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Published: May 02, 2013 pipetunes.ca presents . . . Tune of the Month: "Colin Mackay," a classic hornpipe from teenage fingers
RATING  Jim McGillivray continues his exclusive series with Reay Mackay's hornpipe, composed as a kid in 1954. Subscribers to pipes|drums can enjoy the original manuscript of the tune, a classic image of a very young Reay Mackay with Colin Mackay, and instructional scores and sound files of McGillivray on the Deger pipe. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (4) |
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Published: April 27, 2013 pipes|drums reports: Associations' dues, fees and communications
RATING We take a look at 15 of the world's most active pipe band associations and compare the dues that they charge to pipe bands and/or individuals and the charges for entry into collective competitions and/or single events. We also consider online entry and how they communicate with their members. The result is an illuminating summary of a wide array of costs, with one organization looking for a band of 35 pipers and drummers to pay more than $1,500 just to compete on their circuit during a calendar year. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (4) |
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Published: February 18, 2013 p|d Hot Stove League: LA Scots' Armstrong and Kvidahl at 2012 Pipes+Drums Recital
RATING The fourth part of our 2012 Pipes+Drums Recital of Grade 1 band pipe-majors and leading-drummers features Los Angeles Scots Colin Armstrong and Glenn Kvidahl with four selections from the August 8th event The band saw its way back in to the Grade 1 Final round at the World Pipe Band Championships three days later, ultimately finishing as the thirteenth best band in the world. Joining Armstrong and Kvidahl in one set is bass drummer Steve Foley, one of . . . Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: February 06, 2013 John MacColl's mysterious inspiration – a doozy of a dilemma
RATING Jim McGillivray's excellent analysis of the famous John MacColl 2/4 march, "Sir Arthur Bignold of Loch Rosque," brings to light the question of whether the tune is actually his own, or if, as in so many instances in pipe music, his inspiration came from other sources. We examine the curious compositional cases of "Arthur Bignold," "The Old House of Wick," "Jeannie Carruthers," "Captain Duncan MacGregor" and the old Scots lullaby, "Dingle Doosie" with original hand-written manuscripts and a recording of the great Captain John A. MacLellan MBE. It's a case of tune-writing intrigue and mystery that is no farewell to enigma. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (14) |
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Published: January 26, 2013 "Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque:" new John MacColl photo helps to highlight an old classic
RATING With a never before published photograph of the composer, Jim McGillivray continues his exclusive series with John MacColl's classic, " Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque," one of the greatest marches composed by perhaps the greatest march-creator in history. Subscribers to pipes|drums can see images of MacColl and the Loch Rosque estate, and enjoy instructional scores and sound files of McGillivray on the Deger pipe, as well as the actual manuscript of "Arthur Bignold" written by MacColl's own hand. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (6) |
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Published: January 24, 2013 Ian Cramb, 1936-2013 – a testament
RATING  Angus Clarke of the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band of Pitlochry, Scotland, pays tribute to the memory of one of the band's most dedicated and celebrated members, who died on January 19th at the age of 75. Ian Cramb was the band's president and the father of its Pipe-Major, Adrian Cramb. Gus Clarke will deliver this appreciation at Cramb's funeral on January 25th. Read More | COMMENTS (4) |
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Published: January 12, 2013 p|d Hot Stove League: 78th Frasers' MacRae and Duthart at 2012 Pipes+Drums Recital
RATING The third in our series of performances by Grade 1 pipe band leaders features Pipe-Major Doug MacRae and Leading-Drummer Drew Duthart of the 78th Fraser Highlanders. MacRae and Duthart were one of the four duos who played at the annual Pipes+Drums Recital at the 2012 Piping Live! Glasgow International Festival of Piping. The two were joined by bass drummer Johnny Rowe and tenor drummer Matt Bellia, providing an mini-band effect. The Pipes+Drums recitals are designed to showcase the talents of the leaders of the world's top pipe bands, with . . . Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: January 09, 2013 One Great Day: Bill Livingstone recounts the day of the 1987 World Pipe Band Championships
RATING pipes|drums kicks off a new feature for subscribers: "One Great Day," a series of articles by famous pipers and drummers who recall a particularly memorable day in their life. We will ask them to choose one day that stands out in their mind, perhaps because of its historical importance, or a personal achievement, or for anything else that they might choose. This year is the 25th anniversary of the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band's World Pipe Band Championship win. At the quarter-century mark, it made sense to see what Bill Livingstone remembered from that historical day in August, when he led his 78th Fraser Highlanders to becoming the first non-Scottish band to win a World Pipe Band Championship. In fact, before then, no Grade 1 band outside of Scotland had won an RSPBA major championship of any kind. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (6) |
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Published: January 06, 2013 pipes|drums' fearless forecasts for 2013 and 2012 results
RATING The first week of every year brings pipes|drums' annual predictions for the 12 months ahead, and this year, rather than a long and rambling list of prognostications from numerous people around the piping and drumming world, we're keeping things simple. Just 10. Ten straightforward predictions. All serious. All substantial. Each reflecting trends that we've identified that make a realistic case for them actually occurring. We're sticking our neck out with these, and this time next year we'll go back and see how we did. We also invite pipes|drums readers . . . Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (1) |
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Published: December 09, 2012 p|d Hot Stove League: Boghall's Walker and Brown at 2012 Pipes+Drums Recital
RATING Our second installment of videos from the 2012 Pipes + Drums Recital at the 2012 Piping Live! Glasgow Festival of Piping features Pipe-Major Ross Walker and Leading-Drummer Gordon Brown of the Grade 1 Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band of Bathgate, Scotland. The recital, free to all who wanted to listen, was put on once again by the nonprofit pipes|drums, with an aim to feature several of the world's top pipe band leaders to showcase the styles that they bring to their bands. Walker and Brown kicked off the 2012 event, requesting . . . Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: November 03, 2012 Wilson's 6-parted "Loch Carron" an authentic throwback
RATING pipetunes.ca presents . . . Tune of the Month: "Loch Carron" - Master piper Jim McGillivray considers D.C, Mather's famous competition reel and makes a fascinating discovery in this subscribers-only feature, which includes a sound files of Jim playing various versions of the tune and published scores of the composition – one a discovery from the 1800s that would have better informed the late Seumas MacNeill. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (8) |
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Published: November 01, 2012 p|d Hot Stove League: Jørgensen and Hall of L&B at 2012 Pipes+Drums Recital
RATING Once again we bring pipers and drummers highlight videos to keep the fires burning over the long off-season in the northern hemisphere, and invigorating practice in the hot summer in the antipodes. We start the series with Leading-Drummer Jake Jørgensen and Pipe-Major Neil Hall of the Grade 1 Lothian & Borders Police Pipe Band, who performed at the pipes|drums-sponsored Pipes+Drums Recital at the 2012 Piping Live! Glasgow International . . . Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: October 28, 2012 Brand management: the Peel Regional Police and the art of working with the sponsor
RATING Think a police pipe band has it easy when it comes to funds and sponsorship? Think again. When a band has a sponsorship there's a duty to represent the sponsor's brand well. And if it's a police-sponsored band, the pressure is on for every member to produce the playing goods, but also to uphold the image with the public of a serving police officer. As the alignment of pipe bands and police forces are under intense scrutiny in Scotland with the April 2013 unification into a single Scottish Police Service, pipers and drummers in any band, whether sponsored or not, can learn from what the Grade 1 Peel Regional Police must do to keep the sponsors pleased. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: September 09, 2012 (Video) Making the leap: the challenges moving up a grade can bring to a winning band
RATING As the off-season presents itself in the northern hemisphere, select pipe bands that have had successful summer winning most of the prizes, or even dominating, their grade are hoping to make the leap up. The goal of almost all competing bands is to climb the grading ladder, but making the transition, no matter what the level, can bring substantial challenges. While the playing standard might be there, the psychological hurdles are perhaps the hardest to overcome. Bands moving up are used to winning and, more often than not, they won't be making the prize-lists in their new grade. In essence, the have to trade the thrill of victory for the pain of defeat. Without doubt, historically the hardest jump is from Grade 2 to Grade 1. As Pipe-Major Robert Cupples of Cullybackey described it, "Grade 1 can be a graveyard for bands moving up." A Grade 2 band can dominate their . . . Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: August 27, 2012 A student's guide to piping and university/college – Part 3
RATING With the university and college year about to start, and many pipers and drummers around the world about to enter their final year of high school, professional-grade piper Liz Sheridan concludes her series with final advice and a list of piping/drumming-friendly institutions, many of which offer scholarships and even degree programs to deservingmusicians. The third and final part of the "Students' guide to piping and university" is intended to help you in your choice of school and program. With so many options available for students, here are some things you may want to consider before accepting your offer of admission.Exclusively for subscribers to pipes|drums . . . Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (2) |
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Published: August 18, 2012 Sounds and sights from the 2012 World Championships
RATING pipes|drums brings you one last series of sounds and sights from the 2012 World Pipe Band Championships, held on August 11th at Glasgow Green – behind-the-scenes excerpts, commentary and more footage from the Field Marshal Montgomery celebration. Read More | COMMENTS (7) |
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Published: August 12, 2012 The 2012 World's in Photos
RATING The 2012 World Pipe Band Championships are done and dusted. Field Marshal Montgomery were worthy champions, taking their eighth World title, further establishing Pipe-Major Richard Parkes in the pantheon of pipe band leadership elite. Ten years have passed since the competition witnessed such weather – intense sunshine and temperatures soaring to the mid-twenties. Spirits were high, and sunscreen took over from umbrellas as the most in-demand item – outside, of course, of tone, execution and beer. The day was excellent for taking photos, and the pipes|drums team was out in force capturing images from the day. Read More | COMMENTS (4) |
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Published: June 22, 2012 A student's guide to piping and university/college - Part 2
RATING In the second part of the "Students' guide to piping and university," you'll find insight into specific schools as well as international perspectives on attending school provided by three very successful pipers and students: Faye Henderson, Derek Midgley and Craig Muirhead, each of whom managed to balance their academic and piping lives, and even improve their success rate in solo competitions in Scotland. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (2) |
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Published: May 28, 2012 A student's guide to piping and university/college - Part 1
RATING Just in time for the end of the school year and the beginning of many pipers' first years at university and college, professional-class solo piper Elizabeth Sheridan of Oakville, Ontario, provides insights and tips on how to get the most from your post-secondary school experience while keeping your keen interest in the pipes. Practicing, money, time management, scholarships, housing – it's all here, along with insights (in Part 2) from student-pipers in the UK. A member of the Grade 1 Peel Regional Police Pipe Band and a student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Liz Sheridan is living proof that it is possible to let both academic and piping lives coexist . . . and even thrive. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (1) |
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Published: May 16, 2012 The end of the road with Pipes & Sticks on Route 66
RATING The group of world famous pipers and drummers who hit the road in early-April on the "Pipes & Sticks on Route 66" tour have embarked on a one-of-a-kind journey, and members of the team have offered to provide pipes|drums Magazine readers with an exclusive travel log on the adventure. Drummers Mike Cole and Jim Kilpatrick and pipers Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl and Willie McCallum are taking three weeks to traverse the old US Highway #66, playing recitals and conducting workshops along the way. In this final installment, Mike Cole, Willie McCallum and Stuart Liddell fill us in on the exploits of the gang on the last three days of the adventure. Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: April 29, 2012 On the road with Pipes and Sticks on Route 66: Days 7 & 8
RATING The group of world famous pipers and drummers who hit the road in early-April on the "Pipes & Sticks on Route 66" tour have embarked on a one-of-a-kind journey, and members of the team have offered to provide pipes|drums Magazine readers with an exclusive travel log on the adventure. Drummers Mike Cole and Jim Kilpatrick and pipers Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl and Willie McCallum are taking three weeks to traverse the old US Highway #66, playing recitals and conducting workshops along the way. Angus MacColl and Stuart Liddell bring us up to speed in the second-to-last installment of the series. Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: April 25, 2012 On the road with Pipes & Sticks on Route 66: Day 6
RATING The group of world famous pipers and drummers who hit the road in early-April week on the "Pipes & Sticks on Route 66" tour have embarked on a one-of-a-kind journey, and members of the team have offered to provide pipes|drums Magazine readers with an exclusive travel log on the adventure. Drummers Mike Cole and Jim Kilpatrick and pipers Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl and Willie McCallum are taking three weeks to traverse the old US Highway #66, playing recitals and conducting workshops along the way. Willie McCallum takes us through the end of Texas and onto New Mexico.
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Published: April 20, 2012 On the road with Pipes & Sticks on Route 66: Day 5
RATING  The group of world famous pipers and drummers who hit the road in early-April week on the "Pipes & Sticks on Route 66" tour have embarked on a one-of-a-kind journey, and members of the team have offered to provide pipes|drums Magazine readers with an exclusive travel log on the adventure. Drummers Mike Cole and Jim Kilpatrick and pipers Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl and Willie McCallum are taking three weeks to traverse the old US Highway #66, playing recitals and conducting workshops along the way. Mike Cole makes a few observations on the fifth day of action on tour. Read More | COMMENTS (0) |
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Published: April 18, 2012 On the road with Pipe & Sticks on Route 66: Day 4
RATING The group of world famous pipers and drummers who hit the road last week on the "Pipes & Sticks on Route 66" tour have embarked on a one-of-a-kind journey, and members of the team have offered to provide pipes|drums Magazine readers with an exclusive travel log on the adventure. Drummers Mike Cole and Jim Kilpatrick and pipers Stuart Liddell, Angus MacColl and Willie McCallum are taking three weeks to traverse the old US Highway #66, playing recitals and conducting workshops along the way. The fourth installment comes from the legendary Jim Kilpatrick, MBE. Read More | COMMENTS (2) |
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Published: April 17, 2012 What the world's top pipe band pipe-sections are playing
RATING pipes|drums executes the largest survey ever conducted of the world's Grade 1 pipe bands to find out what they are playing -- chanters, reeds, bags and moisture control systems. Exclusively for subscribers to the magazine, we echo our in-depth survey of the world's top competition solo pipers to determine trends across the world's best pipe sections. Cane or synthetic? Sheepskin or man-made? Canister system, tube or free-and-easy? We have the answers and the result are sure to better inform your own band and open your eyes to what's going on right here, right now. Subscribers Only: Read More | COMMENTS (4) | |
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