Features

Finlay MacDonald: “We can talk about the music all we want, and the programming, and the diversity of the music, but it brings people together. It’s a focal point. We can’t underestimate the strength of that on its own, and the fact that, yes, for that week you come here, you’re going to meet people who are like-minded and make you feel part of that community.”

We met Finlay MacDonald and John Mulhearn for a two-part discussion on highlights and changes on tap for Piping Live! 2025, as well as some of the challenges, issues and rewards accompanying the planning and production of the world’s biggest celebration of piping.

Alan Jones of Hamilton, New Zealand, has studied and written about pipe band ensembles for more than a decade. His latest piece strives to define and clarify the Ensemble judge’s role and the qualities he believes are required of the judges themselves.

“When people make a contribution to the world of music, it is important. It may not be my preference, or my personal taste, but it’s still important, and I’ve tried my best to record them as well as I can and have them out there for people to enjoy.”

Only a few weeks ago, pipes|drums published for th …

“Lament for Donald Ban MacCrimmon,” “Lament for MacDonald’s Tutor,” “Nameless – Hihorodo Ha Hiento Tra,” “Lament for Red Hector of the Battles,” and “The Park Piobaireachd #1” — the latest in our ongoing historic and exclusive series.

Piping and drumming association leaders who proactively attend band practices and ask members, “How can we help?” This and other obvious but novel ideas are all part of Ian Aastrom’s Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba.

The redoubtable Iain MacDonald, Regina, thinks back to 1965, when he began his piping odyssey as a very young boy in Saskatchewan

The Prairie Pipe Band Association was established …

Kylie MacHattie with the Grade 4B trophy at the 20 …

“I’m Proud to Play a Pipe,” “King James VI’s Salute,” “Lady Margaret MacDonald’s Salute,” “Lament for Donald Duaghal MacKay,” and “The MacDonalds’ Salute” (“Fannet”) are the latest additions to the series

John Cairns John Cairns loves a detailed plan. Any …

For International Women’s Day 2025, pipes|drums wa …

The Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association has officia …

Bill Livingstone’s passing on February 22, 2025, a month short of what would have been his eighty-third birthday, was met with profound sadness throughout the piping and drumming world. Eleven of those who were among the closest to him in the piping and drumming world contribute their thoughts and photos.