Published: August 30, 2020

Brian Donaldson: the pipes|drums Interview – Part 1

The first in our five-part series with the great piper, soldier, bagpipe maker and teacher
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Pipers should avoid memorizing their music until the tune can be played from start to finish, fluidly, without error and at full speed. Once you memorize your music, it will become your reference every time you play. If your memory of the music has flaws in it, through repetition, you will permanently cement these flaws in your playing. Memorization is similar to the wood stain that would be added when building a bookcase – it would be the final touch to a finished product.

− John Cairns, London, Ontario

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April 20, 1974

Willie McCallum wins under 18 piobaireachd, Campbeltown.
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