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Updated: Murray, Mathieson to head up new Fife Constabulary Pipe Band
Published: August 24, 2007

The world-class pipers James Murray and Andrew Mathieson will be Pipe-Major and Pipe-Sergeant, respectively, of a new band forming in the Fife Region of Scotland, pipes|drums has confirmed.



The Fife Constabulary Pipe Band, sponsored by the regional police force, will officially begin practices in the fall, with plans to compete in the 2008 season Grading of the band will be determined by the RSPBA.

Murray and Mathieson are both currently members of the Grade 1 House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band.

When asked for information on other members, a source close to the new band stated that "there are other players on board, but out of respect and courtesy to their current pipe bands we will not divulge who they are."

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish Andrew and Jimmy the best of luck with their new venture," said Robert Mathieson, House of Edgar-Shotts & Dykehead pipe-major. "Both these players have been good solid reliable friends and band members for several years. They made me well aware of this potential move several weeks ago. They leave the current Shotts band in good health with a remaining 25 pipers, so we are currently in good membership numbers.

"Off-shoots of the Shotts band have previously spawned Pipe majors, leading drummers and key players in recent years for good bands including ScottishPower, Dumbarton and Clan Gregor. The depth within the ranks has always allowed the band to flourish after any previous membership change. This is a distinctive feature in the recurring history of the band. This is the hallmark of many top bands. We relish the challenge to develop and recruit for next season."

The formation of the new band comes at a time in the Scottish pipe band season when historically there are significant changes in the band personnel. The Cowal Pipe Band Championships, the last RSPBA major 2007, are to be held on Saturday, August 25th, in Dunoon, Scotland, and band members typically wait until the contest is over to make noteworthy moves.

Regarding the grade of the band, the source stressed said, "We will gladly respect whatever decision [the RSPBA's grading committee] reach."

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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.

Stewart MacKenzie, P-M, Manawatu Scottish