‘It is just an online version but it's for free and the people in Austria, Switzerland and Germany really like it. Here is link to a cover page of 'Droned': http://www.karlwallner.com/images/titelseiteforum.jpg .
Well welcome to the world of bagpipe journalism Karl and I wish you all success with the magazine. It is good to see that you have an actual magazine rather than a glorified website. It means a higher level of integrity and accuracy is required but your readers will appreciate that I am sure.

Sorry to hear that Stuart Cassells has had to leave the Chilli Pipers because of his dystonia. Stuart has the personality to succeed at whatever he now turns his hand to mind, and I don't know why the BBC have not asked to come on board for the Worlds TV shows. He is a natural broadcaster with Grade 1 band experience and would click with the younger viewer.

In case you missed it on the Fast News we will shortly be bringing out re-issues of the John MacFadyen books of ceol beag. These were classic publications with a whole host of great tunes: Hugh Low of Tiree, Donald MacLellan of Rothesay, Dolina MacKay, the list goes on. John was helped with contributions from Donald MacLeod, his partner at the time in Grainger and Campbell, Duncan Johnstone and John MacAskill. John did great work for piping. After winning all the top awards he concentrated on spreading the word. The Silver Chanter and the Piobaireachd Society Conference were just two of his pet projects. I remember him playing at the Scottish Pipers Club on a Saturday night at the Highlanders’ Institute and he was always very encouraging to younger pipers there for a listen.

Dave Mason in France: ‘Thanks a lot re: the Alasdair Gillies tune. I understand the Dutch band, Clan Macbeth have chosen my set for their QMM for the 25th anniversary. That's a bonus, I guess!? I don't know whether I told you but I decided against printing out my music books and have decided, instead, to have them as free downloads in PDF format. These are available on the web at https://sites.google.com/site/tummleyerwilkies/ . I realize a lot of folk are perturbed by the fact I don't want to SELL my tunes but, you know, I have been so fortunate to have had so many people give freely of their time, talents and expertise to end up where I am having had an amazing journey on the way. Another story, another time!!’
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Robert Gunther: ‘I just got back from Oklahoma after two weeks of temporary duty. It was a neat trip overall. I placed in two events (strathspey/reel and 6/8 march) at the Oklahoma Scottish Festival and I met the U.S. Army pipers of the only active duty pipe band in the US Army. They have a neat story of which I will have an article to you shortly. Their head piper, SSG Robert Fortune and one of their drummers actually attended the California school this past summer and they talk quite fondly of how Dugald [MacNeill] sat them aside and gave them some really great instruction.’

I may have given the impression in an earlier post that the Dunrobin Castle contest was in September. The date is October 22.

Saturday sees a sell out concert commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders sit-in, an iconic event in Scotland’s and Glasgow’s industrial history. Edward McGuire has written a piece to mark the occasion featuring brass, strings and pipes (to be played by yours truly). I always think brass works very well with pipes, perhaps something to do with the flat keys. Sounded good at rehearsals.

The PT is out this weekend. Not to be missed with a fulsome tribute to Alasdair Gillies, a report on the Argyllshire Gathering and more exciting news on the publishing front.

Gordon Duncan Concert, Scott MacAulay pic etc

2011-09-19T19:32:00.000+01:00

Scottish Power have issued this: 'The Scottish Power Pipe Band is joining leading musicians on stage at A National Treasure V on Saturday 24th September, the annual memorial concert held in celebration of the late Perthshire piper, Gordon Duncan. The leading grade 1 pipe band, who recently placed third at the World Championships, is honoured to be involved in the event at Perth Concert Hall, which will remember the talented piper, as well as raise funds to support young, Scottish-based traditional musicians to further their talents as performers and writers. Chris Armstrong, Pipe Major for the Scottish Power Pipe Band, said: “The band are proud to be involved in this concert to celebrate traditional music, as well as a man who was dedicated in his support and encouragement of young pipers. Gordon Duncan is renowned as a skilled and professional musician who contributed a great deal to the piping world throughout his career of performing, competing and recording, bringing an individual flair to traditional highland piping.” A National Treasure V will also feature a performance from Pipe Major Gordon Walker. For tickets, visit www.horsecross.co.uk or call 01738 621 031. Tickets are priced from £15.50 and children go free.'

PT has almost gone to bed for Oct. Argyllshire Gathering, Alasdair Gillies Obituary, Police Bands, Lochaber Gathering, Silver Cap, Analysis on Queen Anne's Lament, Ceolas all feature plus other interesting news and views. Order your issue now.

Season seems to keep going these days with Invercharron Games and Springbank contest last Sat and Dunrobin this. A couple of weeks after that is the National Mod, and the J MacLellan event, then G'fidd and London and finally Echoes of Oban. Sprinkling of important junior events either side of Xmas then come March we start again with the Uist and Barra at the CoP the first major professional event of the year followed quickly by the Scottish Pipers.

John Meikle from Ottawa has been in touch about the signature tune for CoP Radio. It's called 'MacDonald of the Isles' Mr Meikle.

Someone has sent me this very nice picture of the late Scott MacAulay. Gone but certainly not forgotten and nice to see his successor at PEI James MacHattie doing so well at Braemar winning the Gold Medal.

Dr Fred Groesmann has sent this: 'Schwiegershausen, Germany, the local Whisky Club (sic!) organises an event they like to call Highland Games each second week-end of September. This year saw the 10th anniversary on the 11th of September. Schwiegershausen is a village of around 2000 inhabitants situated just south of the Harz Mountains in central Germany. The event is strong enough and willing to support a solo piping competition. The trouble with solos on the continent is that most organisers want a band competition because that is what the general public wants to see. The organisers managed to get Benedikt Groh as a judge. He is P/M of the Clan Pipers Frankfurt, the top German band, currently graded 3A, and a regular winner of German solo championships. Pipers are expected not just to do their competition but also to entertain the spectators and athletes which tends to be a rewarding experience. The audience is very interested, friendly, and supportive. But, to be fair, most do not really understand what is happening. Examples: Some supporters thought it to be a good idea to give their favourite a boost by clapping hands during the contest. Fortunately they could be convinced to stop and the competitor got a second chance. Tuning on the platform is not known to be normal and perfectly acceptable. The audience is confused and find it hard to distinguish between tuning and performance. While in 2010 the competition started with merely four competitors it was good to see that three of them re-appeared this year and four new showed up. There was no entry fee and the first prize in each category was a bottle of single malt whisky. All competitors received very detailed sheets on their performance. The beginners competition comprised two contests: a slow march and a march of own choice while the intermediate competition included three contests: a 6/8 march, a 2/4 march, and a set of strathspey and reel, all tunes of own choice. To get through all contests took from 3pm to 6pm because two of the beginners also played in the intermediate category, not to compete, but rather for the sheets. List of competitors: Beginners Sean Gallagher, near Kassel, Thorsten Lange, Eisdorf, Christian Schneider, Göttingen, Dagmar Pesta, Braunschweig; Intermediate Conrad Seyfarth, Weimar, Dirk-Boris Rödel, Mannheim, Fred Goesmann, Wulften.The winners were Sean Gallagher and Conrad Seyfarth. Finally Benedikt Groh gave an impressive recital. Many members of the audience who showed great interest but admittedly found the judging of the previous contests rather difficult, greatly appreciated the high standard of the music played. In conclusion: The Schwiegershausen Highland Games are quite an experience. The sporting events are a little different but definitely good fun and the solo piping competition appears to be growing into a successful event of the German piping scene.

John MacLellan Dinner etc

2011-09-13T19:34:00.001+01:00

Capt. John

Pipers taking part in the John MacLellan Memorial contest, advertised in last month's PT, will play the following tunes: Iain Speirs - Lullaby for Iain, Roderick MacLeod - Salute to the Great Pipe, Angus MacColl - Farewell to the Queen's Ferry and Murray Henderson - Edinburgh Piobaireachd. Contest/recital is on October 15 at 7pm. Judge is Gavin Stoddart. Tickets include dinner and cost £35. Book yours here. I hope the evening is a success and attracts the sponsorship it deserves. John was probably the best of the modern piobaireachd composers and these tunes are all worth hearing.

Stuart Liddell will soon be heading to Australia for a few weeks of teaching and judging. Stuart will be based in Canberra. I also hear that Jim Kilpatrick and Greg Wilson will be attending one of the workshops. Hear Stuart's winning Hornpipe and Jig from this year's Northern Meeting on CoP Radio from Sept 15.

CoP radio also has a superb rendition of Lament for the Children by Gordon Walker. I recorded it during Piping Live/Worlds Week at the CoP. Gordon was in top form and gave a superb recital. The pipe alone is worth tuning in for.

The list of champions taking part in the Echoes of Oban is almost complete with A March winner Neil Walker managing to get away from his police duties in Tobermory to play for us. The date: November 26 admission £5. Copious refreshments available.
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Mark Jackson of Dumfries Police PB has sent this: 'We are looking to appoint a new Pipe Major and Leading Drummer following the departure of both of the post holders at the end of the 2011 season. The band wishes to thank Callum Watson and David Sheridan for their service over the years and wishes them well in their future playing careers. The band has enjoyed success in recent years, being G2 British Champions 2010 and the drum corps winning the European Championship in 2011. The band has support from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary Executive, and a solid business structure is in place to ensure the smooth running of the band activities leaving the musicians to focus on why they are there – to play. Pipers and drummers of a standard likely to compliment the already established players in the band are also invited to join by audition. Email me at mark.jackson@dg.pnn.police.uk or call 08456005701

Via the CPA, those kind folk in the North East have sent this wrap up of all the games
held up there and the league table built thereon:

Grampian Games Association, John Milne Piping League 2011

Piobaireachd

1 Alan Clark (pictured above) 10

2 Fraser Maitland 9

3 Greig Canning 7

4= Matt Pantaleoni 4

4= David Wilton 4

4= Marion Horsburgh 4

4= James McHattie 4

5= Alan Russell 3

5= Brendon Eade 3

6= Ben Duncan 2

6= Andrew Hall 2

6= Euan MacCrimmon 2

6= Sean McKeowan 2

7= Allan Hayes 1

7= Robert Barnes 1

7= Nick Therialt 1

7= Jeffrey Lawson 1

Aberdeen

David Wilton

Greig Canning

Ben Duncan

Fraser Maitland

Tomintoul

Greig Canning

Alan Clark

Andrew Hall

Robert Barnes

Aboyne

Marion Horsburgh

Alan Clark

Euan MacCrimmon

Fraser Maitland

Ballater

Matt Pantaleoni

Fraser Maitland

Alan Clark

Nick Therialt

Lonach

Fraser Maitland

Alan Russell

Alan Clark

Jeffrey Lawson

Braemar

James McHattie

Brendon Eade

Sean McKeowan

Allan Hayes

Light Music

1= Alan Russell 24

1= Pamela White 24

2 Alan Clark 22

4 Jeffrey Lawson 19

5 Fraser Maitland 18

6 Greig Canning 12

7= Euan MacCrimmon 8

7= N Walker 8

8= Andrew Hall 7

8= David Wilton 7

8= Bruce Erskine 7

8= Neil Walker 7

9= Michael Gray 4

9= Ben Duncan 4

9= Colin Campbell 4

9= Greg Wilson 4

10= Logan Tannoch 3

10= Matt Pantaleoni 3

10= Derek Midgely 3

11= Allan Hayes 2

11= Sean McKeowan 2

11= James McPetrie 2

11= Anna Kummerlow 2

12= Innes Smith 1

12= Andrea Boyd 1

Aberdeen

March

1) Alan Russell

2) David Wilton

3) Neil Walker

4) Ben Duncan

Strathspey and Reel

1) David Wilton

2) Alan Russell

3) Greig Canning

4) Neil Walker

Jig

Neil Walker

Ben Duncan

Greig Canning

Colin Campbell

Drumtochty

March

Alan Clark

Bruce Erskine

Jeffrey Lawson

James McPetrie

Strathspey and Reel

Bruce Erskine

Alan Clark

Jeffrey Lawson

James McPetrie

Tomintoul

March

Pamela Whyte

Andrew Hall

Alan Clark

Michael Gray

Strathspey and Reel

Greig Canning

Andrew Hall

Michael Gray

Alan Clark

Jig and Hornpipe

Greig Canning

Colin Campbell

Jeffrey Lawson

Michael Gray

Stonehaven

March

Pamela Whyte

Jeffrey Lawson

Fraser Maitland

Strathspey & Reel

Pamela Whyte

Fraser Maitland

Jeffrey Lawson

Aboyne

March

Euan MacCrimmon

Logan Tannoch

Alan Russell

Andrew Hall

Strathspey and Reel

Alan Russell

Euan MacCrimmon

Anna Kummerlow

Fraser Maitland

Jig and Hornpipe

Alan Clark

Alan Russell

Pamela Whyte

Euan MacCrimmon

Ballater

March

Alan Clark

Fraser Maitland

Matt Pantaleoni

Pamela Whyte

Strathspey and Reel

Greg Wilson

Alan Clark

Fraser Maitland

Matt Pantaleoni

Lonach

March

1 Alan Russell

Jeffrey Lawson

Fraser Maitland

Pamela Whyte

Strathspey and Reel

Alan Russell

Fraser Maitland

Jeffrey Lawson

Pamela Whyte

Willie Grant Tune

Pamela Whyte

Jeffrey Lawson

Fraser Maitland

Alan Clark

Braemar

March

N Walker

Derek Midgely

Allan Hayes

Innes Smith

Strathspey and Reel

N Walker

Pamela Whyte

Sean McKeowan

Andrea Boyd

League is now concluded. Pamela Whyte managed to move to joint first place in the Light Music following her placing in the Strathspey and Reel Competition. This is the second time that she has won the Light Music League. Well Done. There was no alteration in the main placings of the Piobaireachd League, with Alan Clark taking first place. It is good to note that local pipers are figuring well in the money. Hope next year's leagues will be as close as this year's.

Single Police Force

2011-09-08T16:42:00.005+01:00

First Minister Alex Salmond's plan for a single Scottish police force looks like going ahead, with chief constables around the country endorsing the idea. It might have serious ramifications for our police pipe bands however. All the talk has been of one band representing the whole force. This would be totally impractical, so rather than a reduction in the number of bands could we see an increase with each division of the new force having its own pipes and drums? Will Strathclyde Police revert to City of Glasgow with a resurrection of the Lanarkshire Police band? Edinburgh Police instead of Lothian & Borders with maybe another police band in the capital's hinterland? A single 'Scottish Police Force PB' as in the PSNI band in Northern Ireland? I don't think so.

Just a word for those thinking ahead to 2012. My advice is to aim to have any tune(s) you are planning on submitting next year memorised and on the pipes by Christmas or the New Year. That way you'll be totally familiar with them come the important part of the season. So after a couple of weeks rest it should be back to grind straight away for all ambitious competing pipers.
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And in case anyone missed it on the PT Fast News, Binneas is Boreraig is out again in its second complete edition. As the blurb says, traditional teaching right there on the page. Only £30 ($45) for 121 piobaireachd cannot be bad. Get your copy here.
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Gus MacAskill in the north east: 'Because "Fired Up" was such a huge success with Boghall, we have ventured into the concert idea again but this time with the Inveraray and District Pipe Band. The concert will will take place on the 10th March 2012. For more info contact Gus on 01224 355061 or Mob. +44 (0) 7590 267184.
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Reader Gerry Armstrong has designed the attached piper's Xmas card. Anyone interested in ordering them? If so let us know by emailing college@college-of-piping.co.uk

Echoes of Oban confirmed for November 26. I hope the weather is kinder to us this year. Last year some of the performers had to battle through the snows to get here. Most of the winners from this year's Argyllshire Gathering have agreed to play so thanks to them for that. Lined up so far are Chris Armstrong (Former Winners' MSR) Calum Beaumont (Gold Medal and Jig), Gordon Bruce (Silver Medal), Finlay Johnston ('A' S&R), second in 'B' march and 3rd 'B' S&R). Each champion will play his winning pieces. The show starts at 7.30; admission £5 at door. Thanks to sponsors RG Hardie, McCallum Bagpipes/MG Reeds & D Nail and Co.

Alasdair's Funeral

2011-09-05T15:37:00.005+01:00

What a sad, drizzle-down day it was. There were hundreds of mourners in attendance at Ullapool Church of Scotland. And what a beautiful service the family, aided by Finlay McGhee, Bruce Hitchings and Jim Stout arranged and delivered. We began with The Lord's My Shepherd and, after prayers, came the eulogy by Rona Lightfoot. Her choice of words could not have been more appropriate, her delivery sympathetic, human, but never over sentimental. Rona touched on the lighter side of Alasdair's life and achievements and also the more profound. She had the congregation laughing when she told of the time when Alasdair, only a boy, beat his father Norman, the local schools piping instructor, at the games. On the way home in the car Alasdair, in all seriousness, turned to his father and said 'I hope this doesn't affect your job.'

A Gaelic song delivered with passion and then we were outside - and there they were, Alasdair's contemporaries bearing his coffin along the long, long road to the cemetery. Piped all the way he was, the coffin draped in a saltire flag with the Queen's Own motto. Indeed it was their tunes played by their pipers, Bruce, Donald MacKay, Michael Gray, Niall Matheson, just as it should have been. Then the next lift as more of us took on the task of carrying our friend to his final resting place. The respect that Alasdair was held in was confirmed by the large numbers of the world's best pipers, past and present, in attendance, all solemnly lamenting the passing of their fellow devotee. On to the burial and the gathering at the graveside with his father Norman already lying close by. Borne aloft by his regimental comrades and then, one by one, eight regimental pipe majors came forward to lower this great piper, soldier, father, husband and friend to eternity. Cabar Feidh Go Brath sounded out across the damp hillside as we said farewell for the last time to P/M Alasdair Gillies.........

N Mtg. etc

2011-08-30T12:58:00.003+01:00

Northern Meeting tomorrow for another two day pipe feast. Will post results ASAP. Donald Shaw, Secretary, Inverness Piping Society has sent this: 'A reminder that after the Northern Meeting Competitions are finished (Fri.), a FREE ceilidh will take place in The Waterside Hotel function suite, just across the river from the Eden Court Theatre. 9.00pm to 1.00pm. Gordon Walker, Stuart Liddell and Alan MacDonald are the Guest Pipers. It will be great fun and you are bound to meet up with old friends. Hope to see you there.'

Donald MacKay, P/Sgt of the Scottish Power PB has sent this: 'The band would like to announce and thank everyone who gave so generously at our recent Energy concert; you helped us raise £513.20 for Erskine Hospital - Thank you! The band continued to get donations after the concert and even during the centre bands at the prize giving of the World Pipe Band Championships a £20 note was slipped into the Pipe Sgt's pocket (thanks again to the very generous Heather Mackay fae Buchan!). Pictured with band members (below) is Alan Moss one of the official Erskine fundraisers who attended the practice tonight (Fri., 26th August) to collect the remaining money raised from the band members themselves bringing in an extra £125. Total raised by Scottish Power Pipe Band - £638.20 Thank you once again to everyone.'

No word yet of Alasdair Gillies' funeral but it will be in Ullapool. Will post details on PT Fast News once I have it. Thanks to all those who left messages of condolence on the CoP website. The thousands who have read the story show the reach Alasdair had and just how shocked the piping world is by what has happened.

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Congratulations to Field Marshal for completing the grand slam at Cowal on Saturday. The difficulty now will be maintaining this remarkable run into 2012; but I wouldn't bet against P/M Richard Parkes; would you? Another great showing from Inveraray completing a superb week for their new Gold Medallist Calum Beaumont. I have spoken to Calum and to Gordon Bruce, the Argyllshire Gath. Silver Medallist, and they have both agreed to play at the Echoes of Oban concert in November at the CoP. It will be a wonderful opportunity to hear these young champions and others play their winning tunes. And whilst we are on the Echoes thanks to RG Hardie and Co and to MG Reeds/MacCallum Bagpipes for agreeing to sponsor the night. Hopefully there will be others to help us offset the expense. The provisional date for the Echoes is November 26th.
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Allan Hamilton of Piper's Persuasion has sent this: 'Just a wee note to say that's Fred [Morrison] and Roddy [MacLeod] online and also a blog re Alasdair Gillies and a review of PP. I have other people to see in the near future and will bee expanding on some earlier work. So much to do.’

Oban etc

2011-08-26T12:50:00.001+01:00

Back from Oban. Congrats to all the winners and commiserations to those not in the lists. What do the judges know, eh? Remember, just to get to play there is an achievement so don't let it get you down. Re-double all efforts for I'ness. If it's the pipes there's still time to get them in order. Video above of the march to the games. Full report on Oban in next PT. Thanks to Torquil, Adam, Tommy and Angus for looking after the press.

Saddened to hear of the passing of Anne Speedy, London. Anne was a great supporter of the contest down there and often helped with the prizegiving. Roddy Livingstone has sent this: 'Just received the news that Anne Speedy, a stalwart of the Scottish Piping Society of London passed away in the last few days. Many competing pipers who attended the London Competition over many years will recall Anne as she was always involved in the days proceedings. Anne was the widow of the late P/M Jock Speedy of the Scots Guards. Jock was contemporary with the likes of J B Robertson and Peter Bain. With the summer holiday season (at least down here in the south of England) being in full swing, details are few and far between. I have managed to ascertain that the funeral will be at St Columba's Church of Scotland, Pont Street, London on Wednesday 31 August at 1300 hours. Many thanks.'

PT for September has gone to bed. Reports on the Worlds, CS Thomason, and Highland games circuit. A lot of articles in the queue so apologies to correspondents. This is a busy time of year.

Tricia Morrison, a nurse, and judge Willie's wife, tells me that the best cure for insomnia is lettuce before bed. Apparently she raised the matter at breakfast at Oban and was challenged by Eleanor MacFadyen who insisted Bovril was more effective. Tricia, not a woman to go down without a fight, insisted Eleanor's husband and fellow judge Bruce Hitchings try the green stuff before deciding and went to the supermarket promptly the following morning. Here (left) we see both judges with their rather large sleeping tablet.

All those who can't sleep before the Northern Meeting might like to try the ladies' cures and let us know which works.

Wonder if FMM will complete the grand slam at Cowal. Their pipers were all playing well at Oban and one of them, Mike Fitzhenry, particularly so, and featured in the prizelists.

Check out CoP Facebook for a selection of pix from the Argyllshire.

I hear that the Spirit of Scotland are going to be competing at the Worlds again next year with all expenses paid for those flying in. Appearance should help the sales of John MacDonald's DVD, now available in a box set.

There's an ad. in the next PT for the special dinner that is to be held in honour of Captain John MacLellan,

one of the outstanding figures in post war piping. Four of his tunes will be played by leading competitors.

John was a fund of knowledge on piping. In 1986 I travelled to the Vancouver Indoor Meet with him and he spoke the whole way across about one thing and one thing only: piping. Passionate wasn't the word for it. And every day he and our host Iain MacKinnon would launch into Willie Ross et al. We judged the contest, my first such major assignment. I kept my counsel to the end when John, obviously the senior man, turned to me and said in those clipped tones: 'Well Robert, what have you got?' Slightly sheepishly I said I had one of the lady competitors first for her performance of Corrienessan's Salute. 'Good,' said John, 'that's exactly who I have.' Quite a relief.

Hope the dinner gets the support it deserves.

Silver Medal Qualifier

2011-08-22T16:09:00.000+01:00

Here are my notes from yesterday: Robert Gray - End of the High Bridge: very nervy tune, erratic in places, pipe held, some tuneful passages; Neil Walker - MacNab's Gathering: a few catches; lacked momentum; well shaped; good finish; Lyric Todkill - Cill Chriosd: high G not right; thumb variation not controlled; one or two sticky moments; Alan Clark - Auldearn 1: poor chanter, esp. bottom hand; timed tune well; nice drones; Doug MacRae - Park 2: started well but lost control; doublings an exercise; good finger; Roddy Weir - End of the High Bridge: good pipe; choke; Var 1 could be better phrased; squeaks in crunluath; started v well; Greig Wilson - Glen Is Mine: tune lacked tempo variation; C overdone; VG finger; Peter McCalister - Glen Is Mine from Campbell Cant.; finger, pipe, melodic flow all VG (see pic of Peter on stage); George Stewart - Park 2: finger much better than Lochaber but timing of tune strange; John Lee - MacNab's Gath.: pipe too strong; no a mach; well timed otherwise; Andrew Hall - Battle of Strome: needs to bring out music more; rushed; Duncan Grant - Cill Chriosd: well played tune; some nice touches; pipe not quite locked in; Craig Sutherland - End of the High Bridge: pipe, finger and music all first class except for Var 1(little slow); certain qualifier; Gordon Bruce - Auldearn 1: cadence Es cut and doublings rushed; pipe can be better; Matt Pantaleoni - Park 2: timed and fingered well but drones well off and intruding from half way through; Gavin Fergusson - Duntroon's Sal.: broke down; Michael Fitzhenry - Cill Chriosd: real quality fingering; pipe a shade overpowering; timing staccato at times; Steven Watterston - McNab's Gathering: well fingered but needs more expression; pipe a bit coarse but in tune; Alan B Clark (Canada) - Auldearn 1: lacked flow; pipe shaded off badly; choke; Douglas Gardiner - End of the High Bridge: jerky here and there but well put together on nice instrument; few missed cruns. on D; Brian MacKenzie - Battle of Strome: fine pipe; off tune at end?; ground needs long E, not cut down; Iain Marshall - Park 2: lovely pipe except for sharp F; timed tune well until broke down; Greig Canning - MacNab's: excellent instrument; no a mach; middle beats cut at times but good perf.

Those who got through are on the PT Fast News. A word for Duncan Beattie who ran things perfectly: great job Duncan. No other CPA officials could manage apparently. Nor did I see anyone from the Grading Committee. See next PT for more on this whole issue of Silver Medal qualification.

I hear Tony MacDonald has been through an abdominal operation at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital. Best wishes Tony.

The remarkable David Murray will be 90 in November and is making the trip to the Northern Meeting 'while he can'. He's just bought a new Kilberry Book to replace the one against which a dog lifted its leg. It happened whilst David and Sheriff Grant were waiting for the boat to judge at South Uist games in the 50s. Stains have been on it ever since, said David. No reflection on the content I hope Col Murray. Talking of Kilberry, a new consignment was delivered to the CoP the other day and literally fell off the back of the freight company's lorry (see pic). Luckily no damage to the well packed books and we soon had them stowed safely at the College.

Robert Mathieson and Anne were at the qualifier to support John Lee, Jack's son. Robert tells me he'll be back in Vancouver in November to prepare for a big SFU concert. He loves the city and its environs.

All roads to Oban on Wednesday; we will post results as soon as we have them.

Last year's Silver Medallist Craig Sked was in the CoP today and is enjoying life in Melbourne; nice people, fine weather, great bars and restaurants. Sounds just like Glesca, Craig.

Two Day Worlds etc

2011-08-17T15:01:00.003+01:00

Worlds is over for another year and congrats to all winners. Just completed my report on G1 for the PT. It was a long and very successful day, particularly for the RSPBA, Glasgow Events and of course the BBC. Two days can't come quickly enough however. It is just too big to cram into nine hours. Let us all support Chairman Gordon Hamill's initiative. 2013? I'd go for it next year. G1 Qualifier, G2, 3a and 4a and Novice on the Sat and the rest on the Sun.
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CoP Radio delayed a little for the Worlds. Interesting interview with Richard Parkes. What a brilliant band of good, young players he has garnered. I wrote in the PT after the Scottish that I wouldn't bet against them winning the Worlds even at that early stage. Last edition I said that at the British the pack was closing in. Well on Saturday FMM left that pack well and truly in their wake.
Also on the show is an archive recording of Ronald MacCallum, Stuart Liddell's grandfather. Ronald is playing part of MacIntosh's Lament, his 1951 Gold Medal winning tune. The quality is poor but I found it of historical interest so included it. Ronald was clearly a superb piper. The show finishes with Brian Donaldson playing War or Peace one of the set tunes for Oban and Inverness. Lovely pipe. Saw Brian in the front rank of the Fife Constab. band on Sat.
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Met judge Trevor Dear in the hospitality tent (by your own beer now I'm afraid - funny how some of the regulars failed to turn up this time). I bought him a drink and he recited this after his first sip: 'Here's to them that paid for this, and may they pay for more, and may the hands of poverty never knock at their door.' Trevor tells me that with Jim Hutton's passing there are only four of the great Invergordon band left now.
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I want to pass on best regards to Alex Beaton the singer and entertainer always a regular at the Worlds - until this year. Ken Eller tells me he has had a bad accident at home an has suffered a paralysis. As a good Victoria Drive lad Alex, you'll beat this for sure.
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Met Hal Senyk today over for the Worlds with a young amalgam juvenile band from the west coast. Hal hasn't changed a bit from his days in Muirheads in the 70s and is still actively teaching and judging in the Vancouver area. He is collecting tapes of pipers who visited the area over the past 50-60 years. He says he has one of Willie Ross and John Burgess when John, barely a teenager, astounded everyone with his playing.
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Stuart Samson has a new book out now available from the CoP Shop; very glossy and well laid out. Some good tunes in it too. It's available via the CoP Shop for £17.
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Gordon Duncan memorial concert is in Perth Concert Hall on September 24. Features Scottish Power and Gordon Walker. Kids go free. Tickets here.
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CoP is the place to be on Sunday top hear the Silver Medal qualifier. First man on is at 9am. Should be a lot of tension in the air given what is at stake - a place at Oban and/or Inverness.
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Some pix from the final week of the CoP Summer School now on Facebook as are some pix of the CoP T&D band at the Worlds. Last again in 4b. Well next year sees Phase Two of the band's development so we hope to start climbing up the lists a bit. The band will still be open to all students who want to play but there will be a minimum requirement. Those who don't make the contest band can still play at other functions, parades. The name will be changing to the College of Piping Pipe Band.
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Date for the SPA Juvenile contest is October 8; entry forms on the CoP website soon.

Pipes of Peace etc

2011-08-12T08:19:00.004+01:00

Piobaireachd Society President Jack Taylor has sent this from last night's major concert in the SECC in Glasgow: 'Is piobaireachd becoming more popular in pipe bands? Maybe it is. On Wednesday Scottish Power played Martyn Bennett's orchestral arrangement based on Lament for Mary Macleod. At lunchtime on Thursday the North West White Spot United Pipe Band from USA gave us Nameless from Angus Mackay's manuscript complete with crunluath fosgailte and Wasatch and District Pipe Band from Utah opened the Pipes of Peace concert in the SECC with the first variation of Macintosh's Lament - their 18 pipers producing a sweet true sound, especially that essential F. And during the concert's climax SLOT gave their version of Duncan Macrae of Kintail. Nonetheless one could detect a certain restlessness in the audience in each case as the repetitive phrases unfolded indicating that the pipe band listener is happier with jigs and hornpipes.

'Last night's was a fine concert. Lomond and Clyde showed how high the Grade 2 standard is. SFU gave a warm, rich, dextrous and musically intricate performance. Their recruit Rob Mathieson looked comfortable in the back row but hasn't yet fully lost the tapping foot. The band's youngsters did more than justice to Mark Saul's Tir nan Og, something not for the faint of finger.

'The concert was organised by one of the trio Celtic Spirit who in spite of losing out in Britain's Got Talent have gone on to success with their blend of rapid fire piping and percussion. We could see why tonight - will Star Wars and the Hokey Cokey ever be MAP tunes though? Bob Worrell showed that he can still play beautifully - finger clear and accurate, music sensitive as ever. His ground of Donald Macleod's Caber Feidh gu Brath was particularly poignant.

'SLOT were fittingly last on the bill. The crisp clean sound, the vibrant music so true to their Irish origin and the concentration on melody sent the audience away well satiated with the richness of the modern pipe band world.'

Chatsworth Country Fair have asked me to point out that the contest on September 3rd and 4th is for B & C grade players only, with separate contests for each. Judges are Andrew Wright and Roderick Livingstone. Good money and six prizes in both grades with £100 for first. The games sound alike a good alternative to Braemar and the Northern Meeting. Chatsworth is the beautiful home of the Duke of Devonshire in Derbyshire and the grounds are a must visit, as is the house. To enter email rspbaannie@hotmail.co.uk. Three tunes in B and two in C

Great stuff yesterday from Stuart Liddell and the boys and girls from Inveraray. We were able to sit in on their practice and listen to their Worlds MSRs and Medley. Stuart says too many bands play the same tunes in the MSR and he will change his band's over time. I'll drink to that. Tomorrow at the Worlds the MSR will be the usual ordeal: six Lord Alex, seven John Morrison, eight Links of Forth etc. Time the RSPBA insisted that these bands - all full of great musicians - must change their tunes in this discipline after say three years. I am sure that used to be the case.

Talking of great musicians, four of the top kiddos from FM played on Wednesday and put on a superb show (one, Gordon McCready is on CoP TV). The sound from the chanters alone was worth the admission: clear, bright, volume in spades. As I said to the audience the days of the Grade 1 band player being someone who can blow a good sound and play in unison are well and truly over. To make it into one of these top outfits you need to be a piper of outstanding ability. So thanks to FM (led by P/Sgt Alastair Dunn) for putting on the show and to RG Hardie for sponsoring it. Indeed thanks to all the bands who came in and gave us a treat during the week: Strathclyde Police, Inveraray, FM and Boghall. Incidentally today we have Peel Regional Police from Canada practising at the CoP. That follows Jeannie's book launch at 1pm.

Weather tomorrow is not promising: chilly with occasional heavy showers. I wonder if the BBC will have their Jackie Bird doing the usual. No harm to her, but why can't we get someone who knows something about the music to front this show? This is not light entertainment BBC. It is serious music which needs someone with knowledge of it to ask the questions, in particular those put to the pipe majors as they leave the arena. Ms Bird is personable, has personality and is a superb TV presenter. But pipe bands require specialist knowledge and it is disrespectful of the BBC to put someone behind the microphone who knows little about the music. It doesn't happen at the Proms or other serious music programmes they put out. Why pipe bands?

Get your Sept PT for full report and pix and don't forget the RSPBA's excellent results service for first news of the winners: that is if you are not watching the streaming over the web

Silver Cap etc

2011-08-10T07:34:00.010+01:00

Steve Foley, Mr Gary Marshall of Diageo UK, Willie McCallum and Richard King

After he played I wrote in my note book: Faultless playing, not a finger wrong, well controlled throughout, pipes didn't move, must winner unless someone produces some magic. In the end they didn't and Willie McCallum walked off with £2,000 in prizemoney and the Silver Cap trophy. Thoroughly deserved too. The contest was in the Lord Todd bar at Strathclyde University. Acoustics not ideal but plenty of space. There must have been a crowd of 300 in. Healthy when there were other events such as the quartet piping on the go. Competitors had to play an MSR, a S Air and an HJ straight through. One tune must be an original composition. There were two withdrawals from the advertised programme: Roderick Macleod and Bruce Gandy and six played. At the end Willie told me he had just about changed everything in his pipe only a few days before the contest: bag, drone reeds, chanter reed. Second prize went to Stuart Liddell who also played pretty flawlessly though I was unsure about the quality of his hornpipe and jig. Maybe they'll grow on me. I think the trick - as I said last year - is to get the new tune in early. Then if it doesn't impress it's forgotten about pretty soon. Third was Gordon Walker - again the playing was riveting my only carp the high A was not always clear; maybe the chanter was set a little high. A commendable fourth was Jamie Troy. Jamie had a sweet pipe (despite having to blow out the high A) but seemed to be more nervous than he was last year and at times just lacked the quality control needed at this level. Fifth was Angus MacColl who gave his usual musical performance on a lovely pipe. One or two bits of fingering came over as rather light at times and the judge Bruce Hitchings, who was behind a screen, would have even less chance of hearing Angus's technique to its best advantage. Sixth prize went to Alex Gandy and this should not be seen as any bad reflection on this piper. He plays very well and keeps a good instrument. The composure needed for the big occasion will come with maturity. All credit to Richard King and Steve Foley for presenting the very top end of light music for us all to savour during Worlds Week and also to new sponsor Diageo UK. Let's hope their involvement with piping is a long and fruitful one for all concerned.

Things have been going like a fair at the CoP as you might expect. Always the same at P Live/World's Week. Dozens of students and they have all been able to take advantage of the excellent music on offer. On Monday and Tues we had piobaireachd from Brian Donaldson (above): War or Peace and Lament for Patrick Og. All very enjoyably played on a lovely instrument of his own making. On Monday Strathclyde Police (above) gave a the packed hall a fine selection of their music. This band is back to its best. Ten pipers, two sides and a bass and two tenors was a good balance in the hall. Yesterday we had the youngsters from Boghall and Bathgate Juv. You could tell by their fingering how well taught they were, so all credit to their teachers. Posture was good too. Gordon Brown brought his brilliant Grade 1 drum corps along and they rattled through their repertoire including Saturday's medley and a drum fanfare that got a deserved ovation at the end. We finished with a good question and answer session.

Delighted to see so many friends over the week. It is impossible to spend too much time away from the desk however. Gordon Ferguson dropped in from Australia via the West Highland Way. Looking a picture of health after his recent illness too. Gordon (left) will be guesting with his old mate Dougie Elmslie and the Kilsyth Thistle band at the Worlds on Sat. Forecast not great by the way. Some heavy rain showers forecast.
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I want to pass on regards to Willie MacCallum senior who is recuperating after a short spell in hospital. Tony MacDonald continues to be cared for in the Southern General Hospital.

Get Those Pipes in Order

2011-08-07T20:21:00.007+01:00

I hope everyone has a good time at World's Week/ Piping Live. In case you've forgotten here are the events at the CoP:
MONDAY Aug 8

1200 – 1300 Piobaireachd of the Day – Brian Donaldson

1300 – 1400 Strathclyde Police Pipe Band

TUESDAY Aug 9

1400 – 1500 Piobaireachd of the Day – Brian Donaldson

1500 – 1700 Boghall Juvenile and Boghall Grade 1 Drum Corps

WEDNESDAY Aug 10

1200 – 1300 Piobaireachd of the Day – Pipe Major Gordon Walker

1300 – 1400 Field Marshall Montgomery Mini Band

THURSDAY Aug 11

1300 – 1400 Inveraray and District Pipe Band

1400 – 1500 Piobaireachd of the Day – Billy Geddes

FRIDAY Aug 12

1300 – 1400 Launch of second edition book, Highland Bagpipe Makers, by Jeannie Campbell who will be at the CoP to sign copies

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Someone has been asking about Tony MacDonald's health. Unfortunately I don't have any info at the moment but will ask around. I want to send best wishes to Finlay MacRae who tells me he is now in a wheelchair after his operation and also to Allan Hamilton of Pipers Persusion fame who has an operation to look forward to.
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The Scottish Power show on Weds looks set to be a spectacular event. I hear they are doing the Martin Bennett piece as the penultimate item in the second half. Featuring as it does the Lament for Mary MacLeod, the Power look set to produce something for everyone at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
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There are some good World's Week offers at the CoP ShoP from today. Please call in if you can and sign the visitor's book - and also take advantage of the deals.
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Wasn't that an excellent review by Stuart Samson for Joe Wilson's book in the last PT? As Stuart says it is a wonderful publication and so pleasing that Joe was able to see it completed before he passed away. Thanks for doing it Stuart. You did your fellow Gordon Highlander proud.
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Advice for competing pipers as the solo season gets to its climax? Make sure that the bagpipe is 100% 'on'. It is not an exagerration to say that this is 100% of the battle. Unless you have a steady, true instrument stay at home. Everyone has good pipes these days and if yours is not up to the mark you're wasting your time. If it goes well you play well, and all your bulling up of the fingering and time spent working over the nuances of your expresssion will bear fruit. None of that matters if the pipe goes out of tune or the chanter does not have a true scale. If you have doubts about a reed then get rid of it - now. You've still time to blow in a new one and have it settle down. Worried about your bag? Change it now. Don't arrive at the final week before Oban needing to alter things or with doubts in your mind. Ask yourself this: will my pipe be ready for the stage within ten - fifteen minutes of my getting it out of the box? If the answer is no, then you need to start immediately getting it into shape before the big day. Give yourself a comfort zone - you'll need it when the nervous energy saps your strength. Don't play a reed on the edge; you might choke. Play one that is easy so that when the cold sweat starts you can still stay in command. Let the volume come from a beautifully tuned instrument with all four reeds working together, not from an overly strong chanter reed you might play in a band. Take a look at the top pros. Are any of them breaking sweat? If they are it's usually from an increased heart rate rather than a lung burster of a chanter reed.
Finally, those playinmg in the Silver Medal qualifier a week Sunday are welcome to come in any time beforehand and have a free, dry run on the stage where their fate will be decided. Check with Willie or Gary beforehand (0141 334 3587).

Seumas MacNeill, Scottish Power etc

2011-08-02T16:04:00.002+01:00

Jim Begg on Seumas MacNeill: ‘On another occasion, I was chairing the final of a competition on behalf of the Scottish Pipers Association at the BBC studios and I had invited Seamus along as a distinguished guest. He really took the biscuit when he made some derogatory remarks about the performers. I could not believe it and it was all I could do to stop a riot. I had asked him in advance whether or not he needed any background information on the event and the performers and he replied ‘I'll just hoof it on the night’ - boy did he do that! The next day, I went to hear a presentation at the College regarding the introduction of Institute examinations for Piping - Seamus was fronting this initiative. Not a word was mentioned about the 12 hrs previous - the Maestro had spoken and no-one challenged him thereafter. Seamus's achievements and contribution to piping are too numerous to list here, but if you would like to find out more check out this link from the HeraldScotland ….At some stage, he was awarded the Loving Cup from Glasgow City Council and apparently went round the College saying ‘Somebody loves me!’ He had a very dry sense of humour and when this was combined with his unstinting focus and drive for piping perfection, the outcome on some occasions could result in a drop in his personal popularity in some quarters. Few will match the heights achieved by Seamus and we will be forever in his debt…’

The band contest from Lorient Festival will be live on the web next Saturday from 1pm local time. Here’s the link:

http://video-direct.france3.fr/player.php?id=1165

Filmmaker John MacDonald is launching the box set edition of his ‘On the Day’ movie the day after the Worlds. The gala screening of On The Day and the release party for the Collector's Edition 3-Disc Box Set is at the Glasgow Film Theatre is on August 14.

If you are on the island of Lewis there is some piping to be heard at Carloway School at 1pm. Ranald Fraser writes: 'The Carloway Show and Highland Games is the oldest gathering on the island of Lewis and we are celebrating our 100^th Anniversary this year. A trophy in memory of former College of Piping director Finlay MacNeill will be presented to the overall winner.’

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As I reported last posting, tickets are going well for the World’s Week highlight – Scottish Power’s ‘Energy’ concert at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Aug 10. The band's P/Sgt Donald MacKay tells me there will be fundraising on the night for Erskine Hospital for ex-servicemen. Donald, who organised the fundraising, said: ‘As an ex-serviceman myself, I am delighted that the band are able to do something for this very worthwhile charity which is obviously close to my heart. We will be dedicating a piece of music to them on the night which will give greater awareness of the charity and hopefully raise a lot of money along the way.’
Lesley Miller, Fundraising Manager at Erskine said: ‘It is so generous of the Scottish Power Pipe Band to invite us to raise funds at their concert.’ The band will also be doing a competition for kids coming to the concert with various prizes such as a backstage pass, T-shirt etc.

**
Heard a good one whilst up at Lochaber. Tom Speirs was judging somewhere and during a break the bench was discussing Malcolm R Macpherson of Binneas and other fame. Tom said that one evening at the Eagle Pipers (or some such gathering) Malcolm turned up and was asked to give a tune. As he didn’t have his pipes with him Tom generously offered his. Malcolm accepted, played, and was found dead at home the following morning. You’re cruel Tam, getting a frail man like Malcolm to blow in your new McAllister. Or was it the vapours from that home brew seasoning?

Summer Miscellany

2011-07-29T15:30:00.002+01:00

When you get your Aug PT, either tomorrow or next week, there's a correction I want to point out. The second tune excerpt on page 33 of Stuart Samson's excellent review of Joe Wilson's book should be of Alick C McGregor not Alick Cameron, Champion Piper:

Glasgow Skye’s Worlds Week concert featuring Scottish Power is heading for a very healthy crowd of 1,500-1,600 I hear. If you haven’t got your tickets yet then don’t miss out.

CoP Development Officer Derek Midgley writes: The College of Piping has recently been approved as an ILA Provider for the Scottish Government, further recognition of our role as the world’s leading bagpipe educator. ILA Scotland is a programme for resident nationals. It provides money for education to those who are not otherwise able to afford it. If you are over the age of 16 and make less than £22,000 a year, or are on benefits, you are eligible to receive £200 to be used for lessons at the College. This is an exciting new opportunity for anyone who would like to get lessons at the College but hasn’t had the necessary fees. Bear in mind that our fees are all subsidised by the CoP Shop so you can buy a lot of teaching for £200. Later we will be offering a series of courses that will include a SQA/PDQB exam for any level student. Depending on the level of the exam, the courses will cover both the cost of the exam and the remaining ILA money will include private lessons for that exam. For a support pack click https://ws2.learndirectscotland.com/ILAonline/Default.aspx or call me at the College on 0141 342 5254

P/M Iain Watson (left) writes: CoP band practices during World's Week are:

Weds 5pm - 6pm chanter; 6pm - 7pm pipes

Thurs 5pm - 6pm chanter; 6pm - 7pm pipes

Fri 5pm - 6pm chanter; 6pm - 7pm pipes

Practices are at the CoP and on the banks of the River Kelvin weather permitting. Pipers hoping to play at the Worlds must make sure all bags are tight, hemping is secure, blowpipes clear and valves working efficiently. Chanters will be integrated with the superb new Peter Henderson band chanters kindly supplied by RG Hardie & Co. All tunes must be fully committed to memory. They are Corriechoillie, Mhairi's Wedding, Teribus and Gang Nae Mair tae Yon Toun. Music and sound files of all tunes are on the band page. The Worlds is the last competitive outing of the season and will mark the end of Phase 1 of the band's development. Work begins over the winter on Phase 2. In 2012 the band will compete at all the major championships and some minor contests and will undertake number of engagements. Contact P/M Iain Watson for further info.

A new trend? Piping adjudicator Malcolm McRae has been spotted round the games checking tune scores via his iPad. Beats lugging the PS collection from Australia I’m sure.

George Kinnaird of the Corberry Park Pipers has written: ‘It was pleasing to read the positive comment in your Blog of 13th July about the Corberry Park Pipers attendance at the College. However an important element has been overlooked in that it is also our principal tutor Alan Maltman who has developed the playing technique of our students. Alan Maltman has worked with our youngsters over the past 8 or 9 years to produce an excellent standard and Alan's work has received favourable comments from Walter Cowan, William Geddes, Tony MacDonald and Gordon Walker. Through your Blog could you make the wider piping community aware of his vital contribution to our group. Many thanks.’

I hear the Silver Chanter judge next week is Colin MacLellan. On the Dunvegan Medal are Dugald MacNeill, Iain Morrison and Alan Forbes.

To Lochaber tonight for the contest tomorrow. Allan MacColl tells me he has a very healthy entry in the adult categories despite the clash with the Europeans in Belfast. 17 in the B&C grade and 11 in the P&A (judges Iain MacFadyen, Alan Forbes). Disappointing is the number in the under 18 category. What is happening up there in Lochaber that they cannot produce enough young pipers willing to take part? I am sure they are not all away on band duty. I wrote earlier this year about the high standard of play among the Highland’s youngsters. Why they are not supporting this contest I don’t know. The medal (axe) for the under 18s is worth a lot of money. I know the seniors are always delighted when they get the jewellery from their events – real quality. Much better than the actual Gold Medal at Oban and Inverness. These remind you of a milk bottle top rubbed onto an old penny. Many recipients have to get them gilt a few years down the line as the microns of ‘gold’ start to tarnish. Not so at Lochaber. We’ll get the results from the Fort on line ASAP tomorrow. And don't forget the RSPBA site for first news from Belfast.

Jeannie Campbell was in the CoP yesterday looking well despite her treatment. She tells me she has been inundated with requests for her second edition of the Pipemakers book. She kindly gave me a copy and I can tell you it is bursting with information on the craftsmen responsible for our instruments. Lots of photographs, pricelists, diagrams; 100 pages more than the first edition. A number of people have indicated they are coming to the launch on Aug 12 at 1pm at the CoP. Those with old pipes they would like to show off or have identified are welcome to attend. Admission is free and Jeannie will be on hand to sign copies of her must-have book priced at only £20.

CoP New England School student Thomas Hyatt, who is with the US Border Patrol, has sent this photograph of himself playing at a golf tournament at Sugarloaf Mountain. Very smart Tom and it looks like you’ve sorted out those doublings though hard to tell from a photo. Tom was one of the stars of the school and showed tremendous improvement over the week. If there are any Border Patrol pipers reading this check out with Tom and try to make next year's school. It will be in the first or second week of July at the Governor's Academy, Byfield, MA again.

Two Days on Mull

2011-07-25T10:26:00.005+01:00

Tobermory Games: A 5am start saw us via a flask of coffee, some sandwiches and the A82 at Oban pier at 7.15am. On board the Mull ferry we met fellow judges Ian McLellan and Barry Donaldson and piping convenor Torquil Telfer. A short crossing and we were at Craignure (pro. Craig-y-nure by locals) and off north via the partially single track road to Tobermory. We gathered in the Mishnish Hotel to be welcomed by proprietor Robert MacLeod. Robert took over from his late father, the famous box player Bobby (pictured left) some years ago. Some great pictures on the walls of the hotel (see in future PT) and Robert told me a little of the family's history. They were originally from Assynt but

were cleared off the land. Fortunately they had a boat and were able to move to Gairloch in Wester Ross. I don't know how they ended up on Mull but the hotel has been in the family's ownership for close on 150 years. Robert told me his father had had pipe lessons from an uncle from the age of four and even had a miniature set of pipes made for him. Good picture. When Willie Ross started teaching round the Highlands, Bobby had lessons and remembered being tutored along with John Burgess. John D remained a lifelong friend. See below. Another pic shows Bobby at a games. I think it is North Uist as the person on the left looks like the John Maclean featured recently in the PT. Then there's P/M John MacDonald, Glasgow Police, and finally the well known Highland character and fiddler extraordinaire 'Pibroch' MacKenzie. I am sure that the classic eight-part version of Charlie's Welcome that we used to play in Muirheads was by him.
After our chat some astringent sustenance and it was a march up the hill to the games park to the music of Angus MacColl's Oban High School kids. Have a listen to them in the video clip below.

I was on the ceol mor with Ronnie Clarke. 17 played.

Four tunes were asked for. The sun was out all day but there was a cool wind blowing. The winner was Calum Beaumont (right) playing Finlay's Lament. He had an excellent pipe with a perfect high G. Just what is needed for this tune. It was nicely played but the 4/4 bars were a little square and he was inconsistent in his connecting notes, low G too long. His T&C doublings were rushed slightly and one or two edres and crunluaths were tight. All said, however, Calum was a worthy winner of the top prize. Second went to Angus MacColl who rather rushed into the Red Speckled Bull. This left him little room for tempo change as the music progressed. Good pipe and finger. Stuart Liddell was third with Salute to Donald. He could have brought out more of the melody in this pleasant, if smallish tune. Fourth was Cameron Drummond. A good pipe and fingers here but there were timing issues with his Queen Anne's Lament: inconsistencies between the high G bars in lines 1 & 2. He had the wrong emphasis in Variation 1 pulling off the theme notes to the Cs. Fifth prize went to one of the best shaped tunes of the day, Andrew Gray's Flame of Wrath. The pipe was not great and he rushed the connecting notes in the crunluath doubling. Of the others Finlay Johnston was too slow with MacKenzie of Applecross, Tracey Williams missed a line in Duntroon after starting well, Colin Campbell (lovely pipe) added a line in Clan Campbell, Keith Bowes was a little draggy in Kinlochmoidart 1 and the crunluath needs work, Neil Walker nearly made the list with MacNab's but lacked fluency, same for Greig Canning's MacSwan; same for Iain Marshall with MacLeod of Raasay; same for Ally Henderson with the Big Bridge. David Shedden had a well timed ground in the Big Spree except for the penultimate bar where he cut a beat out by cutting the low A. John Mulhearn had a good ground in the King's Taxes though embari was never totally convincing. Var 1 doubling didn't flow in the required manner and there was an awkward break to the triplet.

The following day we decided to travel down to Iona. We stayed on the Ross of Mull at a B&B run, as it happened, by a MacNeill family. I got talking to the landlady's father, Angus MacNeill. His brother was a piper. They were of the Gigha MacNeill branch. Angus knew Harry Teggin, the CoP director who owns Cara, the island close to Gigha. He also knew the Blind Piper Archie MacNeill and Seumas MacNeill whose roots, he said, were in Gigha. I mentioned Bobby MacLeod and he told me he had been at his funeral where John D had played - as a special request from Bobby - Happy We've Been a' Thegither.

Pipers should visit the Ross. On your way you pass Torosay Castle as in the splendid retreat march. Further on you pass Pennycross as in the 2/4 march MacLean of, and Pennyghael as in Hector MacFadyen. If Iona is not your bag then you can head south to Erraid the island featured in Stevenson's Kidnapped - but watch the tides. Returning east then west and north via the coast road, you hit Tiroran as in Brig. Cheape and then you pass the mausoleum of Lachlan MacQuarrie the 'Father of Australia', and native of the island of Ulva. A must see for all our Australian pipers.

Tribute to Robert Stewart etc

2011-07-20T20:31:00.003+01:00

Peter McCalister reports from Inveraray Games: 'There was a very moving tribute to Robert Stewart at Inveraray. A sapling was planted and a plaque unveiled by the Duke of Argyll, and then Stewart Liddellplayed a lament, followed by a minute silence. You know how noisy HighlandGames can be ... well imagine all competitors and audience, children included, standing in respectful silence for a minute mid-afternoon…see attached photo of plaque - movingly simple.'A very apt gesture for a a much respected man Peter. Thanks for sharing that.

Bethany Bisaillion, P/M of the Sons of Scotland band reports: 'Here is a photo from our presentation of gifts to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was a terrific honour to meet them at Government House in Ottawa and again the next day at the Citizenship Ceremony on Canada Day.'

The mother of one of our students at the New England School has sent this: 'This note comes to you with many thanks for the terrific experience my son, Liam, enjoyed at the summer program at the Governor's Academy. My husband and I truly enjoyed the Saturday night and took the liberty of filming it for our son's archives. I thought you and the rest of the crew and their families might enjoy it as well. Please feel free to view it on YouTube at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lml3j3DjU8 . Hope to see you again next year. Thanks again,

Carmela Geer.'

Alden Biesen home of what is probably the main pipe band contest on the European mainland have sent this: '26^th Edition of the Scottish Weekend from 9- 11^th September 2011. Alden Biesen is the place to be for everybody who likes Scotland. This year the top of the best Highland Dancers are coming to Alden Biesen for the European Championship Highland Dancing. It is for the very first time that this championship is hold on the European mainland! In 2003 we had the European Championship Pipe Bands and now the European Championship Highland Dancing, this is top level! Over more than 60 Dancers from different European Countries are contesting for several European Titles! All the dancers are being judged according to the rules of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing. The usual Competition Highland Dancing takes place on Sunday! Don’t forget this!

I remember 2003 well. Don't think I've laughed so much as when Denver spilled that tray of beer. Those who were there will have a chuckle at the memory.

To Tobermory first thing tomorrow for the games. The team is Ian McLellan, Barry Donaldson, Ronnie Clarke, RW and Andrew Frater. All duly chaperoned to the Mishnish etc by Torquil. Will report the reportable.

August PT gone to bed. Reports on the British at Annan, the Clan Donald Quaich, a review of Joe Wilson's book, John Angus on the on-going CPA row, and an critical look at the Set Tunes process - an issue not to be missed by anyone serious about piping and pipe bands.

Silver/Gold Qualifier

2011-07-13T13:05:00.013+01:00

There have been one or two requests from pipers wishing to use the CoP Lecture Hall for a dry run for the Silver Medal Qualifier. Provided no one is using it there's no problem with anyone coming in. Just check with Willie or Gary beforehand on 0141 342 5252.

Arthur Korff, USA, has emailed re the second edition of Jeannie Campbell's Bagpipemakers book: 'Welcome home Jeannie! Good to see your name back in one of my favourite publications. I will be back for the Worlds and if the good Lord wills, will see you at the CoP on Friday August 12 at 1:0pm. Save me a copy of the book.'

Gold and Silver Medal qualifying for Oban and Inverness continues to populate the airwaves and featured in the July magazine as those smart enough to subscribe will have noticed. This was sent to us too: 'It appears that to play at Inverness it is required that an individual who is not a 'P' or an 'A +' must attend and play at Oban. Smacks of the X Factor with the three judges telling the successful participants 'You are through to the next round and best of luck for next week!' ----and the unfortunates 'Better luck next time!' It doesn't happen too often, but a big drone going on the blink or a stupid mistake at an advanced stage of a performance may have more impact than excluding a player from the Oban prize list. It will spell disaster for the prospects of playing at Inverness. If the playing is anything like what the Gold Medal was last year at Inverness, the judges are going to have difficulty in identifying those with the X Factor. Making a prize list can at times be difficult. Judges judging pupils is not a great problem in my opinion, but this idea could exacerbate any problem there might be. I can see that unsuccessful candidates might want the judges to justify their decisions in a public way. Transparency of course can be painful. I suppose Oban was always something like a dry-ish run for Inverness, but now it is confirmed as such.'
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What a great week we've had here. I arrived back from the New England school and could hardly get in the door. Big contingent from the Corberry Park pipers in Dumfries. Jim McConnachie does a marvellous job with these youngsters; all very clean fingered. Our tutors Iain Watson, Willie Gilmour and Darach Urquhart had a very enjoyable week teaching them. We also had a couple of Czech visitors and a lot of other students in for one-to-one lessons. Pic shows some of the students at the end of the course.

CoP Radio on air and features 20 year old Elliott Smith from New Hampshire playing some light music, the late Scott MacAulay with a piobaireachd tutorial, Douglas Murray with Lord Lovat's Lament (vg perf. in my book) and Willie McCallum at the 2009 Silver Cap.

I hear the 'Pipes for Peace' concert on August 12 in Glasgow has sold 600 tickets.SLoT and SFU star with Bob Worrall doing the intros. It's on the Thursday of Worlds Week at the SEC Glasgow.

Taynuilt Games this weekend and Balloch and Rosneath and I hear that after my comments last week that there are moves afoot to have ceol mor next year at Luss as it used to have in years gone by.

New England 3

2011-07-09T11:19:00.006+01:00

We are drawing to close now. Whilst we always tend to say that things have been a success I think this summer school can be viewed as that. It is always more difficult getting things off the ground than it is coming to a school that has been going for years. There were the inevitable hitches in coming to a new place but nothing insurmountable. We will be back next July with registrations on the CoP website as early as possible.

Some very promising young players are on the school including Cam Webster (Lezlie and Gordon's son), Kane McManus and Elliot Smith. They will do well in piping all things being equal.... a credit to their parents and teachers and nice young men to boot.

We are sharing campus now with an American football course. Big boys. We've a few stout chaps with us too mind.

Students have been impressed (they tell me) with the attention they get. We are with them throughout the day and evening and as well as getting top line instruction they make friends too.

You develop a new respect for drum majoring when you see Billy Jordan in action. 90 deg. heat and there he is every day, hour after hour, drilling his pupils. See the short clip below.

Our street parade to Newburyport is today and though we were too late to get official permission to halt the traffic we are going to a local park for a few tunes. Hope to attract some locals to the closing concert tomorrow night.

Barry and I went out for a meal last night and, well, you know the way things sometimes happen...we ended up getting a lift in a vehicle belonging to the US Border Patrol...not much legroom in the back...much as we struggled to free ourselves, that grille (left) was just too well made...enough said already.

New England 2

2011-07-06T03:32:00.007+01:00

One of the great pleasures of these summer schools is the people you meet. Take Bill. He is in the piping class and drum majoring. He flits between, and enjoys, both. His grandfather was in the posse that tracked down and shot the infamous Dalton gang. To a man. His grandfather was, says Bill, a simple dirt farmer fed up getting robbed. Students of Western history will be impressed. The Daltons apparently started out as US Marshals but didn't get paid and turned outlaw. Bill's great grandfather was Casey Jones's fireman.

We had tunes tonight from Tom, a US border patrolman. He covers the Canada - Maine border looking for criminals trying to illegally enter the US. Tom and his colleague Brent are in the Patrol pipe band. You wouldn't believe the improvement in Tom's pipes over the course of today. Originally from Texas, he knows all about John MacGregor piping at the Alamo and says the legendary and reputedly excruciating musical duels between MacGregor on the pipes and Davie Crocket on the fiddle are true.

We tried to impress on the students how important good bagpipe sound was. They may not be able to finger to the very highest standard but with careful thought and application they can learn to get a good pipe going, and that - as we all know - transforms the ordinary player from dismissible to listenable.

Last night's storm took quite a toll. Apart from the lights out, it took down a few trees on campus. Workmen were out first thing cutting up the fallen timber (see pic).

Our main recitalist of the evening was Bill Geddes who played a selection of light music and then finished his first half with Queen Anne's Lament and the Lament for DD MacKay in the second half. I don't know what the students made of Queen Anne with its modal changes but I explained the piobaireachd high G to them as the chanter's 'crying' note. Bill hopes to play with Shotts in the second half of the season.

I hear Robert Matheson has made the front rank of SFU for the Worlds. Robert was with us the last time we came over for our eastern seaboard school in the US and is missed this time as are Ian and Moira of the British Shop. Robert will be a great asset to Terry and Jack.

I must say I enjoyed Jack's playing of the Nameless tune on 'Pipeline' on Saturday. I played it in the Clasp in 1986. The PS setting is by far the best music despite what the Piping Times said at the time. We forget at our peril that gracenoting is there to enhance a melody, not to interrupt it. This is something understood by Angus MacKay and all educated pipers since. It is why he was so successful, no question. So well done the PS editor(s)! and, though he didn't play the PS setting, well done Jack. He made music of what he was tasked with.

New England School

2011-07-05T11:01:00.005+01:00

Firstly, apologies: Roddy Cannon's daughter is Sarah not Fiona as reported in the current PT; Lorient Piobaireachd competition on August 8 not Aug 3. Will repeat these in Aug PT.

New England school gets underway this morning with a late number of students. Encouraging. Temperatures here in 90s but we shall overcome. A/C in classrooms so that is all that matters. Toured campus yesterday. Governor's Academy used to be called Governor Dummer's Academy; you can understand why it was shortened. FD Roosevelt, and a number of other US Presidents, have spoken here during their presidential campaigns. As I have written before the whole New England area is different from other parts of the US. We were in Newburyport last night for a meal (during a violent thunderstorm which later knocked out the power in the dorms) and it was very much like your typical English small town. We'll have our parade there on Saturday from 2pm. The meal was huge by the way; no need for breakfast.

Former PM Maggie Thatcher was famous for saying that every Prime Minister needed a Willie (referring to her deputy Willie Whitelaw you rude people). We've got three doing the school: Willies Park, Geddes and Jordan (left). Willie P travelled across the pond in his kilt to save space in the suitcase and got some admiring glances (unusual for him!) from the Aer Lingus stewardesses.

I must record our thanks to RG Hardie & Co for their sponsorship of the CoP New England school. Gratefully received gentlemen.

Will be interesting to see how the pipes react to the temperatures. In these conditions I always wrap them in a plastic bag to keep the moisture in - and keep them out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Another trick is to put a damp towel in the pipe case. Problem is always worse if you play a synthetic bag. I've heard of bands putting ice cubes in the bag via the zipper. You can see why hide (cow, kangaroo or goat) does so well in the sun, retaining, as it does, essential moisture.

Robert Gunther, our Afghan correspondent, has been in contact with piper Patrick Dowdell whose father James, a Lieutenant Fireman in the FDNY, died at 9/11. Patrick played the pipes at Ground Zero when the death of Osama Bin Laden was announced.

Piob at Games, New England etc

2011-06-30T15:16:00.006+01:00

Piob Soc supporter and member Rory Sinclair, Canada, has emailed: 'I produced a CD last summer, the idea of which was to show that the pipes were quite adaptable to other genres of music- so we ended up with jazz, cajun, calypso, Bob Marley, Chuck Berry, Herbie Hancock,

Lennon-McCartney inter alia plus some trad Scottish and some original tunes from me. There is also the ground of Andrew MacNeil of Colonsay with me playing both bass and guitar... the timing was impossible to teach the band so I did it. Here is a link to the CD info

http://www.cravemusic.com/rory . And here is a You Tube version of the first track on the CD - a Cajun number - with me playing pipes and singing - but not at the same time. !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CK1inei4Cg&fmt=22 .' Jeez Rory what a cool dude you are!

I hear Cupar Games have been cancelled this weekend. Only leaves Luss tomorrow. Why don't they have a piobaireachd contest there? They never have done so there is no tradition. Luss used to come the day after Inveraray. It and Balloch were always the makeweights of the first week of the Glasgow Fair fortnight games.

Funny how a ceol mor contest suddenly confers a seriousness to a games event. I hope Luss are listening. They will double their entry if they add some piobaireachd. Here's a snap of Scott Drummond playing there in 1994 for judges Angus J MacLellan and Jimmy Young. I know Angus reads this column so all the best to you AJ and hope to see you over the summer if you can manage out.

A fine player, Scott doesn't seem to compete solo or with the band (FMM) any more but keeps himself busy helping with the drone tuning. Saw him briefly last weekend at Annan.

Also saw in the passing Piob Soc President Jack Taylor who has, since retiring, taken up band work again with the accomplished Buchan band from the north east. I think they were second in Grade Two at the British (since this post went live I've been told they were third at Annan and 2nd at Dumbarton). No small achievement in what is a very tough grade. Jack has an interview with the BBC Pipeline programme tomorrow.

Had a few phone calls and emails already about the launch of Jeannie's second edition 'Pipemakers' book to be revealed for the first time at the CoP on Aug 12 at 1pm when the lady herself will be present to sign copies. I hear the retail price will be circa £20. A steal if you ask me. Hasn't Jeannie made a tremendous contribution to piping over the last 30 odd years? It is a travesty that she hasn't yet been presented with the Balvenie Medal for services to piping don't you think? The great majority of the piping public (here and abroad) appreciate her work even if a few mean spirited individuals in certain quarters don't.

Dugald MacNeill is back from our California School at Carlsbad and tells me it was a highly successful week with progress on all fronts. Some students arrived able to play four tunes but no gracenotes. I don't have to tell you how quickly that was knocked out of them with the trusty Green Book to the fore over the seven days.

So all roads for yours truly and the team head Boston way from Monday. We hope to catch the tail end of the 4th of July celebrations and follow the celebrated dictum of US founding father John Adams. Although it was not GB's finest hour, we Scots can rightly raise a glass to the new country given the significant contribution our countrymen played in the founding of that great nation.

The New England school (if you didn't know) is at the Governor's Academy in Byfield, MA. Students and tutors will gather from Monday the 5th at 11am for a welcome, lunch and then auditions. Classes will begin right away. We've a very full programme of teaching to get through after all. Our town parade will be on the Saturday and examinations and closing concert/ certificate presentation ceremony are on the Sunday 10th. If you are in the Byfield area and would like to come along please do so. There will be a $5 admission on the door.

PDQB, Edin PB Champs etc

2011-06-28T09:20:00.006+01:00

Those wishing to sit PDQB/SQA exams should note they can now download all the paperwork needed to sign up and help them pass. Download a registration form and Specifications and Sample Theory Exam Papers can also be downloaded from the site www.pdqb.org .
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I am told there was a very large turnout for Jim Hutton's funeral yesterday with a selection of his old drumming colleagues doing a salute at the service and brother Davy playing at the graveside.

Robert Aitken, PDQB assessor in the north east, has a two day young pipers event in August. Those wanting to register for 'Pipe Academy' can email: northeast@pipingprogramme.co.uk

My schoolboy French tells me that Margaret and Alastair Dunn and Tracey Williams will be enhancing the playing pipers at this year's Cancale Festival in Brittany: 'Bien chers amis et collègues concertistes de « Pibroc'h, ou Piberezh, en bord de mer », 7ème Édition cancalaise du Dimanche 18 Septembre 2011. Voici la liste des musiciens qui ont confirmé leur participation pour l'instant: de Bretagne et France: J.Louis BUTTIER, Denis DANIEL, Pierre GALLAIS, Yvon GROSSET, Hervé LE FLOC'H, Y.Marie LE CORRE, Anne LORE, Patrick MOLARD, Yann PELLIET, Jakez PINCET, Eric SORIOT, Olivier THORAVAL, Christian VILLEJIQUEL.
De l'international: Alisdair et Margaret DUNN, Iain MacLEOD (Jersey), Perry Van MULUKOM, Harry VERHOEVEN, Tracy WILLIAMS. Bien cordialement : Jakez PINCET.'

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Now didn't the CoP Training and Development band do well at Annan? From last to second last in 4b may not seem like a great improvement, but the piping judges had them mid table--ish which, all things considered, wasn't too bad in P/M Ian Watson's first outing. A strengthening of the drum corps and the band will do much better. They'll be going out to some minor contests in the future to improve their match fitness for the majors.
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One of FMM's champion pipers Jonathon Greenlees and his lovely wife Lindsay have completed their move to Glasgow from over the water. Personally I don't know why we let these people in. City is bursting at the seams with immigration as it is. How are we to feed everyone? Where are the extra fish suppers going to come from? And as for their deep fried Mars bars.... well they'll just have to get in the queue.....

Very good crowd at the CoP last night for the end of Term contest. Thanks to all the tutors for their hard work over the teaching year and to the parents for their support.

More info on the Edinburgh Pipe Band Championship from Jennifer Symington: 'Entries are coming in thick and fast for Edinburgh’s first ever pipe band championship, with the Pipes and Drums of Central Scotland Police leading the way. The band was one of the first to sign up to compete. Its 30-strong band headed up by Pipe Major Robert Russell will compete in the Grade Three. They will be joined at the competition, which takes place at the Royal Highland Centre on Sunday 24^thJuly, by Newtongrange, Boghall and Bathgate, the Scottish Borders Pipe Band and Grade One bands Inveraray & District and Fife Constabulary. Pipe Major Russell said: 'The Edinburgh Pipe Band Championship is a welcome addition to the piping calendar. There hasn’t been a piping competition in Edinburgh for over 15 years so we’re really looking forward to competing.'

John Hughes, event organiser and Chairman of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Lothian & Borders Branch, said:' We’re delighted to have such a positive response from bands across Scotland including Central Scotland Police, Fife Constabulary, Newtongrange and Inveraray.'
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Red Hot Chilli Pipers in the CoP today doing some promo work. Here's a clip:

Tuners, PT, Gavin, CoP Radio etc

2011-06-21T06:17:00.009+01:00

Bagpipe innovator Murray Blair has emailed: ‘I've receive many questions asking the difference between the HBT2 and other tuners. Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of confusion about the correct tuner to use with pipes. To help pipers understand I've uploaded a video explaining (with more to follow) in an attempt to start an education process!’ Here’s the link: http://www.thebagpipetuner.com/component/content/article/99.html If any of our other advertisers wish to pass on similar video/audio files or just a photograph and a few words about their stuff then, guys, don't be shy.
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Hamish Moore has emailed: ‘I am delighted to announce a wonderful acoustic concert of traditional piping in the beautiful setting of The Grand Hall of Lennoxlove Castle, Haddington, Sunday 7th August 2011 at 1pm. Tickets are £10 and available on the door.’ Those taking part are Allan MacDonald – Highland Pipes, Angus Nicolson – Reel Pipes, Paul Roberts – Border Pipes, Iain MacInnes – Scottish Small Pipes. Refreshments are available.
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An exhibition of some of the work by 16^th century artist Albrecht Durer is on at the National Gallery Complex in Edinburgh until October. Does anyone know if his engravings of pipers are on show?
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Who spotted the deliberate errors in CoP Radio? FM play the Smith of Chillichassie and not Pretty Marion (shows the folly of relying on sleeve notes) and Muirheads kick off their 6/8s with O’er the Water tae Charlie not Top o’ Ben Lomond.
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Peter McCalister is doing a great job supplying the CPA Facebook site with images and sound recordings from the games. He writes: ‘I will be doing some more updates shortly as Allan Russell has allowed his tune to go on too ... although he was 5^th [at Aberdeen]; the tune is Menzies Salute and thus not often heard.’ Peter says he has a new recorder now and the sound quality should be much better henceforth. He adds: ‘The link is public so I don't think you have to be a ‘friend’…however you DO have to possess a Facebook account.’
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Competing-Pipers-Association/76631274835

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I was sorry to hear of Jim Hutton’s passing. He was a major figure in pipe band circles for 60 years. Tributes to follow in Pipe Band magazine. No doubt there will be a fair bit of reminiscing at the British at Annan tomorrow among those who knew Jim. The weather forecast could be worse – some showers. As long as we don’t have another Dumbarton I won’t mind. I’m looking forward to hearing the new medleys for the first time and will have a report in the August PT.

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PT for July has gone to bed. Good articles on Jeannie Campbell’s new edition of her pipemakers’ book, the Gold and Silver Medals at Oban and Inverness, Heroes of Afghanistan, set of Robertson pipes for sale, full results pages (including a report on the RU Brown Gold Medal) and some interesting letters.

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I hear Gavin Stoddart is making a come back to the judges’ bench at the Masters Competition at Piping Live! You’ve been away to long Gavin!

Tony MacDonald, Lewis Turrell

2011-06-20T13:26:00.008+01:00

I hear Tony MacDonald is pretty ill in the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow. It seems he fell whilst trying to move a wood turning lathe and has done some considerable damage. He is getting lots of visitors including many of his pupils and their parents. Tony is a superb teacher and they'll be missing his ministrations I can tell you. He has his electronic chanter with him for a tune. Hard to imagine Tony not being well. He's always so full of energy and vigour even in his 70s. And what a head of hair! All good wishes to you Tony and hope to see you back teaching at the CoP soon.

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There is a comprehensive obituary for New Zealander Lewis Turrell in the July PT. Here's an excellent picture I didn't have room for. It was taken after Lewis became the first non-Scot to win the Highland Society of London Gold Medal in 1957. He's pictured with his tutor P/M Donald MacLeod. It is hard to gauge the magnitude of Lewis's achievement 50 and more years on. I've always believed judges here are very open and honest with overseas players. If they play for it they get it. We do hear the odd whinge in certain quarters about unfair treatment for visiting pipers but you only have to look at the record books for Oban and Inverness to see what a lot of nonsense it is.

A few folk have asked how I ended up with battery trouble at Kyle. The dog stood on the hazard warning light button and for a couple of hours at least they were blazing away whilst I was blethering away.

Ian Watson has asked me to point out that his quest for new drummers for the CoP T&D band should not be seen as reflecting badly on the current chaps at the back. He just needs more of you fellas.

We've decided to open registrations for the Winter School a little earlier than usual. The school was such a success in February that I want to give as many people as possible a chance of attending the 2012 extravaganza. Prices have had to go up a little but not much.

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Edinburgh Pipe Band Championship organisers have sent the following: 'We are putting out a final reminder to pipe bands across Scotland to get their entries in before Sunday 26^th June to be in with a chance of competing in Edinburgh’s first pipe band championship. Many entries have already been received and processed although an influx of entries is expected ahead of next Sunday’s deadline. Organisers are asking pipe bands to submit entries by the cut-off date to secure a place in the draw. The Championship takes place at the Royal Highland Centre on Sunday 24^th July and is open to all grades of pipe bands. Bands will compete in seven categories to be crowned championship winners and take home a share of the £5000 prize fund. John Hughes, organiser and Chairman of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Lothian & Borders Branch, said: 'There is a real excitement about the Edinburgh Pipe Band Championship, the first piping event in the capital in over 15 years, and while we have a number of entries for Edinburgh’s first ever pipe band championship, we’re expecting a flurry of last minute applications.'