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Pipe Band Magazine is the Well Done official publication of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Brother! January 2015

what do these great champions have in common?…

P/M Richard P/M Douglas Parkes MBE of Murray of Fife 2014 World Constabulary, Champions, the 2014 Field Marshal Double Gold Montgomery Medallist

…they both play chanters by RT Shepherd!

If you want to be the best, you have to play the best www.shepherd-bagpipes.com 4

Shepherd ad.A5.indd 1 18/10/2014 14:05 No.360 2015 No.1 CONTENTS Pipe Band magazine 2 By the Right! Official Publication of the — Worlds: the real deal Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association — Award for Forres chief

6 Opinion PATRONS The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine — A possible way forward for The Earl of Mansfield Ensemble adjudication President - George Ussher 10 World Drumming → Chairman - Gordon Hamill Vice-Chairman - John Hughes — Standards rising

Honorary Presidents — Winners in Pictures Alex Mosson Ian McLellan 13 Letters — Worlds generosity Hon. Vice-Presidents George Purves Scottie MacLean 19 All Our Yesterdays Matthew Connell Alistair MacDonald — Edinburgh’s Police Band 2 Kevin Reilly Chief Executive: Ian Embelton 24 Tribute → HQ Office Manager: Aliki Papageorgiou — Drummer Ronnie Annan 45 Washington St.,Glasgow G3 8AZ t: 0141 221 5414; f: 0141 221 1561 www.rspba.org

26 Branch News Branches and Directors — Dundee, Perth & Angus Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway.... M McCrindle ← — North of Scotland Dundee, Perth & Angus...... P McAndrew Fife...... I Finlay — Glasgow & West Glasgow & West...... I MacAskill, N Greeves — Fife Lothian & Borders...... W McCafferty, S Orr London & South of England...... W MacGregor Midlands...... D Frith 30 Diary NE England...... K Reilly NW England...... P Brown — All the dates for 2015 North of Scotland...... R Niven, J Gibb Northern Ireland...... M Herron, K Crothers 34 Review Stirling...... A Grant — Derek Boyce’s new book RSPBA Affiliated Associations Alberta Society of Pipers and Drummers Australian PBA Bagpipe Association of Germany British Columbia PBA Front cover: These brothers from Cullybackey Pipe Band, Northern Eastern United States PBA Ireland, had reason for a joint celebration at the World Solo Drumming Irish PBA - they both won their sections of the championship. Turn to page 11 Midwest US PBA for more. Netherlands PBA PBA of Scandinavia PBA of South Africa PBA of Switzerland Pipe Band Magazine is produced and published by PP Publishing for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Pipers and Pipe Band Association of Ontario Pipe Band Magazine, c/o 36 Mt. Harriet. Dr., Glasgow G33 DN, Scotland, UK Royal New Zealand PBA For Editorial and Advertising call 07957818672 or email [email protected] Southern US PBA VAT No. 703 7056 54 Western US PBA Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Association.

1 RT Shepherd & Son

the ht! By R ig Shepherd HEADQUARTERS NEWS Orchestral HQ Secure Glasgow Chanter Six-Year Worlds Deal Pitched in B flat (Bb)

lasgow has won the right to host the World Pipe GBand Championships until 2021. Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said: ‘We were delighted to have received an outstanding bid from Glasgow. There was also an outstanding bid from Belfast but in the end the directors of the Association were unanimous in their Endorsed by the decision. ‘Our partnership with Glasgow stretches back decades world-renowned and the event has grown and developed as a result of that Shotts & Dykehead relationship. There is nothing quite like the sights and sounds on Glasgow Green during the Worlds and we Caledonia Pipe look forward to welcoming bands there for several Years.’ The local authority agency responsible for the Worlds, Band when they Glasgow Life, said: ‘The championships attract more than 200 bands and thousands of spectators each year to performed with the Glasgow Green, generating millions of pounds for the economy. The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association’s Phil Cunningham and board awarded the right to host The Worlds to Glasgow for a further six years at a meeting on Saturday Aly Bain band at a November 15.’ And Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow BBC live Hogmanay City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: ‘We are delighted to have won the show.... coveted World Pipe Band Championships for a further six years. Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural powerhouse and Need we say any this uniquely Scottish event is one of the cornerstones of the city’s events calendar. We are looking forward more! to welcoming pipers, drummers, drum majors, band supporters and spectators from across the world, every bit as much as they are looking forward to coming here, and to showing them everything Glasgow has to offer.’ RT Shepherd & Son RSPBA Chief Executive Ian Embelton added: ‘Glasgow (Scotland) Ltd invest almost a million pounds in bringing the Worlds www.shepherd-bagpipes.com to the city. This deal has secured the Association’s future at least until 2021. I know Belfast were disappointed, but in some ways Glasgow Green is seen almost as our spiritual home and the decision to stay there has been 2 the R By ight!

2015 GRADING CHANGES

Novice to Juv.: George Heriot’s, Preston Lodge, West Lothian Schools, Dollar Academy, George Watson’s G4B to 4A: Derryclavin, Gorey, Methil, Irvine, Whitewater; G4B to 3B: Burntisland; G4A to 3B: 2622 RAF, Lochmaben, Closkelt, Coalburn, Vale of Clyde, Tralee; G3B to 3A: 6th/8th Dundee BB, Craigmount, Annan; G3B to 2: Thiepval; G3A to 2: Johnstone, Stirling,101 Northumbrian Rgt., RAF Halton; G1 to 2: Ballycoan; G2 to 3A: Arklow, St Finbar; G2 to 3B: Scots Guards; Juv. to Novice: 1st Troon BB (by request) widely applauded.’ Bids for other major championships from 2016 onwards will be considered by the Association’s directors next month. Bids close on February 6th, 2015.

t is with regret that we record the passing of RSPBA ISenior Adjudicator Denver Cardwell of Portadown, Northern Ireland. Denver (74) was a member of the RUC pipe band in the 1970s and 80s and later joined the RSPBA’s Adjudicator Panel. In his police career he was heavily involved throughout the Troubles, but characteristically never lost his optimistic, and humorous outlook on life. Denver had been unwell after suffering a stroke. The Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA said: ‘We express our deepest sympathy to the family of Piping Adjudicator Denver Cardwell.’ A popular figure among his adjudicator colleagues, Denver judged regularly at all the major championships over many years and will be sorely missed. There was a very large turnout of mourners at the funeral in Portadown Methodist Church. Obituary to follow.

COMPETITION FORMAT ALTERATIONS for 2015 By Jim Campbell, Music Board hilst the criteria for Grade 4A retains the principle of four parts march in a 2/4 time signature, the Wrequirements have been altered. Bands in G4A can now play either one four-parted march or two, two-parted marches. This change will also be applied to minor Grade 4 MSR contests. Grade 4 requirements of quick march tempo for RT Shepherd & Son minor contests remain unchanged. (Scotland) Ltd At major championships Grade 4B and Novice Juvenile will play four two-parted marches from the RSPBA’s www.shepherd-bagpipes.com prescribed tune list. (Bands may choose parts one and two of any of the four-parted tunes offered on the list.) At 3 ! the ht By R i g

COMPETITION FORMAT cont. major championships Grade 4A will play an MSR - four parts march tempo (this can be one x four- parted march or two x two-parted marches where bands may choose parts one and two of any of the four-parted tunes offered on the list), two two-parted strathspeys and two two-parted reels. All tunes played must come from the RSPBA prescribed tune list. At minor contests G4 and Novice Juvenile remains as stipulated, currently being two and a half minutes to four and a half minutes quick march tempo. Grade 4A major championship requirement change will also be applied to minor Grade 4 MSR contests. Please note some tunes are still in the verification process and will be added to the tune lists as they become available. In the meantime bands can of course use any resource they wish to obtain the music. For the complete tune listing please check our dedicated page for Prescribed Tunes at: www.rspba.org.

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the ht! By R ig Diary date for the 2015 Europeans: Award for Forres Chief David Saturday 27 June eadquarters would like to send its award. To congratulations to David Urquhart, Marketing have the and Sponsorship Director of Forres Events Ltd, event known Hthe company behind the event known in 2013 and 2014 as ‘Piping Hot as ‘Piping Hot Forres’. David has been awarded the title of Forres’ such Tourism Ambassador 2014 in the Highlands and Islands a success is a Tourism Awards to honour his contribution in bringing huge Reward, the European Pipe Band Championships to Forres. but to be

David’s role is to bring in sponsorship and to promote recognised David (centre) receives his award the event, which he does using the years of experience across the John Paul Photography he gained whilst in his previous role as Joint Managing Highlands with this Ambassador Award is a truly great Director of the family owned Benromach Distillery. honour. Of course it’s not just me; there is a whole team Furthermore it was David who, in 2007, took forward a behind the Event. They work extremely hard behind suggestion to him to host a championship in the town the scenes from the directors to the contractors and the to provide an economic boost to the area which led to Volunteers, without whom we would not have an event.’ a bid to the RSPBA who, after the stringent negotiation The European Pipe Band Championships, sponsored procedure, awarded them the European Championships. by Benromach Speyside Single Malt Whisky, is held on Over the two years it has been held in Forres, the the last Saturday of June. In 2014 it attracted 119 bands, Europeans have attracted crowds of around 18,000 including 11 in Grade 1. David added: ‘From the first making it the biggest single day ticketed event in Moray. competition in June 2013 the event in Forres has been On winning the award David said: ‘I am extremely consistently praised by the bands, judges, competitors and touched and humbled to be the winner of this prestigious the public.’ pb

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PB landscape ½ page.indd 1 04/12/2014 16:50 JUDGING ENSEMBLE Until his retirement, Alistair Aitken OBE was one of the most respected adjudicators on the RSPBA panel. Thoughtful, articulate and a man of integrity, Alistair’s contribution to the pipe band movement should not be underestimated. Here he gives readers the benefit of his knowledge in a discussion paper on the judging of Ensemble and proposes …… a way forward for Adjudication

aving written in the Judges’ Journal section opportunity, for the first time, to sit in the main stand of the magazine in September 2011 about facing the front of the performing bands during the whole the challenges and pressures of adjudicating Grade 1 Final, so I was able to test out in practice the Hthe Grade 1 competition at the World Pipe Band suggestion I made in the 2011 article that adjudicating Championships, the Editor invited me to review whether from a raised platform could be a better way of judging my views had changed now that I am no longer an active the competition more effectively. I hasten to add that a

October '13_PBRSPBA Mag 16/09/2013 Adjudicator. 16:07 Page 16 During the past 34 years I have had few others have supported me in this view for some time, experience of judging RSPBA competitions at all levels. but there appears to be reluctance for such a change to At this year’s World Championships I had the even be tried as a pilot exercise. My experience of sitting in the stand also reinforced Macleod Highland Supplies my previous view that adjudicators in the Grade 1 arena 46 London Road, Glasgow G1 5NB are in a goldfish bowl with nowhere to hide. Their every action is witnessed from the stand, by the worldwide Traditionally crafted Bagpipes created by time served audience watching the live streaming, and by other Bagpipe Makers using skills evolved through spectators watching at ground level and on the large generations of craftsmen. TV screens. There are also RSPBA officials in the arena around the adjudicators’ tents; and people moving around close to the bands with TV cameras and associated cables etc. All this adds to the pressure of what is a very For a perfect demanding task of separating the band performances; and tonal balance it can also affect adjudicator concentration. and ease of set up, There are other more significant factors, however, which these Bagpipes are affect the judging. There are three separate disciplines the performance – Piping, Drumming and Ensemble. Obviously the enhancer you adjudicators are assessing different disciplines which deserve have their own distinctive characteristics, but, even so, the Piping and Drumming are interlinked if the overall objective is a ‘pipe band’ performance. There is no doubt that the Piping can be affected by the Drumming, and vice versa. Adjudicators traditionally position Please contact us themselves in different places; consequently they are for further details bound to hear varying sound projections depending on where they stand. For example, a drumming adjudicator and your nearest stockist standing behind the drum corps will have a completely Tel No: 0700 Bagpipes or 0141 553 1513 Fax No: 0141 552 0795 different impression of the sound balance of the band E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.scotbagpipes.com than the ensemble adjudicator standing at the front Trade and Retail Enquries Welcome of the pipe corps. The former will hear the drums

14 6 JUDGING ENSEMBLE dominating, whereas the latter will hear the drumming coming through the pipes - which arguably is the correct approach: drummers provide the percussion accompaniment to the pipes, the dominant instrument. Wherever they stand at ground level it is also difficult, if not impossible, for adjudicators to hear the collective pipe band effect in the same way as the people in the raised stand do, or in the way the BBC records it. This year the BBC recorded simultaneously from nine microphones

– one above the performing band at the front, three at Judges in the arena are under constant scrutiny from the public ground level either side of the performing circle, and move round the band. one at ground level either side of the starting line. The Adjudicating from a raised platform at the head of the latter two were a new addition this year, which, in my band, ideally extending out slightly from the main stand, view, distorted the start of the BBC recordings slightly as would, in my view, provide the following benefits: perhaps they were positioned too far away from the other microphones. • Ability to see all of the players in each band In addition to the question of positioning, other factors clearly, marching from the starting line and in the which affect judging are the size and varying formations competing circle. of the bands, particularly the positioning of tenor • Ability to hear everything clearly as sound drummers. RSPBA rules state that the adjudicators must projects upwards, without the same slight time gap be a minimum of three metres from the players in the between Piping and Drumming which can occur at competition circle, but there are no restrictions on the ground level. The sound projection upwards is also not adjudicators walking freely round the band if they desire affected to anything like the same extent by the different to do so. The consequence of that scenario, as already band formations or the size of the band as happens at stated, is that they are not hearing the performances ground level when the Adjudicators stand in different consistently, and the sound projection changes as they places. →

7 JUDGING ENSEMBLE WWW.BAGPIPECOVERS.COM • Ability to assess the collective band performance is much easier, including the relationship between Piping and Drumming as well as the technical delivery, integration, sound balance and musical effect. • All the Adjudicators would hear the same sound projection and would hear the drumming coming through the pipes giving a more accurate assessment of sound balance and musical interpretation. • The Adjudicators would be seated, with more time to write comments legibly. • They could also be allowed to discuss the performances if desired: or they could still be separated so that they could not confer. • It might provide a means of reducing the variances in placings which frequently arise at present. • It would provide an opportunity to trial all Adjudicators judging ‘the pipe band effect’ (Ensemble), or to vary the ratio between Piping, Drumming and Ensemble disciplines. • It might even be possible to provide some ALASDAIR MACDONALD cover for the Adjudicators for inclement weather. FINE BAGPIPE COVERS pb ‘Pipe Majors: Don’t let bag slippage let Part 2 to follow. Agree or disagree with Part 1? your performance down. Contact us to Let’s have your thoughts. Email: receive a sample cover and feel the difference.’ [email protected] [email protected]

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8 SPOTLIGHT ON THE WORLD SOLO DRUMMING Senior Adjudicator’s Verdict: ‘A High Quality Competition’

eading RSPBA Adjudicator Joe Noble has praised the extremely high quality of performance at last year’s Andante - sponsored World Solo Drumming held at Glasgow Caledonian University Lon October 18th. In an interview, Joe firstly explained the points and judging system used at the WSD: ‘The Hornpipe & Jig has a lower points ratio by comparison with the March, Strathspey and Reel. I think most people would agree that the MSR is a longer and more complex art form, and therefore is worth more than the H&J. As far as the actual adjudication is concerned, once the judges have completed their deliberations all of the individual results are put into the computer and we get the winner. ‘I judged the Hornpipe & Jig and it was wonderful to see so many young lads coming through, many of them playing for the first time in the final - and there would have been even more who played in the semi-final. It is the way of all things. (p12 →)

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9 SPOTLIGHT ON THE WORLD SOLO DRUMMING

World drummingpicturesin

Juv 1 Tenor March, Kerr McQuillan Juv 2Nicole Tenor Kirk March,

Juv 4 Tenor MSR,

Alison Geal World Champion Juv 3 Tenor MSR, Steven McWhirter Neave Johnson →

pipingpress.com the free web magazine for news, views and information from the piping and pipe band worlds 10

piping press ad.indd 1 28/10/2014 14:01 SPOTLIGHT ON THE WORLD SOLO DRUMMING World runner up Mick McKenna (l) and 4th placed Blair Brown - 3rd in the Steven Creighton World Adult final James Strachan, Juv 1 March

Reed Cameron, Juv 1 MSR

Chelsea O’Neill, Jake Jorgenson, Scottish Juv 5 Tenor MSR Power - 5th in Adult Final

High resolution copies are available. Georgia Parry, Email [email protected] Juv 2 March ‘Time moves on and a number of regulars of past years They’ve got their own ideas too, of course, and you can such as Reid Maxwell and Barry Wilson have retired. hear some of this filtering through in their presentation. It All the new lads gave a very good account of themselves. all augurs very, very well for the future. ‘Remember this is the crème-de-la-crème. As I said, I ‘Comparing things with my day I would have to say we judged the Hornpipe and Jig and I must say it was the best were much better [laughs]. Seriously, it is different as H&J competition I have ever heard. It would be going too regards technical input when compared with today. Our far to say it was impossible to adjudicate, that would risk biggest strength in the past was musicality in March, of putting myself out of a job!, but it was a tremendously Strathspey and Reel idioms because that’s basically what high quality competition. I didn’t hear all the MSR we played. Now these guys are playing with different contest, but from what I did hear, that was a similarly high ideas, different requirements, selections etc. and that has level with some scintillating performances. broadened the outlook a little bit. I would never say that ‘What are the judges looking for? Well there has to be the players of yesteryear were lesser or better than the a slightly different approach than in a band context. players of today, just let’s say they were as good as they ‘Remember this is solo drumming. The competitors don’t could be in their time. Things move on; the equipment have the problem of playing together, so what you want to moves on - the quality of the instrument has an awful lot hear is drumming at the very highest level of musicality. to do with the precision you can hear in execution - and You’ve got to play to the melodic line, but at this level that is piping as well as drumming. Overall things are you are also looking for the very best quality of execution very healthy in pipe band drumming.’ - and that little bit extra, that spark, that virtuoso type The adult final was won by Steven McWhirter of playing which gives a performance that magical lift. These Inveraray and District. This was Steven’s fourth victory finalists are all great drummers, and some of them will in a row. Runner up was a delighted Mick McKenna develop even further and that’s quite frightening because from St Laurence O’Toole, Dublin, third Blair Brown their standard is so good already. of Shotts, fourth Stephen Creighton of SLoT and fifth ‘So many of them are youngsters and I would think Scottish Power’s new leading tip, Jake Jørgensen. Full there were more corps players than leading drummers results from the World Solo Drumming at rspba.org. At in the Adult final. That’s good; it shows that the game the prizegiving President George Ussher paid tribute to is extremely healthy. The fact that they are playing at all the competitors for the quality of their playing. He also that level shows they are being educated by a top player, thanked sincerely Nigel Hodgen of Andante Drums, the they’ve got an open mind and are listening to other ideas. generous sponsor of the World Solo Drumming. pb 11 LETTERS to the EDITOR [email protected] Worlds Trip Generosity

Dear Sir, We made it!...the band at the Worlds

This band’s story is all about those good people who helped The House of Scotland Pipe Band from San Diego, California, make it to the 2014 Worlds. In these times of heated competition, it’s good to know that fellowship in the world of pipe bands is still alive and well. Two years ago, our wee band tossed around the Nine months ago when reserving our airline idea of celebrating our 50th Golden Anniversary tickets, hotel reservations, coaches and drivers, Year in 2014 by going to Scotland to compete we were flabbergasted at the airlines’ newly at the World Pipe Band Championships in imposed extra baggage charges. It was going Glasgow. Not because we we’re ‘hot-to-trot’ to cost us over $3,000 just for our drums as they say about bands who are on the alone, never mind all the other luggage with ascendency, but rather to mark our longevity uniforms etc. Ouch! And, we’re a very small as a band; a band that has taught all comers band! So what to do? I asked Kenny MacLeod from scratch. We have a charter from the city at McCallum Bagpipes if he knew of any band of San Diego to teach the music and culture of or individual who might consider loaning us Scotland and we’re proud of the fact that we’ve drums. I thought this was a long shot but worth had players come through our ranks that have a try. Well Kenny being Kenny, said, ‘Leave it gone onto bigger and better things, such as with me and I’ll ask around.’ A week later, he playing with the likes of Shotts & Dykehead, had an idea on a set of drums in Kilmarnock SFU and the LA Scots etc. As all bands know, but that first contact fell through, but again he to pull this expensive trip off would require an said, ‘I’ve got another idea, I’ll get back to you.’ enormous amount of fundraising work, e.g. Wow! concerts in our city park, parades; all the usual The next week Kenny hooked us up with Jean fundraising gigs. We even released a CD a year Allardice who had been a member of the now and a half ago and, if we say so ourselves, it’s disbanded Cumnock & District PB and Jean pretty good for a Grade 4 band. Check out the was the custodian of their drums. When I free samples on iTunes under ‘Taigh na h-Alba’. spoke to her saying, “You don’t know me but”...

Dear Sir, I have been playing the pipes and been involved in competitive pipe bands for over 45 years. My biggest bugbear, as I am sure with other pipers, is playing in the rain resulting in drone reeds being soaked and stopping. For over 15 years I have been experimenting with the ‘Piper’s Bonnet’ and I am now on mark 4. The basics are simply to stop the ingress of water going into the drones so they can still operate. The other advantage has been the directional flow of the air from the drone being pushed Sideways. This actually increases/enhances the sound/volume of tone to your ear. This is also beneficial if playing inside with a low roof or ceiling. The ‘Bonnet’ is also designed to allow access of tuners and once the drone is tuned it does not change before or after the ‘Bonnets’ are fitted. When not in use they are contained in a protective tube. My band, Strathmore, played with them at the Worlds this year and were certainly tested with the wind and rain. The ‘Bonnets’ are a tight fit, but this ensures they will not come off. They are definitely worth a try whether playing in a band or in solo events. Yours, P/M Willie Whyte, Strathmore Pipe Band, [email protected]

12 LETTERS to the EDITOR [email protected] at which point she said, ‘Kenny’s vouched for you, that’s good enough for me’. Again wow! Jean hauled the drums to McCallum Bagpipes for us, and Kenny said that Stevie Kilbride (who’s the drum tech there) would go over them, set them up, and replace all the heads if need be (which he did and on a Saturday for us I might add. Jeez. Wow again!) Jean Allardice was a tremendous help to us and it was such a pleasure to meet her later at Glasgow Green on the day of the Worlds. She explained that the drums were going House of Scotland Pipe Band to a new band forming later in the year but she kept her promise by allowing us to Pauline Nash for all their support, generosity use them for the Worlds. Jean is a member of and friendship over the years. Last but not least, Coalburn PB that has enjoyed a banner year. we thank our San Diego sponsors; The House I hope she doesn’t mind me repeating what she of Scotland in Balboa Park and Ballast Point said to me on the phone, ‘I’ve got my mojo back’, Brewing & Spirits. On behalf of The House of a reference to her recovery from injuries suffered Scotland Pipe Band, in a serious car accident a few years ago. She’s enjoying her piping once again. Way to go Jean. Yours sincerely, I needed two more snare drums and Kenny said,‘We’ll loan you two snares to go with the P/M Peggy Yuile and D/Sgt Hamish Yuile Cumnock drums’. Wow and wow again!! Then to top all this off, Owen Nash who has done so Dear Editor, much for not just us but many people in the pipe 1 What does the annual subscription for your band world over the years, said to me, ‘on my magazine cost to New Zealand. 2 I would like to way up to the Worlds from Manchester, I’ll go to order a book - not too expensive - on the history McCallum’s in Kilmarnock and pick up all the of pipe bands in Scotland. What do you have on drums for you and bring them to Glasgow.’ I’m price? 3 Can I obtain a World Championship speechless by now at all the fantastic good will programme and what is the cost? and help extended to us. Then as if that wasn’t 4 Do you have the Deutsche Dudelsack Society’s enough. Owen spent his Sunday after the Worlds postal address and do they produce a magazine driving me and the drums back to Kilmarnock in deutsch? and yeah, you guessed it: Stuart McCallum 5 Where could I purchase tartan socks came out in the middle of his Sunday to open up and what is the likely cost? 6 The Irish PB the factory to receive the drums back from us. Association - do they have a postal address? 7 What can I say; I was humbled. Same for pipe band associations in the USA. 8 The thing that makes our band all the more I can pay via a Western Union money order. Is appreciative is that there was nothing in it for that acceptable. I hope this is not too much of a any of these good folks; they were just doing it marathon for you! to help a wee grade 4 band come to the big show from America. Yours sincerely, A huge thanks to all at McCallum’s for the use Rodney W. Martin, Lansdowne Court of their drums, especially to Kenny, Stuart and Resthome,1 Oxford Street, Masterton 5810, New Stevie. Thank you Jean Allardice for your trust Zealand. and your hauling of the Cumnock drums for us • The magazine is now digital only Mr Martin. and for their use. Grateful thanks to Owen & Can anyone help him with his other queries?

13 CHALLENGING TRADITION

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www.McCallumBagpipes.com www.CampbellBagpipes.com 15 ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Prepared by the RSPBA Historical Research Group in conjunction with Stewart Gardiner, Police Scotland

part two of our history of Edinburgh’s Police Band…

Ever more

he 1940s and 1950s saw an improvementSuccessful in the Drum Corps, with the legendary Jimmy Catherwood still in charge for the World Championship win in 1950 at Dundee. Jimmy, who had taken over as Leading Drummer from John Ferguson, had visited Basle, Switzerland in 1937, and had been so impressed by the methods used by TDr Fritz Berger, he returned to Scotland intent on developing the ‘mono-linear’ system of notation for use in pipe band drum scores. George (Geordie) Pryde, who arrived from the and he also willingly stood aside temporarily when the Edinburgh Special Constabulary Pipe Band, and was later legendary Alex Duthart became Leading Drummer for a to emigrate to Powell River in British Columbia, Canada, two-year period in 1969 and 1970. succeeded Jimmy Catherwood and was Leading Drummer Iain McLeod was appointed Pipe Major from 1959 in the 1954 World Championship win. George Pryde in succession to John D. Burgess. Like many of was succeeded as Leading Drummer by Bob the pipe corps, he was a former Army piper, Montgomery, who was recruited to the band from having served in the Scots Greys. He led the the Greenock Burgh Police and who went on to band to World Championship wins in 1963 have a long and successful association with the and 1964, but the band was arguably at its band, leading the Drum Corps to the Grade 1 best under Iain Mcleod in the early 1970s, drumming prize at the World Championships when it recorded back to back wins at the in 1964. Bob Montgomery was also winner World Championships in 1971 and 1972. of the World Solo Drumming title in 1962 and Iain McLeod was also thrilled by the band’s 1969. He went on to share in many great successes victory at the Intercontinental Pipe Band with the next pipe major of the band, Iain McLeod; Championships in Canada in 1972, competing for

Picture: Lothian & Borders Police: L/D Bob Montgomery, P/Sgt. Colin Forbes, P/M Harry McNulty and D/M Ronnie Mason 16 ALL OUR YESTERDAYS the first time against the top bands from North America. the band to several top prizes at Major Championships, Iain McLeod completed his time as pipe major in the including winning the Scottish Pipe Band Championships mid-70s much as he had started, on a high! As a result in 1979, before retiring from police service in the early of regionalisation in Scotland, the name of the band was 1980s to become pipe major of the up-and-coming British changed, in May 1975, to Lothian and Borders Police Pipe Caledonian Airways Pipe Band. Band, and they were again to lift the World title that year Pipe Major Colin Forbes, who had been Pipe Sergeant at Corby, Northamptonshire. Iain McLeod remained with under Harry McNulty, was next to lead the band, for the band for one more season thereafter, before retiring two years, before being succeeded by George Lumsden and passing the reins to Harry McNulty. Harry had been a in 1984. George Lumsden had by this time played in member of the Band since the 1950s and subsequently led the band for over 25 years, playing under Donald →

P/M Harry McNulty leading Lothian & Borders Police...notice the maple wood pipes!

17 ALL OUR YESTERDAYS

L&B under P/M George Lumsden

Shaw Ramsay and a season as Pipe Sergeant under Bryan Butler, a former member of Boghall & Bathgate, John D Burgess in 1958. Although the band began to and later the Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia. Alan Kenny, improve, it was never to return to the winning days of who had been a member of the drum corps, was also the previous decade. During the early 1970s the Drum Leading Drummer for a short period. Corps also saw many changes. Bob Montgomery had left 1988 saw another change when Pipe Sergeant Duncan for a short period, being replaced by Ian Watt who was in Smith was promoted to Pipe Major on the retiral of charge for the World Championship win in 1975. Ian was George Lumsden. Under Duncan the band’s fortunes later followed in 1976 by another member of the corps, rallied and for a few seasons again became a regular in Michael Dow, until the return of Bob Montgomery in the prize list at major championships. Arthur Cook, a 1977. Bob was to lead the Drum Corps until his retiral former pupil of Alex Duthart, was also appointed as from the police at the end of 1985. Leading Drummer. Arthur had been a member of the Bob Montgomery was succeeded for a short period by British Caledonian Airways, and he gave the band an →

18 ALL OUR YESTERDAYS

McBride had short spells as Pipe Major and, although not making any significant impression on the contest field, the band was still in great demand, including taking part in the Christmas Concert at the P/M Duncan Smith and his band Vatican in 1997. Kenny McBride immediate boost by lifting the World Solo Drumming continued to title in 1988. play with band, but sadly Les Watson passed away in In 1995 Constable Stewart Gardiner, who had been in 2009 soon after retiring from the police service on health the band for 10 years, replaced Arthur Cook as Leading grounds. Drummer. He led the Drum Corps for four seasons, before Arthur Cook returned from Polkemmet to take To conclude next edition charge once more. Constables Les Watson and Kenny

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19 20 Tribute Drummer Ronnie Annan

onnie Annan was a larger than life the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band Rpersonality, mimic, legendary wit which was placed by the SPBA in Grade and drummer extraordinaire. He joined Two. the 60th Glasgow Company Boys’ Bri- gade (based in the Park Parish Church, The band was one of the first to use the Giffnock) with the sole purpose of (now standard) number two uniform, joining the pipe band. He was a natural and in 1971 they became Grade Two and became proficient in all drumming World Champions (at Lanark). About a disciplines. year after this Ronnie was head-hunted by Alex Duthart and, eager to further his Whilst continuing his involvement with drumming proficiency, he joined Shotts the Boys’ Brigade, to advance his playing and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band he decided to join the Knightswood playing alongside other notables such as Juvenile Pipe Band, then one of the Tom Brown, Jim Hutton, Bert Barr and dominant units in the Juvenile Grade. Billy Stevenson. On attaining the age of 18, he was invited by the Grade One Clan MacRae In Glasgow, Ronnie took a keen interest Society Pipe Band to take the position of in the Scottish dance band scene and Leading Drummer which he approached played intermittently with Jim Macrae with relish. and Bobbie Lilley, and often sat in on sessions with the George McGowan In 1968 a nucleus from the membership Orchestra (THE Glasgow Big Band of of the Clan MacRae, which included the time). Ronnie as Leading Drummer, formed Ronnie’s day job was in the →

21 Ronnie Annan (cont’d) fashion industry. He had the pipe band scene some a Manufacturers Agency years ago and returned to in Glasgow and this, Glasgow, although he was coupled with his pipe persuaded to make a return band involvement, led to during one season playing his meeting Sheila Roane Bass Drum for Scottish (also a drummer) who later Power Pipe Band, then became his wife. Sheila was under Pipe Major Roddy Canadian and they settled MacLeod. in Vancouver, Ronnie After a long illness, Ronnie continuing his involvement died in April last year. His in the fashion trade. They funeral was held at Linn had three daughters. Crematorium in Glasgow He became Leading on 8th May and was Drummer of the City of attended by old friends and Port Moody Pipe Band in contemporaries from the 1977 (under Pipe Major piping world. Terry Lee) picking up a number of significant drum Iain Duncan and corps prizes during his term Lorimer Annan with the band. However, he had relinquished this • If you would like to mark the position by the time the passing of a band colleague, Port Moody Pipe Band piper, drummer, drum-major, became the Simon Fraser committee member or supporter then please email University Pipe Band. text and pictures to: Ronnie withdrew from [email protected]

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22 NEWS FROM RSPBA Dundee,Dundee, Perth, Perth, Angus Angus BRANCHES

The massed bands at Pitlochry

n a glorious sunny day, the annual trip to Pitlochry on first place and were crowned European champions! What O13th September saw the pavements of the High Street a result for the lads from Lochee! Dumbarton next for the packed for the usual street parade - and the stadium likewise Scottish Championships where we placed Second. And very full. A good variety of bands also travelled from outwith then the Worlds almost came as an anti-climax. However, the branch area to join in the contest. MacKenzie Caledonian we managed to qualify for the final, where once again we Novice Juvenile took 2nd spot in their grade behind Kelty took a disappointing seventh place, being marked down and Blairadam, whilst in Grade 4, Perth and Carnoustie heavily for ensemble. Next event on the band’s agenda at the took 2nd and 3rd respectively behind the winners Coalburn time of writing, is a long weekend trip to Ypres in Flanders, I.O.R.(B). Grade 3 was won by City of Brechin with the Vale to take part in the Ypres Memorial Tattoo, a particularly of Atholl runners up, and Peter Vardy Glenrothes & District poignant event this year [2014] as of course it marks the 2010, in 3rd place. MacKenzie took top spot in Grade 2 with 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I. The band City of Edinburgh runners up. Grade 1 was won by local has played at the previous three Ypres Tattoos, and while in band Vale of Atholl, with MacKenzie Caledonian 2nd. Belgium has also visited and paid homage in music at the gravesides of a number of Lochee BB ex-members who fell in In other news: At the start of the 2014 competition season the boys and adults of the 6th/8th Dundee Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band were anticipating a really hard summer after their promotion from Grade 4B to 3B. Two whole divisions! Their promotion stemmed from some outstanding

The 6/8th celebrate another prize

performances in local contests during 2013 - and an absolutely amazing second place at the World Championships in August. Some of us didn’t stop smiling until Christmas! The rest of the 2013 record was; first places at Kinross, Strathmore and Crieff, with second places at Markinch and Pitlochry, as well as Strathmore and Crieff in Grade 3. And so on to 2014….could the band survive at this level? Were we going to be humbled by the adjudicators, and properly put in our place? Well, actually no. After the decision to take part in all five majors, we headed to Bathgate for the British Championships with some trepidation, but were pretty heartened by a creditable seventh place, just one past the prize list. Belfast next for the new UK Championships and ninth place. But the best day was June 28th at Forres, when joy of joys, we achieved 23 Dundee, Perth, Angus that conflict, as well as participating in the nightly Menin Gate ceremony there. The band also celebrated its own Centenary with a gala dinner on November 1st in the Bonar Hall, Dundee. A souvenir brochure produced to mark a significant milestone in the 6th BB’s history says that ‘in 1914 the pipes took the wind from the bugles’ and band members tried to contact as many former players as possible to attend this hugely nostalgic event. In the end it was a huge success. The Ryder Cup: The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band was delighted to be invited to perform at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies the honour of playing on the stage for 20 minutes until the of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles (see pic). Three members of VIPs and teams were presented to the crowd. Once again the the band, Ian Duncan, Gillie McNab and Duncan MacDonald, band got a fantastic welcome from the very galleries. Once the had a visit to the Media Centre before the Opening Ceremony trophies were presented and the champagne “sprayed” around, to demonstrate how to play the pipes, and that was quickly members of the band were delighted to meet the team members followed by a lot of puffing and blowing with journalists from with many photos being taken and enterprising lead drummer countries all over the world trying to get a tune out of the Alistair McNab even got his drum skin signed (inset) by the pipes, or as in most cases, trying to get a note out of the pipes! entire European Team!! The pipe band then had the privilege of marching the teams out onto the stage amid thunderous applause for the Opening Ian Campbell Ceremony. The raising of the flags came next and the band [email protected] played ‘Flower of Scotland’ as the host nation flag went up (Unfortunately Ian has now retired from his po- this time accompanied by a sea of faces belting out the words! sition as D,P,A correspondent and I would like At the Closing Ceremony on the Sunday, the pipe band had to thank him for his valued input to date...Ed.)

24 NEWS FROM RSPBA North of Scotland BRANCHES

nce again it has been a busy Oseason for the Branch bands with competitions and engagements, and congratulations go to all for their commitment in keeping the tradition alive and well. A special mention to our World Champions and Champion of Champions - as a band and in drumming - must go to P/M Peter Morrice and the members of the 2622(Highland) Squadron RAF. Congratulations too to L/D Brian Martin and his corps of Buchan Peterson for another ‘red letter’ year and taking the Worlds trophy to the North East. On the first weekend of September, can be found at Facebook/Pipes in the Park. A brave venture these bands and RAF Lossiemouth Pipes and Drums (above), indeed given the level of funding required to put on such a sent a contingent to perform at the resurrected Highland show! Military Tattoo at Fort George, Inverness. It was a great show and it surpassed all expectations. The Pipes and Drums spot A piping tutor has recently been appointed to Banff Academy. went particularly well, the others attending being 3 Scots Graham Drummond, a piper in the World Champion Field RRS (The Black Watch), 4 Scots RRS (The Highlanders), The Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, will be a full time instructor Highlanders Army Cadets, Forres, and Inverness Youth and and provide individual tuition. The group practice every Gordonstoun School bands. The organisers hope to run the Wednesday in the Assembly Hall after school. We wish every event again next year. We wish them well for a repeat of this success to Graham and the band. year’s success. Buchan Peterson A Homecoming event, ‘Pipes in the Park’, was held in Huntly Pipe Band held a on the 30th August. This proved to be a wonderful event, ‘Piping for Pints’ despite torrential showers, with a crowd in excess of 6,000. The event on the 2nd bands taking part were, Huntly and District, Ballater, Buchan October. A large Peterson, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Inverurie, Keith, Kintore audience was and Lonach. The bands marched through the town to the sports entertained by field where there were further massed band displays - all very Craig Muirhead well received by the crowd, especially during the sunny spells. of Scottish Power, Buchan Peterson Pipe Band had an ‘on stage’ performance Alistair Henderson ahead of Donnie Munro (ex-Runrig) and headline act, The Red of Inveraray and Hot Chilli Pipers. Individual pipe bands played throughout the District, Graham day, whilst entertainment comprising local groups continuously Drummond of Field Marshall Montgomery, and Angus performed song, music and dance on two stages throughout the MacColl. Unfortunately Glenn Brown of Shotts was ill, but afternoon and evening. The show was the brain child of Huntly local lad Calum Brown of Culter and District, fast becoming and District Pipe Band, who, with Lottery support and further an excellent solo piper, gave a very good performance. The sponsorship from the local business community, put on this pipers were introduced by P/M Scot Oliphant, and the winner marvellous FREE event! A bucket collection of over £5,000 was voted by the audience was Angus MacColl, P/M of the Oban disbursed among the entertainers. The local band will derive its High School Band. Thanks to the organisers for bringing income from the proceeds of a DVD capturing the spirit of the such talented players to the North East. Angus is seen above day. A trailer of the DVD and information re obtaining a copy collecting his trophy from organiser Heather and Scott. → PIPING and DRUMMING QUALIFICATIONS BOARD

certification worldwide www.pdqb.org 25

PDQB banner.indd 1 09/05/2014 10:27:26 North of Scotland

Bucksburn and District Pipe Band are pleased to promoted a contest at the Aden Park, Mintlaw. Not an announce that 15 times world champions, and current easy task, but one which has seen the contest grow, and it world drumming champions, Shotts and Dykehead now encompasses the branch Champion of Champions Caledonia Pipe Band will guest their fifth pre-season awards. With the season being condensed, the event now concert on the 2nd May 2015. Entitled ‘REINVENTED’, takes place on the Sunday prior to the Worlds, offering the concert will start the season with a good night of bands some worthwhile rehearsal time ahead of the trip entertainment and meeting of old and new friends just to Glasgow. three weeks before the first championship in Bathgate. Congratulations to the committee for their continued President Gus McAskill said that the concert will again success. I was delighted and honoured, along with be special to the North East of Scotland. Pipe Major Ryan husband Douglas, to share the Chieftain’s role. Our Canning is delighted to have been asked to take part in thanks to you all. the concert with Bucksburn and District giving them a perfect opportunity to get Shotts back on the concert In the last 18 months Ullapool Pipe Band has doubled stage with a brand new concert repertoire. in size due to the hard work and commitment of Gary Tickets will be available from Aberdeen Box Office. Nimmo the piping tutor. The band have around 70 youngsters, The Branch are presently finalising arrangements to mostly under promote a competition in conjunction with the Banchory 18, on the Business Association. This will be for all grades and books and are drum majors. Being on Sunday 24th May, this offers an planning to ideal ‘run out’ ahead of the British Championships on compete with the following Saturday at Bathgate. Branch Chairman, two bands Graham Gauld, said our committee had been exploring this summer various options to bring another event into the Branch including calendar for some time. The timing of the event at a a novice lovely setting on the banks of the River Dee, enhanced juvenile band prize money, and all the other amenities of this tourist competing town, offers potential for a successful event and one for the first which he hopes will be supported from afar. Such is time. Some of the commitment of the Business Association, they are the band have The new tutor at Robert considering the possibility of some suitable entertainment been touring Gordon’s, Jason Sumner. Jason is pictured at the impressive piping and drumming memorials and sustenance for those bandsmen and women who Germany at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming at might want to stay in the town at the end of play. Now three times Inchdrewer House in Edinburgh there’s an encouraging proposition! this year. One of the Twenty one years ago, the Buchan Pipe Band first highlights was being given the opportunity to play at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Download last The Derek Boyce Collection edition for a more detailed look at the good work done by Over 60 traditional and modern tunes which include my winning tunes to commemorate the death of Princess Diana, and celebration Gary in the north-west of Scotland. of Andy Murray winning Wimbledon 2013 plus many more . . . Robert Gordon’s College have recently appointed a new Piping Instructor. Jason Sumner (above) took over the Derek Boyce post in April from Mike Maitland who remains within the College and a friend of the band. Jason retired from A COLLECTION OF the Armed Forces where he finished as WO1 Senior Pipe MODERN AND Major (British Army) at the Army School of Bagpipe TRADITIONAL MUSIC Music and Highland Drumming in Edinburgh. He is FOR THE heavily involved with the Combined Cadet Force at the HIGHLAND BAGPIPE school, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience following his 27 years service. Jason is a member of the Grade 1 Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and we wish him all success in his post. All good wishes to everyone for the Season 2015.

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26 NEWS FROM RSPBA Glasgow & West BRANCHES he popular Graeme Johnston Memorial competition Twas once more run by the Branch in November. The competition for young pipers was held at the College of Piping on November 15 with a good turn out of parents and relatives supporting the youngsters. The competition was generously sponsored by McCallum Bagpipes who donated a set of pipes for the 14 and Under piping and Wallace Bagpipes who donated vouchers for the 15-18 category. All events were judged by John Wilson. Up to age 14 Piping: 1 Robbie MacIsaac, Stirling Schools 2 Finlay Cameron, Dollar Academy 3 Brodie Watson-Massey, George Heriot’s. 15 - 18 Piping: 1 Andrew Hutton, Boghall & Bathgate 2 Alastair Hutcheon, George Watson’s 3 Craig Davidson, Judges, officials and winners at Shotts Bleary & Dist. A feature of the Graeme Johnston is the competition for the best performance of a tune by the great Event 6 – M,S & Reel (submit two)1 C MacDougall 2 J Dew 3 composer Willie Ferguson. This was won by Donald Stewart, G Stewart 4 A Hutton 5 F Hogg: Judges: Ryan Canning, Glenn Stewarton. Brown, Finlay Johnston; Event 7 – Piobaireachd (submit two): 1 C MacDougall 2 J Dew 3 F Hogg; Judges: Glenn Brown, Finlay Branch band Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia ran a very Johnston; Best Overall 15 and Under: Donald Stewart; Best Overall successful first junior solo competition last November. It was 18 and Under: Cameron MacDougall held at the modern Calderhead High School, Shotts, with Section D Snare Sticks and Pad Age 18 and Under: Event 8 – March sponsorship from: pipes/drums, RG Hardie, D Naill & Co., TyFry (two parts; any time signature): 1 J Meneer 2 H Dillon 3 A Hall 4 M Drumsticks, The National Piping Centre, D2 Wright 5 S Weir 6 C Malloy; Judge: Jim Kilpatrick Percussion, Jim Kilpatrick Percussion, Scott Section E Snare Drumming Age 15 and Under: Currie One Stop Pipe Band Shop, Canning Event 9 – Four parts of 2/4 March from RSPBA Reeds, MacLeod Highland Supplies and Approved Tunes List. 1 J Taylor 2 L McIvor 3 McCallum Bagpipes. R Thom 4 J McVey 5 C Nelson 6 O Turnbull; There was also very welcome support Judges: Jim Baxter, Paul Turner; Event 10 – March from the local authority, North (minimum 4 parts), Strathspey (minimum 2 parts) Lanarkshire Council. The authority have and Reel (minimum 2 parts): 1 C Taylor 2 L Kyle their own schools pipe band and provide 3 R Thom 4 L McIvor 5 F Hall 6e N Brophy/R piping and drumming tuition in their Power; Judges: Jim Kilpatrick, Arthur Cook; Event schools. On this occasion they provided 12 – March, Strathspey and Reel:1 C Edwards 2 the premises for the competition. Sandy C Hart 3 A Joyce; Judges: Jim Baxter, Paul Turner, Sandy Bell and Bell, band chairman, says such was the Ewan McAllister Arthur Cook; Section H Tenor Drumming Age success of the day that they hope to make 15 and Under Event 14 – March (four parts; any the contest an annual one from now time signature):1 L Letham 2 K McCron 3 P King on. He too praised the support from the local authority, in 4 J Merrilees 5 L Carroll 6e K Robson/J Mitchell; Judges: Amanda particular their Head of Music, Mr Jim Park. Mr Park was on Cook, Sharleen Donaldson; Section I Tenor Drumming Age 18 hand to help with the prizegiving: and Under: Event 15 – March, Strathspey and Reel:1 R McAleese 2 Section A Chanter Age 18 and Under: Event 1 – Slow Air (two A Geal 3 H Nimmo 4 K Lennon 5 N Kirk; Judges: Amanda Cook, parts):1 C Ramsay 2 H Bishop 3 R Mitchell 4 A McIntyre 5 L Sharleen Donaldson. Harvey; Judge: Ryan Canning; Event 2 – March (two parts; any time sig.): 1 C Peters 2 C Ramsay 3 C Cleland 4 A McDermid 5 N Knowles 6 S McAlpine-Scott; Judge: Ryan Canning Section B Piping Age 15 and Under: Event 3 – March, Strathspey and Reel: 1 L Russell 2 D Stewart 3 J Campbell 4 P Christie 5 H Fredlander 6 J Miller; Judges: Peter Hunt, Cameron Drummond; Event 4 – Piobaireachd: 1 A MacPhee 2 D Stewart 3 B Hanley 4 L Russell 5 H Fredlander 6 J Ednie; Judges: Chris Armstrong, Callum Beaumont; Event 5 – Ground of Piobaireachd (Only for those competitors not entered into Event 4.): 1 B Watson-Massie 2 B Dickinson 3 P Christie 4 D Mair 5 J Smith 6 C MacLeod; Judges: Chris Armstrong, Callum Beaumont; Section C Piping Age 18 and Under: 27 NEWS FROM RSPBA BRANCHES Stirlingshire

allacestone and District Pipe Band are building Wfor the future, reports P/M Neil Henderson. The band is recognised as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, surviving civilian pipe bands in the world, being formed in 1887, and is now in its 127th year.

Led by myself, the band had a successful season in Stewart Gardiner Picture: 2012, when it also celebrated its 125th Anniversary. It was then promoted to Grade 3B where it has continued this success by being placed at three out of the five major championships in 2013, one of which was winning the British Championship.

This success continued again into 2014 with the Building for the future...instructors Peter and band being placed at four out of the five major Tam Anderson supervise their young pupils championships. The band is looking to repeat this success in 2015. situated between Polmont and Falkirk. The village is The foundation of the band has always been the tuition of associated with the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, and Scotland’s pipers and drummers to develop them and their skills, and national hero, Sir William Wallace. this continues today with majority of the playing members In 1895 the leadership of the band passed to Thomas of the band coming through the teaching programme at Davidson McLuckie, during whose reign they had a some point. very successful period akin to the standing of the The band currently has a number of learners, leading Grade 1 pipe bands of today. In the both pipers and drummers, who are at the first contest held at Lanark Flower Show in point of where they need to develop further 1900, they finished 2nd behind Stonehouse and gain experience before progressing to Pipe Band out of seven entrants. In 1905 the the senior band. In order to do this we are band won the British Championships held looking to form a feeder band to allow these in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh. Success and other players to gain this experience. continued until 1914, when the First World In order to get this feeder band started and War intervened and the band suffered the also to continue the success of the senior band, passing of Pipe Major McLuckie. we are looking for new members, both pipers and drummers, to come along to the band which currently By 1923 his successor, Pipe Major John D Sharp, had raised practices on a Tuesday and a Thursday evening either at the the standard again to win contests at Cowal Games and community hall at Laurieston or at the Inchryra Grange Bathgate, this despite the band being severely depleted Hotel. during the war years. In 1926, the General Strike and the The band has been built on its ethos of free tuition to subsequent economic recession also affected the playing anyone interested in playing the pipes or drums, so if you strength and Wallacestone were unable to maintain their are looking to learn get in touch and we will be happy to former prominence on the contest field. The band did, see you come along. Piping tuition will provided by myself however, have the honour of playing at the opening of the and former P/M, Tam Anderson, with drumming tuition Empire Exhibition in Glasgow in 1938. provided by L/D Stewart Gardiner and Peter Anderson. The membership of the band was again severely depleted The band is also looking for during the Second World War, experienced players as well, so but its survival spirit saw it whether you currently play and through. In 1952 Pipe Major are looking for a band to play Sharp retired after half a century with, or you’re an experienced with the band, 38 years as Pipe player looking for a new Major. challenge, or if you used to play and are looking getting back The leadership then passed to playing again, get in touch and Pipe Major Alex Bryce, who was come along and see the band and succeeded in 1953 by Pipe Major teaching in action. James Inglis, following which the band enjoyed a period of Wallacestone’s first pipe major success, winning many trophies was John Wilson. The band between 1953 and 1957. During comprised miners who paid five shillings per week to get it this period the band’s Drum Major was Jim Anderson, who up and running. Most came from the village of Wallacestone, subsequently was Convener of Central Regional → 28 NEWS FROM RSPBA BRANCHES Stirlingshire Council. Between 1952 and 1960 Drum Major Anderson won the Scottish Drum Wallacestone & Dist., 1980 Champion of Champions in Grade 2 Major Championships in Edinburgh, the European Championships on three occasions, and was runner-up at the World Championships in Belfast and Paisley. He was also later a Scottish Pipe Band Association Drum Major Adjudicator. In 1972 Pipe Major Inglis was succeeded by Pipe Major Tom Anderson, who had previously played with Muirhead and Sons Pipe Band, and in 1979 he was joined by his brother Peter as Leading Drummer. Peter was also from Muirheads. Success swiftly followed and the band won Champion of Champions in Grade 2 in 1980. That same year the band also recorded its first album for a Breton Lorient Festival in Brittany. Various events also took place to record company. The band was promoted to Grade 1 and celebrate the band’s Centenary in 1987. then entered a period of slight decline in a grade where Should readers want to find out more information about the it was more difficult to achieve the same level of success band or get in Touch, you can do so via the band web site as in Grade 2. A re-building job was undertaken by Pipe www.wallacestonepipeband.com or our facebook page http:// Major Anderson and the band consolidated its position www.facebook.com/pages/Wallacestone-And-District-Pipe- again in Grade 2. It enhanced its international reputation, Band/144015389050359. You can also contact the secretary being twinned with the Breton band Bagad Quimper. In Stephen Macdonald on mobile: 07986621899 or email: 1984 Wallacestone played at the Cannes Music Festival [email protected]; Wallacestone and District Pipe Band and there was also a visit to Galicia in Spain as well as the Registered Charity SC044881. pb

29 ALL THE DATES FOR 2015 (subject to change; check rspba.org for updates)

MAY Saturday 9 Kinross Mr G Mair, 7 Lathro Lane, All Grades Kinross, KY13 8RX & D/M Tel No (eve) 01577 862337/ 0771 7758 778 email [email protected] Saturday 10 Broxbourne Mrs I Samson All Grades 23 Copper Beeches, Stanway, Colchester, Essex C03 0YB Tel No (eve) 0206 577560/ 07751 520469 email [email protected] Sunday 10 Gourock Mr N Greeves, 11 Glen Grove, All Grades East Kilbride, G75 0BG & D/M Tel No 01355 242302/ 0784 9354170 email [email protected] Saturday 16 Dunbar Mrs A Hazzard, 15 Campwood View, Mayfield, All Grades Dalkeith EH22 5QQ & D/M Tel No 07957 285 006 email [email protected] Saturday 16 NI contest Mr M Herron, 9 Ballydown Meadows, All Grades Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 4QX & D/M Tel No (eve) 028 406 548 49/ 07702 681 189 email [email protected] Saturday 23 Enniskillen Mr R Hall, 11 Benauchlin Park, Enniskillen, All Grades Co Fermanagh, BT74 6JT & D/M Tel No 028 663 265 37/ 07841 927 593 email [email protected] Sunday 24 Banchory Mrs Linda Niven, Inveroyne, All Grades Kirkton of Oyne, Insch, Aberdeenshire & D/M AB52 6QU Tel No 01464851401/ 07754 098801 email [email protected] Saturday 30 Bathgate R.S.P.B.A. HQ, 45 Washington Street, All Grades BRITISH Glasgow, G3 8AZ & D/M CHAMPS Tel 0141 221 5414 / Fax 0141 221 1561 JUNE Saturday 6 Shotts As Gourock All Grades & D/M Saturday 6 Cookstown Mervyn Heron as May 16 All Grades & D/M Sunday 7 Markinch Mrs I Westwater, 22 Parkview, Markinch, All Grades Fife, KY7 6BL & D/M Tel No (eve) 01592 751 667/ 07837 480742 email [email protected] Sunday 7 Girvan Mrs S Smith, 26 Whitecraig Road, Ardrossan 2,3,4 KY22 7EF & D/M Tel No 01294 607 434 email [email protected] Saturday 13 Belfast R.S.P.B.A. HQ, 45 Washington Street, All Grades U.K Glasgow, G3 8AZ & D/M CHAMPS Tel No 0141 221 5414 - Fax 0141 221 1561 Sunday 14 Ardrossan As Girvan 2,3,4 & D/M Sunday 14 Strathmore Mr G Mair, 7 Lathro Lane, 2,3,4 Kinross, KY13 8RX & D/M Tel No 01577 862 337/ 0771 7758 778/ e-mail [email protected] Sunday 14 Colchester As Broxbourne 2,3,4 Saturday 20 Ayr As Girvan All Grades & D/M

30 ALL THE DATES FOR 2015 (subject to change; check rspba.org for updates) Saturday 20 Lesmahagow As Gourock 2,3,4 Saturday 20 Lurgan As May 16 All Grades & D/M Sunday Berwick on Tweed As Dunbar Sunday 21 Helensburgh As Gourock 2,3,J,4,N/J Sunday 21 Aberdeen As Banchory All Grades & D/M Saturday 27 Forres As BRITISH All Grades EUROPEANS & D/M JULY Saturday 4 Omagh As Lurgan All Grades (All Ireland) & D/M Saturday 4 Annan As Girvan 2,3,4 & D/M Sunday 12 Corby As Broxbourne 2,3,4 Saturday 18 Burntisland As Dunbar Saturday 18 Paisley As Gourock 1,2,3,4,N/J Saturday 18 Glenarm NI As Lurgan All Grades & D/M Sunday 19 Ashbourne Ms Lisa Gregory, Ian’s Oak, All Grades & D/M Yeldersley, Ashbourne DE6 1LS T: 01335 346010/ 07816 602080/ [email protected] Saturday 25 Dumbarton As British Champs All Grades SCOTTISH CHAMPS. & D/M AUGUST Saturday 1 NI contest As Lurgan All Grades & D/M Saturday 1 Melrose As Dunbar 2, 3 4 N/J & D/M Sunday 2 Turriff Mr Norman J Fiddes, Birkhill, All Grades Parkhill, Aberdeen, AB21 7AQ & D/M Tel No 01224 722 229/ 07740 373782/ [email protected] Sunday 2 Bridge of Allan Mr S Nicol, 44 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan All Grades & D/M FK9 5NT/ T: 01786 832682/ [email protected] Saturday 8 North Berwick As Dunbar All Grades & D/M Saturday 8 Dundonald As Girvan All Grades & D/M Saturday 8 Rostrevor NI As Lurgan All Grades & D/M Sunday 9 Perth Mr A Rettie, 24 Florence Place, Perth, PH1 5BH All Grades & D/M Tel No (eve) 01738 627 782 / 07710 678 400 email [email protected] Sunday 9 Mintlaw Ms H Simpson, Norwood, Burnett Street, All Grades Stuartfield, Peterhead, AB425DN & D/M Tel No (eve) 01771 624 485/ 07786 240296 email [email protected] Friday 14 Glasgow Green R.S.P.B.A. HQ, 45 Washington Street, All Grades & Sat. 15 WORLDS Glasgow, G3 8AZ & D/M Sunday 16 Crieff As Strathmore 2,3,4 & D/M Saturday 22 Edinburgh As Dunbar All Grades & D/M Saturday 22 Rothesay As Gourock, All Grades & D/M Saturday 22 Portrush As May 16 All Grades & D/M Saturday 29 Cowal As Gourock All Grades & D/M Saturday 29 Stranraer As Girvan All Grades & D/M SEPTEMBER Saturday 5 Peebles As Dunbar 2, 3 4 N/J & D/M Sunday 6 Chatsworth As Broxbourne 2,3,4 & D/M Saturday 12 Innerleithen As Dunbar 2, 3 4 N/J Saturday 12 Pitlochry June D. A. Templeman All Grades 16 Lettoch Terrace, Pitlochry PH16 5BA; Tel: 01796 473488/ 07724 337938 OCTOBER Saturday 17 Worlds Drumming RSPBA HQ 31 REVIEW Spruce up Your Medley with New Tunes from One of Northern Ireland’s Leading Composers

By P/M Barry Donaldson, City of Edinburgh Pipe Band

A Collection of Modern and Traditional Music for the Highland Bagpipe Book 1 by Derek Boyce his, as the title infers, is Derek’s first publication hornpipe ‘Roses Never Fade’ (another consideration for Tof bagpipe music, much of it composed by the my band), I found myself wanting to introduce a degree compiler himself. To add to his own, there are many of pointing and this slightly changed the flavour of the good tunes from Derek’s Irish piping colleagues. There pieces. I tend to do this with music in general, as some are contributions from William Garrett from Killyleagh, tunes are more suitable as band pieces that way. In any Kenneth Moan from Omagh, Christy Russell from case, I’m sure Derek has presented his tunes in such a Dublin, plus a tune from Elaine Brinklow from this side style as to allow performers this latitude. of the water, and one from well-known composer Colin Magee from British Columbia. In total there are 65 pieces There are five strathspeys, four of which are Derek’s, encompassing the complete range of light music, the and his two-parted tune entitled ‘The Fiveways’ has vast majority of which are reels, hornpipes and jigs and, an excellent dance rhythm with the pulsation easily interestingly, there are only two slow airs. delivered. This is one strathspey which is not too complex Derek has some fine pieces of his own music on offer. I and could well be used by piping instructors to teach enjoyed the marches presented in a number of different students an understanding of the four-pulse rhythm time signatures. ‘Jeannie Campbell MBE, The Scottish required for this idiom. Pipers’ Association’ is a pretty impressive four-parted 2/4 Derek’s tunes have won many composing competitions march with a great feeling of relaxed swing about it. and they are all included here. There’s one tune to commemorate the death of Princess Diana, and another I enjoyed the tunes ‘Mr and Mrs Harold Hook’ and celebrating Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon. There’s also ‘President Fred Walker RSPBANI Branch’, both four the fine 3/4 march which won the competition to find a parted 6/8s with an original melodic line. Most of Derek’s tune to mark the unveiling of the Pipers Memorial statue reels have a driving flow to them, and with a distinctive in France, erected to mark the fallen pipers of WW1. Irish flavour. I was drawn to ‘Tin at Ten’ and ‘Davy All in all an excellent publication from Derek, and as it is Johnston’s Reel’, the latter being four-parted. The former is described as ‘Book 1’, the inference to be taken is that he one which, as I write, is being considered for inclusion in may be working on ‘Book 2’. That can only be good news. my own band’s medley for this coming season! More power to your elbow Derek and special thanks that it arrived at the very time I was looking for new tunes for Next we can consider the seventeen hornpipes and the band! Perhaps you could accommodate and deliver thirteen jigs, most of which have originality and are book 2 same time next year!!!! written without the ‘dot and cut’ scoring. Some of the pb tunes like the jig, ‘The Cookstown Sizzler’ and the • Want a copy of the book? See display ad this edition.

32 introducinG the neW

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