Archive

September 25, 2024

In his second piece, top-tier piper and computer scientist Colin Johnstone looks at how AI might augment or even replace human judges with strictly objective assessments free of the prejudices and biases inherent in adjudication as we know it now.

September 24, 2024

Any association sanctioning a competition has the right to advise a competitor who they believe is entering the incorrect grade for their playing ability. What competition organizers have no right to do is re-grade a band, solo piper or drummer who is not a member of their association.

September 23, 2024

We continue with the second part of the pipes|drums Reunion Interview with five Grade 1 Polkemmet Pipe Band members of the 1980s. This era of the now-defunct but historically significant band made a mark in only a few years. With the first-time leadership of Pipe-Major Robert Mathieson and Leading-Drummer Jim Kilpatrick, Polkemmet emerged as a driving creative force on the UK scene, which was then dominated by the seemingly unbeatable Strathclyde Police.

September 21, 2024

The recent news story about the lawsuit filed against the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario and its directors prompted dozens of messages from concerned readers. With each writer’s permission, we include just a few of the comments received here. The comments are unedited; with one exception (again, with permission), removing only content that might associate the writer with their identity.

September 20, 2024

Under an expanded program that brings coursework and training online, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has approved 10 new piping judges and one drumming judge for its panel. The organization has also elevated 10 existing judges to allow them to adjudicate ensemble. New judges: Chris Armstrong, Scotland (piping) Peter […]

September 19, 2024

The annual Balmoral Classic piping and snare drumming competitions for players 21 and younger in Pittsburgh will be wrapped with recitals by judges Paula Glendinning, Dr. Angus MacDonald and Matt MacIsaac, a concert by the Cape Breton Celtic folk band Beòlach, and workshops with all of the judges. The November […]

We asked several people who aren’t often vocal on social media for their thoughts about Richard Parkes, and we appreciate their contributions to help mark the historic occasion.

September 18, 2024

Since the beginning decades ago, hallmarks of pipes|drums have been the publication’s independence, our willingness to fight for the rights of pipers and drummers, and our commitment to fair play. And by “the publication,” I mean me, the editor and publisher, Andrew Berthoff. For the last nine months, I have […]

September 17, 2024

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has announced grading changes for members and non-member “overseas” bands that competed on its circuit in 2024. City of Dunedin of Florida, members of the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association, and one of only two Grade 1 bands in the United States were […]

September 16, 2024

Edith MacPherson, the first woman to win significant solo prizes in Scotland, died in Inverness on September 4, 2024, in her ninety-seventh year.

September 14, 2024

After 43 years, 25 Ulster Championships, 27 All-Ireland Championships, 17 Scottish Championships, 13 European Championships, 12 Cowal Championships, 12 British Championships, five UK Championships, 15 RSPBA Grade 1 Champion of Champions titles, and, most famously, 13 World Championships, Richard Parkes has retired as pipe-major of Field Marshal Montgomery. Matt Wilson […]

With a Piobaireachd win and a third in the MMSSRR, Callum Beaumont of St. Andrews, Scotland, was the overall winner of the 2024 Springbank Invitational Solo Piping Competition held at the Argyle Arms Hotel and organized by the Kintyre Piping Society.

September 12, 2024

We get together with former members Brian Lamond, Davey McRobert, Ian Morris and Gordon Stafford to talk about a historically significant band that, at the time, won competitions, made musical waves and did things differently, all while having a whole lot of fun.

September 11, 2024

The Competition League of Amateur Solo Pipers (CLASP) is expanding further with the addition of online practice chanter competitions for pipers 18 and older. The new class completes all amateur categories from Grade 1 to Practice Chanter familiar with competing pipers in North America, though adults infrequently compete in practice […]

September 10, 2024

Argyllshire has probably produced more great solo pipers than anywhere on earth in the last 150 years, and eight of Scotland’s best will strut their musical stuff at the 2024 Springbank Invitational in Campbeltown on September 14th at the Argyll Arms Hotel. Callum Beaumont, St. Andrews, Scotland Alasdair Henderson, Edinburgh […]

September 9, 2024

There’s nothing unusual about holding a solo contest, but the inaugural Raasay Piping Competition at the Raasay Community Hall on the island adjacent to the Isle of Skye was devised by the well-known multi-instrumentalist piper Hamish Moore in an effort to strengthen the instrument’s connection with its “Gaelic roots.”

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