Archive

We continue with the second in our three-part panel discussion, featuring John Cairns of Ontario, Scott MacDonald from California, and Scotland’s Kenny MacLeod, on the challenges of making a permanent leap from Grade 2 to Grade 1. In Part 2, the panel delves into ways to ensure the band remains viable both when it does not win in Grade 1 and when it returns to Grade 2, by choice or by force, as well as the idea of splitting Grade 1 and Grade 2 to make transitions easier.

There are so many in the piping world who Ian McLellan deeply influenced. We asked several of the greatest for their thoughts at this sad time.

Around 40 members (about 4%) of the Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario attended the organization’s online 2025 annual general meeting, where President Malkie Bow reported a healthy financial situation and that membership levels have returned to pre-pandemic levels and are growing. Central to Bow’s discussion was the essential […]

John Cairns, Scott MacDonald and Kenny MacLeod discuss the reasons why traversing the bridge to Grade 1 (and staying there) is so difficult today, how the situation could be improved, methods to keep morale high, retain players tempted to join the winners, or even keep the band afloat.

The truly great Ian McLellan died on December 3, 2025, at the age of 88. A towering figure in pipe band history, a world-class soloist, and one of Scotland’s most influential adjudicators, he was one of the most accomplished leaders in pipe band history. For more than six decades, he […]

Inspired in part by the Band Room Masters Solo Drumming Championship run by the late great pipe band drummer and judge Joe Noble in 1997, Inveraray & District member Cam Lawson is organizing “The Masters,” an invitational competition for eight of the world’s elite pipe band snare drummers. Other than […]

San Diego native Campbell Naismith’s Waxing Moon Collection and Washington state’s Micah Babinski’s Green Monster Collection are at opposite ends of the Highland pipe music globe. Still, both books share common ground in their highly original and creative versions of what’s possible for pipers who allow themselves to seek new musical adventures. Each is equally commendable.

The Eastern United States Pipe Band Association will hold its all-online 2025 annual general meeting on December 6th, featuring a session where members can hear about accomplishments and plans for the future, in addition to the usual voting on new rules and elected officials. The EUSPBA is by far the […]

“Playing in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is not for everyone, but it was for me. It completed my piping resume of things I wanted to do before I can’t play anymore.”

To celebrate three decades since the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland launched its Bachelor of Arts (Scottish Music – Piping) degree program, a cadre of Highland piping students will put on a concert on Tuesday, December 9th, at the NPC’s McPhater Street premises in Glasgow. “Resonance” is the name of the […]

The latest “live online” solo piping contest run by the Competition League for Amateur Solo Pipers saw the usual worldwide entry of adult pipers who performed over two days via recorded live video, their selections assessed over the next month by the judges.

Hell Week, taking wrong turns, and a royal visit are all part of the second installment of piper Owen Reid’s 2025 Edinburgh Tattoo odyssey

The small fishing village of Mallaig, Scotland, is well known as the terminus for the spectacular West Highland Railway Line and as one of Scotland’s most scenic and essential ports. Thanks to the Mallaig, Ardnamurchan & District Pipe Band’s annual composition contest, “The Mallaig Harbour Authority March” by Dougie Beck […]

The British Columbia Pipers’ Association has increased its reputation as one of the world’s most open-minded piping and drumming organizations by altering the association’s bylaws “to open up the membership and ensure inclusivity to anyone interested in joining BC Pipers.” For the first time in its long history, the association […]

In his new three-part piece, Owen Reid takes us on a new adventure: auditioning, being accepted, and performing as a member of the 2025 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes & Drums.

To mark two decades since the untimely passing of Highland piping and Celtic music legend Gordon Duncan, the Celtic Arts Foundation will celebrate his legacy in “The Music of Gordon Duncan” on Sunday, December 7th, at the Littlefield Celtic Center, Mount Vernon, Washington, with all music performed, composed, arranged or […]