Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chairman Kevin Reilly has resigned his position, effective, September 1st, due to "personal reasons." He had served with the organization for almost 30 years in various capacities, and was appointed Chairman in 2003.
No specific explanation was immediately available, and Reilly had been reappointed for another term in the powerful Chairman role in 2009. During Reilly's tenure in office . . .
Charity tickled Pink with Field Marshal fundraising
Last Updated: August 31, 2010
The two-week fundraising efforts by the 2010 Champion of Champions Field Marshal Montgomery have resulted in £1500 so far gained for the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Campaign. But the band has decided not to stop until another £1000 is raised. FMM will continue to offer both its RE:CHARGED CD and DVD at a reduced £10, with . . .
Hart three-for-five at Combined Scottish Societies of NSW solos
Last Updated: August 31, 2010
Ainsley Hart, Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 City of Blacktown Pipe Band, enjoyed a solid day at the Combined Scottish Societies of New South Wales solo . . .
Jeffrey Lawson enjoyed two firsts in the light music, and Alan Russell and Simon McKerrell also had very good days at the annual Lonach Gathering . . .
pipetunes.ca presents . . . Tune of the Month: "The Royal Scottish Pipers' Society"
Last Updated: August 29, 2010
Jim McGillivray continues his exclusive series with "The Royal Scottish Pipers' Society," one of the greatest marches ever composed - a tune from the pen of one of history's most elusive and enigmatic subjects, Roderick Campbell. Subscribers to pipes|drums can enjoy a fascinating look into what's known of Campbell's life. Jim McGillivray also provides an instructional sound file of his own playing of the tune on the Deger pipe.
The passing of Robert "Bobby" Rea of Belfast on August 13, 2010, marked a milestone in pipe band history. Bobby Rea made a profound contribution to pipe band drumming through his playing and compositions, but perhaps most of all, through his teaching. His pupils include many of today's drumming luminaries, and his impact on style and scoring can be felt at every pipe band event. One of his most famous students, Paul Turner, currently the Lead-Drummer of the Grade 1 Robert Wiseman Dairies-Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and the former Lead-Drummer of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Pipe Band, provided his thoughts on his mentor. He also forwarded a tribute by fellow RUC drummer and Bobby Rea pupil, Mark Armstrong, that was read at the great drummer's funeral on August 18th.
Old School: thoughts on cèol mòr with four piping legends - Lt.-Col. David Murray
Last Updated: July 18, 2010
Our series of archival interviews with four legends of piping, exclusively for subscribers to pipes|drums, concludes with Lieutenant-Colonel David Murray. The interviews were recorded by a 17-year-old Iain Speirs, himself now a piping luminary, as part of high school project in 1989 that focused on the state of piobaireachd at the time, tapping each interview subject for his thoughts and opinions on where the music may be heading. The relatively brief conversations are each fascinating looks into the philosophies and perspectives of each man. In this final instalment, Lieutenant Colonel David Murray, the distinguished military man and a famous "amateur" piper taught by the great Robert Reid, meets with Speirs and provides fascinating personal perspectives on piobaireachd.
The joys and challenges of organizing a piping and drumming summer school in North America
Last Updated: July 9, 2010
A brief interview with Ellen Mole, director of the Ontario School of Piping & Drumming, on her experiences developing a two-week course for pipers and drummers, and some of the trends that she has identified over the years
Old School: thoughts on cèol mòr with four piping legends - James Campbell of Kilberry
Last Updated: May 19, 2010
Our series of archival interviews with four legends of piping, exclusively for subscribers to pipes|drums, continues with James Campbell. The interviews were recorded by a 17-year-old Iain Speirs, himself now a piping luminary, as part of high school project in 1989 that focused on the state of piobaireachd at the time, tapping each interview subject for his thoughts and opinions on where the music may be heading. The relatively brief conversations are each fascinating looks into the philosophies and perspectives of each man. In this third instalment, James Campbell of Kilberry, the son of the legendary and, to some, infamous Archibald Campbell – of Piobaireachd Society and Kilberry Book of Cèol Mòr fame – meets with Speirs and provides a reserved, yet candid, look into his outlooks and philosophy on piobaireachd and piping overall.
Quality reed selection is a pre-requisite to obtaining a good tone in a pipe corps. Four criteria to consider when testing reeds are balance, vibrancy, volume and strength. Check the High A Low A balance against a single sounding tenor drone - if these two notes are in the ballpark chances are the rest of the notes can be tuned.
