Editorial

It’s time to transform the culture of complaining. How about starting with association leaders sharing the truly rewarding aspects of their roles? Let’s hear why leaders want to be in the role, the personal gratification they get from serving, not why they wouldn’t wish it on their worst enemy.

“Grading disputes discourage bands from competing internationally. That’s a loss for everyone. If we want to promote cross-border participation, we need a clearer, fairer path for bands to follow.”

“The recent Grade 1 dissolutions aren’t anomalies; they’re warnings.” Scott Armit calls for action now, unless we want to see further decline of competition bands around the world

As his band continues to search for a leading-drummer, Pipe-Major Donald Mackay discusses his optimism for the challenges ahead

Because the instrument is inherently unpitched, multi-award-winning pipe band drummer Scott Armit argues that there is no such thing as “flat” snares, and judging snare pitch based on how “cranked” a line is encourages homogeneity over artistry

If associations want to “further the art,” they might want to embrace and provide value for new and existing members who don’t want the pressures, time, and expense of competing. It could be a matter of their very survival.

Bill Livingstone, Andrew Berthoff, Lillian Livings …

Following the February 5th departure of Grade 1 Police Scotland& Federation’s Leading-Drummer David Henderson and several members of the band’s drum section to Grade 1 Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia, we received the following open letter opinion piece from Police Scotland & Federation Pipe-Major Ewan Henderson.

No great artist achieved greatness by copying another artist. Indeed, art evolves and derives. The greatest artists are the risk-takers.

As the number of years lived run up, one becomes even more conscious of time running down. We’re determined to travel to those places we always wanted to see, read the books we’ve always planned to absorb, and appreciate the people we love more.

Grand altogether. Piping and drumming, like life i …

These souvenirs are just a reminder. They don’t change the fact that you were successful; they’re only admirable proof if anyone needs to be reminded.

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.

While the handover of power in a pipe band is rarely as cut-throat as what we see on TV, the lack of a cohesive and clear succession plan can bring disaster to a once-thriving and homogeneous family of pipers and drummers.

The contest that spotlights only the performances, not the judging, before, during or after the event occurs is invariably the most appealing to the contestants and the audience. All they remember is the good playing and the fair result.