The most important stories of ’17

JULY

Shotts concert 2/3 sold; Livingstone special guest

Only a year removed from drumming leadership crisis, 2015 World Champions Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia proved that recent competition domination isn’t everything, with strong ticket sales for the band’s Pre-World’s Concert.

Temp players in Ontario well within rules

While the RSPBA was cracking down on guest players from the UK competing with member bands, the PPBSO confirmed that the practice is not a problem at its own events. RSPBA head Ian Embelton confirmed that his organization had no issue with members of Northern Ireland’s Grade 2 Closkelt playing with the Grade 1 Peel Regional Police at the Kincardine games in Ontario.

World’s will be Livingstone swansong

One of the greatest pipers of the last 50 years announced that his appearance with the Toronto Police at the World Pipe Band Championships would be his last competition after a career lasting more than 60 years.