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We continue our exclusive interview Michael Grey, one of the most prominent and successful composers of Highland bagpipe music of the last 100 years. In Part 1, Grey discussed his piping roots and inspirations, and the early years that formed his interest in composition. In Part 2, he delves into the inner-workings of his creative mind, the challenge to be creative within a tradition-based folk-artform, and his desire to push his own musical boundaries. In this installment, Grey makes a strong correlation between the art’s most traditional music, piobaireachd, and the rich opportunities presented by the pipe band medley format.

At a competition it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, but for pipers competing at the Kincardine Scottish Festival on . . .

Horrendous weather. Financial constraints. Increased competition for attendance. All are creating a perfect storm for several Highland games . . .

The Grade 1 Toronto Police Pipe turned in a first prize at the 2012 Kincardine Scottish Festival in warm and sunny conditions in the idyllic town on the coast of Lake Huron. Along with the City of Chicago Pipe Band, Toronto Police debuted a new medley from a draw at the line. The Ottawa Police won the Grade 2 event, and Ian K. MacDonald enjoyed a solid day in the Professional solo piping with three firsts and a second. Callum Harper of Hamilton, Ontario, had a perfect day in the Grade 1 Amateur Solo Piping, taking all four of his events . . .

In the latest “By the left . . . ” instalment, Jenny Hazzard of Edinburgh and Toronto wends her way around a few of the games in the Highlands of Fife, observing some of the more amazing circumstances that make the Scottish circuit so . . . interesting.

BBC Scotland officially announced what most of the piping and drumming world assumed or already knew, while at least two more . . .

For the first time in more than 20 years, not a single band from either Australia or New Zealand will compete in . . .

Donald McBride reviews “A Unan,” the new CD by Breton pipers Xavier Boderiou, Sylvain Hamon, Herv¨¦ Le Floc’h and Alexis Meunier . . . and he likes it . . . a lot . . . a really a lot

The unpredictable Canadian Maritimes weather held up for the two-day Antigonish Highland Games, one of the longest-running competitions in North America. Three bands travelling to the World Pipe Band Championships ¨C Grade 1 78th Highlanders (Halifax Citadel), College of Piping (Grade 3B) and Dartmouth & District (Grade 3B) ¨C competed in the Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Championships. Bruce Gandy won the aggregate award in the Professional solo piping. . . .

After less than two years in the role, Gavin Walker has resigned as Pipe-Major of the Grade 1 House of Edgar Pipe Band. The decision was made by Walker following a special . . .

Following the success of the first Pipes+Drums recital at the 2011 Piping Live! festival, pipes|drums Magazine will once again bring enthusiasts the free event at the Street Caf¨¦ at the National Piping Centre, this year with . . .

Benoni MacTalla won another Grade 2 contest in South Africa at the St. Benedict’s Gathering held at St Benedict’s College, Harcus Road. With the win the band gains the regional championship . . .

Roddy MacLeod of Glasgow captured a rare clean-sweep of the A-Grade competitions at the Inveraray Highland Games, and event that has emerged in the last 10 years especially as one of the elite competitions on the Scottish circuit . . .

Chris Armstrong is a piper who’s had a few firsts in his career, and on Monday, August 6th, at Piping Live! he will add another with the launch of his third collection of Highland bagpipe music, this time available only in electronic format ¨C a first for the piping world. The new collection¡ªnamed Re:Tradition ¨C will offer sound files embedded with each tune, so that purchasers can listen . . .

The Peel Regional Police were victorious at the Cambridge Highland Games, the band’s first win of the Ontario season. Peel was the third different Grade 1 band to win in three contests on the circuit. Ian K. MacDonald was the overall winner in the Professional solo piping. Weather was warm and sunny . . .

In this third part of Michael Grey: the pipes|drums Interview, we delve directly into the composition side of his career: how he approaches composing, the need to have a professional attitude about copyright and royalties, and his take on the great composers like Donald MacLeod, G.S. McLennan, John McLellan and Gordon Duncan. Grey discusses the notion of the “accepted competition repertoire,” and the need to expand attitudes to be more inclusive, while also citing what he feels are the greatest tunes ever penned. Exclusively for subscribers to pipes|drums.