Archive

The general public’s interest in pipe band competitive drama continues with BBC2 Northern Ireland’s broadcast of “Pipe Dreamers,” . . .

Duncan MacRae of London, Ontario, was elected to a two-year term as President of the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario by . . .

We all know that competition drive and musical inventiveness are keys to the success of most pipe bands. But what about behind the scenes? How should a great pipe band operate to make ends meet, to subsidize travel, to create a great brand unto itself? On a question to provide pipes|drums subscribers with answers and useful information, we have approached several of the world’s best band managers for their tips and secrets. We start our series with Rob MacNeil, manager, special projects with the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, who reveals techniques and shares advice on extending the value of the pipe band brand to raise funds, be an essential part of the community and plan for the future.

After canvassing its members, the Competing Pipers Association has decided to discontinue the two-year-old system whereby pipers could compete for spots in the Silver . . .

The Gaelic language BBC Alba television network in the UK will run three special programs in December on the Piping Live! Glasgow . . .

Manawatu Scottish regained the Square Day Championship, the second biggest pipe band event after from the New Zealand Championship. It was the tenth time in 11 years that Manawatu won the event, and 2010 winners, Aukland . . .

Following the success of the 2011 Pipes of Peace Concert in Glasgow, the promoters will again bring the event to the Scottish Exhibition and Concert Centre, this time with 2011 . . .

Nova Scotia’s Gaelic College of Celtic Arts, one of the world’s first organizations outside of Scotland to offer formal teaching in piping and drumming ¨C and the probably originators . . .

One of the world’s most storied pipe bands, Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia, is marking its fortieth anniversary year in 2012 with the introduction of a new brand identity . . .

A wide-ranging, exclusive conversation with one of the piping world’s most well-regarded composers and performers. In this four-part interview for subscribers to pipes|drums, Mark Saul discusses his experiences with the legendary Victoria Police Pipe Band, his disappointments and disenchantment with the musical limitations of pipe bands, and his search for enlightenment and wider horizons in music overall. Having just released his third collection of music, Mark Saul’s piping life has taken him around the world and, with a typically Australian attitude, is never content with the status quo. In this first instalment, we discuss Mark Saul’s origins as a piper, his development and inspirations as a composer, and his instinctive desire to strive for more.

Five well known pipers and drummers will get their kicks from Chicago to Los Angeles along the legendary Route 66 this spring taking their teaching and playing talents across the . . .

Harold Hook, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected pipers died at the age of 73 on November 28, 2011, after a short illness. Hook was a winner six times of the Ulster Senior Solo Piping Championship in the 1950s and ’60s and a seven-time winner of the All-Ireland Solo Championship. […]

The third generation of Cowan family pipe-majors in Annan, Scotland, will continue with the appointment of Euan Cowan as leader of the Grade 3B Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe . . .

As the world’s pipers and drummers take a collective break, pipes|drums Magazine wishes all of our readers a merry Christmas. It’s been another great year for us, and we thank you for keenly following us throughout 2011.

David Hilder, P-M of the Grade 1 Dowco-Triumph Street Pipe Band, assesses the Bagpipe Tuner 1.0 for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch from Murray Blair

Ronald “Ronnie” Grieve Rollo passed away early on December 28, 2011, after a brief illness. Piper, judge, teacher and lover of all things Scottish and bagpipe, Ronnie was one of the great men of Canadian piping. Born in the small village of New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, he took full advantage of […]