RSPBA Signs Accord With ANAPBA

Atlanta, Georgia – January 12, 2003 – The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) signed an “accord” with the Alliance of North American Pipe Band Associations (ANAPBA) that outlines areas of common interest between the RSPBA and ANAPBA member associations. The document apparently is an agreement to maintain closer communications regarding judges lists and certification, band rosters and grading, contest rules, and
other areas of common interest.

The accord was signed at the fourth annual ANAPBA Summit, attended by the 10 ANAPBA member organizations and Ian Embelton, executive officer of the RSPBA.

Much of the summit was dedicated to discussions with the RSPBA, including dialog on a North American qualifier – or qualifiers – for the World Pipe Band Championships, judging and grading criteria, and commonality of teaching and examinations.

Embelton spoke to the assembled ANAPBA delegates to say what a treat it was for him to observe the work of the associations, and especially the collaborative and friendly nature of the meetings. He reiterated his invitation to all ANAPBA associations to send representatives to a post-World’s meeting scheduled for August 17 in Glasgow this summer.

North American issues also discussed

The meeting wrapped up with the Executive Committee recommending adoption of a document developed by the music board representatives that sets goals for the training and certification of judges across North America. There was also a commitment by member associations to attempt to put representative sound samples from their winning bands and soloists on the Internet to reach a clearer understanding of grades and standards.

The current chair of ANAPBA, Albert McMullin, now gives way to Robert MacNeil of the British Columbia Pipers Association, who holds a one-year term. The 2004 ANAPBA Summit will be held January 10-11, 2004, in Vancouver. The ANAPBA chair position goes by default to the organization hosting the next year’s summit.

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